Jack O'Neill (businessman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack O'Neill
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| Born | March 27, 1923 |
| Died | June 2, 2017 (aged 94) Santa Cruz, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | San Francisco State University |
| Known for |
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| Spouse(s) |
Marjorie Bennett
(died 1973) |
| Children | 6 |
Jack O'Neill (born March 27, 1923 – died June 2, 2017) was an American businessman. He is famous for starting the surfwear company O'Neill. Many people also believe he invented the wetsuit, which helps surfers stay warm in cold water.
Contents
Jack's Early Years
Jack O'Neill grew up in Oregon and southern California. He loved the ocean from a young age. In the late 1930s, he started body surfing. This means riding waves without a board. During World War II, Jack was a pilot in the Navy. After the war, he moved to San Francisco. He studied at San Francisco State University.
Starting a Surf Business
In 1952, Jack O'Neill started his own company. He opened one of California's first surf shops. It was in a garage in San Francisco. This shop was near his favorite spot for body surfing. This was the beginning of the O'Neill brand. Today, it sells wetsuits, surf gear, and clothing.
Who Invented the Wetsuit?
Jack O'Neill is often given credit for inventing the wetsuit. Wetsuits help people stay warm in cold water. They are very important for surfing and diving. However, research suggests that UC Berkeley physicist Hugh Bradner was likely the first inventor. Still, Jack O'Neill helped make wetsuits popular. He also made them better for surfers.
Helping the Ocean
In December 1996, Jack O'Neill started a special non-profit group. It is called O'Neill Sea Odyssey. This program teaches students about the ocean. They get hands-on lessons in marine biology. This means they learn about sea animals and plants. The program also teaches how oceans and the environment are connected. Since it began, about 100,000 children have learned from O'Neill Sea Odyssey.
Jack's Family Life
Jack O'Neill was married to Marjorie. They had six children together. Marjorie passed away in 1973. Jack lived in a house right on the beach. This was in Santa Cruz, California. He lived there from 1959 until he died in 2017.
His granddaughter, Uma O'Neill, is a talented equestrian rider. She was born in New Zealand. Uma represents New Zealand in competitions. She has both New Zealand and American citizenships. She was even chosen to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Awards and Recognition
In 2002, Jack O'Neill received an important award. It was the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He won for the Northern California Region. This award recognizes business leaders.
Images for kids
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Jack O'Neill, founder of the O'Neill surf brand.
