John Milton Whitaker

John Milton Whitaker "Jack-Kimbo the Clown" John Milton Whitaker, age 78, passed away Jan. 17, 2003 in Salt Lake City, UT. He was born April 29, 1923 in Denver, CO to Orson Adelbert and Clara Fatheringham Whitaker. Jack grew up in Southern California and served a hitch as a sergeant in the Marine Corps. He later studied Fine Arts at UCLA, at Brigham Young University, and earned his Master's Degree at the University of Utah.  He pursued a successful career in the full spectrum of the performing arts including stage, opera, radio, TV and the recording industry. For a time he worked as a cartoonist and character voice narrator at Walt Disney Studios. He assisted in the production of such films as "Bambi", "Dumbo" and "The Reluctant Dragon". Jack excelled as a vocal talent for radio stations, Living Scriptures, and the Listening Library, among others. He devoted much of his time to teaching, directing and performing in dramatic productions and for two successive seasons played the co-starring role at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. Jack's favorite author, who he loved to perform, was Mark Twain, and he was thoroughly familiar with all of his writings. He also loved the story of Don Quixote which he performed off-Broadway in the leading role. In Salt Lake City during the 50's and 60's Jack was 'Kimbo the Clown' on Channels 2 and 5 and on Channel 2 he was also 'Roderick', host of late-night horror shows. He was a resident cast-member at the Valley Music Hall and was an opera singer in Provo and Salt Lake City where he performed as a bass soloist and narrator with the Utah Symphony. He taught school in West Valley City, UT and also in Stamford, CT where he taught opera. Jack is survived by his sons, Jeffrey John Whitaker and Anthony (Tony) Whitaker; his former wife Dixie Mecham Whitaker; and by his sister-in-law, Beth Whitaker. He has two granddaughters, Madilyn Anne and Joy Elise. He is preceded in death by his sister, Jessie Whitaker Turner; his brothers, Berlin, Ferrin, Wetzel "Judge", Russell, Scott M., and Don; and by his infant son, John Kevin Whitaker. The Whitaker brothers are once again a complete and loving set... singing up a storm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the University Ward in Salt Lake City, 160 S. University Street. Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. S. Temple, and one hour prior to services on Saturday. Interment, Monday Jan 27, 2003 at the Annabella City Cemetery, Annabella, Utah.