John "Jack" Robert Bothwell

John Robert Bothwell “Jack” died February 22, 2026, peacefully at home in Willits, California, at the remarkable age of 101. Born September 19, 1924, in Highland Park, Michigan, Jack was the oldest child of Isaac and Helen Bothwell. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Wilson (Wendell); grandchildren Tanya Vandrick (Casey Wells), Scott Vandrick (Tony Foster), Julie Robertson (Scott), Melissa Wilson (Scott Knight), Jennifer Billian (Doug), Brian Bothwell (Erica); and seven great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Emma Robertson, Katherine and Madeline Billian, and Elliot, Blake and Dylan Bothwell. He was pre-deceased by his wife Shirley Bothwell, his daughter Karen Vandrick, and his son John Bothwell II (Susan). 

A World War II veteran, Jack boasts the rather unique accomplishment of having served with both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy. He joined the U.S. Marines at boot camp in San Diego, California, next served as radio operator at Texas A&M University, and then enrolled in the college program at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

After marrying his beautiful wife, Shirley, back home in Michigan on February 25, 1944, Jack lived in Detroit as a civilian for a short time and welcomed their first child, Karen, before returning to Cornell. Jack graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University in 1947.

Following graduation, Jack taught engineering and descriptive geometry at the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy before he was offered a commission with the U.S. Navy. He and his family were stationed on Guam where they welcomed a second daughter, Patricia, in 1948.

For 15 years, Jack and his family were stationed across the globe for his various assignments. Duty stations included New Jersey, Oklahoma, Georgia, Maryland, the Philippines, Okinawa, Michigan, Illinois, and California. During this period, Jack taught Engineering for two years at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Jack and Shirley’s third child, John, was born in 1951. Jack declined a promotion to Commander to spend more time with his family and retired from the Navy in June 1964 as Executive Officer with the Seabees for Construction Battalion 5 in Port Hueneme, California.

Jack and Shirley then settled in Hawthorne, California. He earned his teaching credential from the University of Southern California and taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 18 years. He was a brilliant mathematician and passionate educator who believed in every student’s unique gifts and abilities no matter their present circumstances.

After Jack’s retirement from teaching, the couple relocated to Willits in 1982, enjoying the rural beauty of Brooktrails and more time with their daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters. Jack and his family attended services at St. John Lutheran Church where he was a devoted usher and Sunday School teacher. He served as president of the Brooktrails Board of Directors and as president of the Auxiliary at Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital. He also volunteered in the hospital Medical Records Department and Thrift Shop. Always a devoted educator, Jack greatly enjoyed his time tutoring mathematics at Mendocino College.

Although deeply saddened by the passing of Karen in 2007, Shirley in 2009, and John in 2016, Jack was the anchor that held his family together through even the most difficult times. Perhaps a key element to his more than a century of living, Jack’s most repeated phrase was, “Don’t sweat the program.” Modest and quietly funny, Jack wasn’t the focus of a gathering but his presence was always remarkable.

Jack was a phenomenal athlete and outdoorsman — sailing, swimming (not too soon after lunch!), biking, and camping for all of his life. He loved body surfing at the beach well into his 90s, despite the fear evoked in onlookers by the sight of his still, floating body. He and Shirley enjoyed many trips towing their travel trailer and were especially fond of the scenic California coast and time across the country to visit family. Jack logged hundreds (if not thousands) of miles on his bike. He continued to enjoy daily rides on his trike until only shortly before his passing.

Not widely known, Jack was a talented artist. He loved painting and woodcarving in particular. His family and friends will forever enjoy their gifts from his prolific collection of carvings.

In September 2024, family and friends gathered at the Harrah Senior Center in Willits to celebrate Jack’s 100th birthday and two special accolades. He received Resolution No. 305, a formal commendation from the California State Senate for his dedication to his country and community as a military veteran and educator. Jack was also honored for his many years of volunteering as a Meals on Wheels driver and his name was affixed to the new vehicle that his fundraising helped make possible. Jack thoroughly enjoyed supporting members of his community and loved to joke he was older than most of his meal recipients.

If you wish to honor Jack, please consider offering some of your time or talent to a community function or organization that helps make the world a little better. 

The family will gather for a private celebration of Jack’s life.