Jack Weldon Israel

Jack Weldon Israel

Surrounded by his family, Jack Weldon Israel passed away on September 17, 2017 in Sun City West, AZ after a long struggle with congestive heart failure. He was preceded in death by his father Ralph Waldo Israel, his mother Dulcie Oma (Fawcett) Israel, and his baby brother Charles Edward Israel. Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years Betty Rose (Daniels) Israel, his daughter Jacqueline Ann (Israel) Hart, his son Edward Alan Israel, his grandchildren Justin Edward Israel, Gerard Jeremy Hart, and Jenna Rose Hart, and his great-grandchild Samantha Jade Israel. He is also survived by his brother Robert Earl Israel (Suzanne Israel), niece Julie (Israel) Ross, nephew Randy Israel, and their families.

Born in Springfield, MO on April 3, 1934, Jack attended Doling Elementary, Reed Jr. High, and Senior High School (Central) graduating in 1951. He attended Missouri University for one year, before joining the US Navy. There he met Betty, married, became a father for the first time, and made the All-Navy basketball team. After leaving the Navy, Jack returned to Springfield to attend SMS (MSU) where he graduated with honors, played basketball, was named to the Little All American Basketball Team, and was drafted by the Knicks. He completed his MS at University of Illinois and his doctorate at University of California Los Angeles.

For over 40 years (in California and Missouri), Jack devoted his life's work to public education, serving as a teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and college professor. He loved working with students and teachers, guiding and leading by example.

He was a teacher/coach even to the end, giving each of the family instructions, encouragement, admonishments, and loads of love before he passed. Of all the honors he received in his lifetime, the greatest tribute for him was the love expressed by his children and grandchildren. He was, and is, their hero, their guide, and the "wind beneath their wings."

Jack's ashes will be interred at the National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. There will be no formal funeral service. In the spring, his family and friends will gather in Springfield to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Association or the Cancer Society.