John “Jack” C. Whitlam IV, 81, of Naples, FL and Montville, OH took his last trip on August 1, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born in Wadsworth on June 4, 1942 to the late John Copley “Cop” Whitlam III and Hazel Iona (Beck) Whitlam. He graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1960.
Jack was the President of J.C. Whitlam Manufacturing Company where he began working for the family company in 1961 as the third generation in sales and continued in sales until May of this year. He exemplified the definition of hard work. He was the face of J.C. Whitlam Manufacturing Company for many years, single-handedly covering the entire United States from the 60s to late 80s. He loved nothing more than working with manufacturer’s representatives and meeting with existing and potential customers. He said he could learn more on the road than he ever would in the office.
Jack dedicated his life to his family, the family business, and Rotary International. He was a man of character and integrity not only in business, but in his personal life too. He loved growing relationships and friendships through his travels with the company, Rotary, and personal travels.
Jack had a passion for adventure and travel, which took him to many countries along with his wife Barbara and his family. He preferred to see places that no one else would think about going. As he would say, “there is a whole other world out there to see.” He passed that passion on to his children at a very young age, who traveled with him on business trips across the country, then onto his grandchildren with unforgettable trips across the world.
Jack also enjoyed boating, sailing, stamp collecting, model train building, riding on trains, and driving his Corvettes and classic cars. His love of cars began with a group of guys that called themselves the Dragon Deuces. Jeff, Gary, Lee Jay, Rick, Charlie, Jim, Pat, and Tim were his “other” brothers.
Jack was a true example of “Service Above Self”. He was a 55-year member and a two-time President of the Rotary Club of Wadsworth. In June, he was awarded 55 years of perfect attendance. He was also a Past Assistant Governor for District 6630. In addition, he was a Major Paul Harris donor and was still donating up to the day before he passed. He attended 17 Rotary International Conventions nationally and internationally. In addition to Rotary, he was a past Salvation Army Board member.
Jack leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara (Grubb) Whitlam and children Terri Whitlam (Bryan George) of Wadsworth, OH; John Whitlam of Los Angeles, CA; Mark (Sue) Whitlam of Copley, OH; and beloved grandchildren Mason Whitlam of Fairlawn, OH; and Brittany Whitlam of Reno, NV. Jack is also survived by his brother Douglas Whitlam of West Palm Beach Gardens, FL; brother-in-law Jeff Grubb of Berea, OH; and sister-in-law Ellie Grubb of Ashland, OH; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, including a special cousin and buddy William “Fuzz” Foster of Lafayette Twp., OH; and special friends Ed Haarberg of Villa Park, CA and Sandy Flynn of Naples, FL, who all meant so much to him.
In lieu of flowers, Jack asked to have donations made to the Rotary Club of Wadsworth Foundation, PO Box 45, Wadsworth OH 44282 and Wadsworth Salvation Army, 527 College St Wadsworth OH 44281.
The Whitlam Family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Medina County for their wonderful care and respect in his final days.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Monday, August 7th at the Galaxy from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Starlight room.