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Jack O. Woodruff

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Columbus North High School North High School Capital University

Jack Woodruff Obituary

WOODRUFF Jack O. Woodruff, age 79, of Upper Arlington, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at his home with family by his side. He was born January 23, 1929, in Columbus, the son of Arnold and Ruth (Bond) Woodruff. Jack retired from Upper Arlington Schools following over 30 years as a vocal music teacher and was a substitute teacher after his retirement. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend, he will be dearly missed by all. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joanne B. Woodruff; son and daughter–in-law, David R. and Melissa Woodruff of Blacklick, OH; daughter, Dianne Dennis of Upper Arlington; grandchildren, David (Selene) Dennis, Drew Dennis, Anna and Alyssa Woodruff; great-grandchildren, Alex, Arianna and Abygail Dennis; other relatives and many, many friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Bond and Ken Woodruff. Jack was a 1947 graduate of Columbus North High School and received a Bachelor degree from Capital University. Veteran U.S. Army serving during the Korean War. He was an original member of the Columbus Boychoir, now known as the American Boychoir. Jack was an assistant football coach for 35 years and track and field coach for 16 years with the Upper Arlington Schools. He was a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association for over 40 years and as a member of the USATF, he was a Master Official at track and field meets at the local, state and national levels. He managed the Tremont pool for 33 years. Jack was a church choir director for over 50 years, the last forty years at Riverside United Methodist Church. He had a wide range of artistic interests, loved photography and had a wonderful sense of humor. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2008, at Riverside United Methodist Church, 2701 Zollinger Road, where a Celebration of Life service will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2008. Rev. David Griebner officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pipe Organ Fund at Riverside United Methodist Church, Columbus, OH 43221 or to HomeReach Hospice, c/o Ohio Health, 180 East Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, in his memory. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Sep. 12 to Sep. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Woodruff

24 Entries

mark stull

September 22, 2008

Joanne, I am so sorry I couldn't make it Sunday, but my health issues prevented me. Jack will be missed by alot of people. He was one of my greatest mentors, from being my junior high choir director to my student teacher advisor. I learned alot and will also remember his help with the UA Alumni Choir and letting me sing solo at Riverside. I will always remember him as a friend and a great teacher.

John Kingsboro

September 19, 2008

Blessing you at this very difficult time, though Jack, being perhaps the hardest nosed guy I ever met, would most likely admonish and tell you to get on to the next play. First met Mr. Woodruff as a Jones athlete, and he headed up Hastings, magnificent rivalry. He cared so, and really got my admiration as he mentored me in my young coaching career at Hastings, Jones and the Frosh. I remember him saying to me that if I wanted to get fancy, I could run 118 both right and left. Man did he care, and is so, so missed. He's with Our Lord and leaves a wonderful legacy. What more can one ask?

Brad Triplehorn

September 19, 2008

Dave,
My condolences over the loss of your father. I,m happy that not too long ago I was able to contact him and let him know how important he was in my life for helping me build character that I really needed especially when I was at Hastings Jr. High. He was always tough but caring. I only wished I had listened more in his music class. I live in New Mexico and my Dad informed me about his passing and knew I would want to know.

Anne-Marie Bannon

September 19, 2008

My "Dad", My Friend, My Choir Director, and much more. So many memories have flooded my mind and I cherish all of them, especially the Babes and Geezers quartet! I will miss him greatly but know he is at peace now. When I look up at and see that bright shining star, I know it will be Mr W. smiling back at me. Joanne, David, Dianne, David, and Drew my thoughts and prayers are with you! I love you!

Ronald Daehler

September 18, 2008

I have a fond memory of Jack as a fellow teacher at Hastings Jr. High. He was and will always be a friend indeed. The Lord be with you Jack.

Frank Bazler

September 18, 2008

Sorry to read of Jack's death. I wish he could have made the 60th Class Reunion last year.

Frank Bazler

DICK WIDDOES

September 17, 2008

WAS A GREAT TEAMMATE, SINGING PARTNER AND ALL AROUND GUY. OUR SYMPATHY TO JO AND FAMILY.

Connie Garrison

September 17, 2008

Aunt Joanne, Dianne and David,
It is hard to believe that a little over a week ago, we were sitting by his bedside listing to that Woodruff sense of humor. He was such a support to me when I went through this very experience with my dad. I'm sure my dad and Uncle Bond were up there, wondering what was taking him so long - after all, they had football to coach! Dianne - the "Woodruff Women" cousin relationship made your dad proud. I have great memories of getting into the pool "for free" during the summers as a kid because of Uncle Jack. Know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I will miss my Uncle Jack

Croft Merritt

September 17, 2008

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Jack. Jack was a great help to me in my early days of officiating Track and Field. It was always a pleasure to be associated with him. He had a desire to assist all officials and participants.

