A Joyful Man: Dave Jannett

Dave Jannett, an 85 year old Navy Veteran from Newark, NJ shares his story of purpose and reason. He sits ready, wide-eyed with a warm smile to be interviewed. His greeting is humble, receptive and yet shy. He starts his journey from high school, telling us how he wasn’t the traditional student to follow the academia route. He recalls, excelling in public school, with strong abilities within music, gym and the like. It wasn’t till high school with careful consideration he opted to dropout. His teacher suggested him to vocational technical school so he won’t live in distress all throughout high school. He attended that school, but at age 17 he enlisted to the Navy where he found a life direction. He was required to complete 6 weeks of boot camp training in San Diego before they could evaluate him and send him to learn a trade. The Navy tested his abilities and permitted him to train in diesel. Years after being discharged from the Navy, Dave extends his expertise with a Radio show for callers that need advice or trouble shoot various mechanical items. His specialties are that of diesel mechanics, appliances, and repair services.

Although Dave never felt hindered by not graduating high school, a part of him felt incomplete. It wasn’t until a friend approached him to substitute occasional classes at a trade school. The only hold back was the fact that Dave never graduated high school in order to obtain teaching credentials. The administrator of the school set him up for a GED preparatory course to better his odds of passing the required score. However, Dave chose not to attend the preparation course. When the day arrived for the GED exam he simply tested against 5 subjects, and passed with an Above Average score, making it obvious that he in actuality is a very intelligent man.
Three weeks later he received his LAUSD teaching degree. He began teaching as a sub at a skill center. He taught adults and loved it because they were really motivated and interested in the subjects. He taught many technical engineering subjects like electrical, plumbing, automobile breaks, automobile repair, diesel and refrigeration. Since then, his purpose and career flourished along with his personal confidence. He launched a repair and appliance business making him the “Mr. Fix” to the stars.

Although it remains only a fraction of his tale-tale journey, the untraditional man Dave Jannett truly found his niche. Today he continues to fill the heart of people with his music and stories. Although he indeed accomplished many things in his life, Jannett is a man of giving. He loves that he has something to offer and is able to help others to learn, experience and be joyful.


NoPlaceLikeHome by Fairy4u


Jannett always thought that by being a shy guy it allowed him to be a sharp and smart person. He now is able to preform 500 songs without having to read the lyrics or notes. He’s also known to travel with Judy Garland in his day. Nowadays, Jannet is not shy at all. He performs with his guitar and harmonica. He also teaches the seniors citizens how to play the harmonica. It brings Jannett joy to see their faces when they are proud of learning a new song.

Written By:
Dannia Vega & Misty Lavina

[New Media Journalism]