From J.C. Whitlam Manufacturing Company

It is with great sadness to share the passing of the third generation and president of this family business, John “Jack” C. Whitlam IV. He was surround by family during his final moments and experienced no pain as he passes on to heaven.

If you ever had the opportunity to know him, you know that he exemplifies the definition of hard work. He was the face of J.C. Whitlam Manufacturing Company for so many years, single-handedly covering the entire United States from the 60s to late 80s. But he never let the title get to his head, he loved nothing more than riding around with reps and meeting with existing and potential customers. He said he could learn more on the road than he ever would in the office. Through this vast experience covering the country, he introduced products such as T-U Type 555, Select-Unyte, and Jack was the decision maker to bring on Cements and Primers in the late 60s as he was able to see the emerging trend of plastic pipe.

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 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 family will be hosted a Celebration of Life on Monday, August 7th at the Galaxy in Wadsworth, OH from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Starlight room.

Our office and factory will also be closed on that day in memorial to Jack.