John "Jack" E. Witham

Jack was born Sept 5, 1949 at Hartford Hospital in Hartford CT to John “Jack” and Frances (O’Dea) Witham. The first 26 years of his life were spent in the greater New Britain area. He attended Stanley Elementary, St. Mary’s Junior High and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1967. Jack graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 1971 with a BS degree in Education and a major in History and minor in sociology. During his time at CCSU, Jack was a member and president of Delta Kappa Chi and a member of Whose Who in American Colleges. While in college, Jack married the former Kathy McCabe. Their union produced two wonderful children, Geoffrey and Amy. From 1971 to 1975 Jack taught American History to the future leaders of America at East Catholic High School in Manchester CT. In 1976, Kathy and Jack divorced and Jack moved to Washington DC with his sister Lorrie. While in DC, Jack worked for a number of companies, the last of which was Archer Courier who promoted him to Manager of their Los Angeles office and he moved there in 1982 with his wife Iris (Handte). Jack worked for Archer until he was recruited by Olsten Staffing Services in 1987. Two more wonderful children were added, Sarah and Patrick. During his time with Olsten, Jack was continually promoted to positions of greater responsibility on the West Coast. After Jack and Iris divorced, Jack took a position with Olsten National Accounts department. He subsequently moved to Grand Rapids MI. Jack married his love and soulmate, Barbara Dillon on October 3, 1992. Jack and Barbara spent five years in Comstock Park MI. Then built a home in Algoma Township. Jack spent many years on the Algoma Township Planning Commission, nine years as Chairman. Jack and Barbara were benefactors/fundraisers for many local non-profits including Algoma Township Little League ball field. Barbara and Jack then built their retirement cottage in Beulah MI on Turtle. The cottage “Terrapin Station” was the first Platinum LEED certified residence in NW Michigan. Jack retired from the American Red Cross, Blood Donor Services in 2011. He and his team were responsible for touching the lives of over 250,000 people through their efforts. They sold their Algoma Township home and moved full-time to Terrapin Station, living the “good life”. Jack’s job for the next 2 years was to take care of Barbara while she continued to work. In Sept of 2013, Jack was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic cancer and given three weeks to three months to live. Jack fought hard with the help of many amazing healthcare providers for 20 months, breaking records for survival and quality of life. Throughout his life, Jack was known near and far for his kindness, sense of humor and love for life. His smile and laugh was infectious to those who knew him. Along with his wife Barbara Dillon, he is survived by children, Geoffrey (Theresa), of Parkville MD, Amy (Ben) Hollander of Southington CT, Sarah Witham of Oregon and Patrick Witham of San Francisco CA, sister Lorrie of Washington DC, grandchildren Henry Witham and William Witham, very special cousin Kathy (Ralph) Hjerpe. Brother in-law Richard (Marilyn) Dillon, Sisters in-law, Eileen (Charles DeSantis) Dillon and Frances Beach, along with some awesome nephews and other cousins. Jack was predeceased by his parents and brother Jim. Per his wishes, he has been cremated with no services. Memorial contributions can be made to: Munson Healthcare Foundation, Cowell Family Cancer Center, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684. Kindly sign Jack’s online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

John "Jack" E. Witham

September 5, 1949 - May 19, 2015