I know that he is resting in peace. God bless you all.

Larry Nentwich '74

September 17, 2008

I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Woodruffs passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at UAHS. One must certainly think that the current choir director in heaven had better be looking over their shoulder for the "new kid" on the block.

Diana Beamenderfer

September 17, 2008

David & Melissa -
I am so sorry to hear about your father. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.

Dick & Diana Beamenderfer

Brett Moorehead

September 17, 2008

Joanne,Dave and Diane,

Sorry to hear about Mr. Woodruff's passing, but glad to know he is singing with the Angels. I loved his sense of humor, and his great enthusiasm for life. Last time I saw him he was enjoying a good time with friends at the "Old Bag" near the Tremont swimming pool where he served for more than 30 years!
Mrs. Woodruff...fond memories of the Nottingham days...you and Mr. Woodruff were such loyal friends to my parents! We will always love you!
Isiah 46:4
Brett Moorehead and family

Laurie and Ed Avery

September 17, 2008

We truly loved "Uncle Jack." Some of the best memories are from high school choir days with Jack at the helm. We send our sincere sympathies to Mrs. Woodruff, Diane, and Dave.

Brendan Donovan

September 17, 2008

Joanne & Dave,

My deepest sympathies to you and the family. Many of my fondest memories from the U.A. days revolve around Mr. Woodruff and my association with your family. He had such a zest for life and cared deeply for the many people who crossed his path.

Tom Palmer

September 17, 2008

A team mate, singing pal, friend. He
will always be fondly remembered by those of us who are left.
My condolences to Joann and family.

Tom Palmer '47

Phil Korodi UA '64

September 17, 2008

Joanne and family, please accept my sincere condolences and know that I have appreciated Jack so much for his significant impact on my life. The Varsity 4 quartet (Dick McBride, Chris Zara, Dick Baker, and myself) had the priveledge of spending every ninth grade early morning with Jack in his third floor music room at Jones. Middle school football and track encouraged and eventually led to being able to coach with Jack at Hastings for three seasons. Great memories. Years later, when my son competed in high jump at the Upper Arlington relays, Jack was officiating that event. Full circle? Perhaps. But the greatest "full circle" will be joining Jack some day in the heavenly choir where he now sings. My prayers are with you all. I Thess. 4:14-18.

JIM & MARION GREY

September 17, 2008

PEACE, LOVE,JOY FOREVER.

Jerry Ball

September 15, 2008

I have many fond memories of Mr. Woodruff during choir and football practices, concerts and games. I remember well his saying when a few notes were missed in a song or possibly a tackle missed on the football field...."Boo, hiss, barf, crap". Seeing Mr. Woodruff involved in both Music and Sports at Hastings and Upper Arlington, gave me permission to pursue both in college and beyond.

Kent Meadows

September 14, 2008

Dave and Family. My mom called today and informed that your dad had passed away. My sincere condolences to you and your family. It brought back a memory of my second week of 8th grade vocal music class with Jack. I had missed the previous class and was informed by your Dad that I would have to get up in front of the entire class to sing scales to determine what type of voice classification I had. To say the least I was totally mortified. However, your dad sensed my severe discomfort and said something funny that put me and the class at ease. That was Jack - an excellent sense of humor and the ability to understand and relate to kids. I hope you and your family are doing well during this challenging time. Kent Meadows and Family

Jackie & Gary Brandon

September 14, 2008

Having Jack as your friend, you knew you were truly lucky. Jack was always there to help you in any way he could. Simply by a smile, one of his jokes or just that look he gave you knew he truly cared.

He was a great teacher, mentor and friend. He will truly be missed by all, especially in the track and field, cross country group. We will cherish the great memories that were made forever.

Tom Rutan

September 12, 2008

Jack was truly a special person. He was such a positive voice as a teacher, a coach and especially as a friend. Since I coached David, he was also a really great "Dad" to work with. He will undoubtedly be missed but never forgotten.

Frank & Terry Timmons

September 12, 2008

Mr. Woodruff was a wonderful influence on both Terry and I in many ways. He pushed both of us hard regarding music, he was a loyal friend and a great mentor. Joanne, please let your family know how honored we are to have known such a kind man.

Peter Livingston

September 12, 2008

This man did so many things to point me right in life, so many things that hold me fast today. God blessed me beyond measure with Coach Woodruff who I loved, feared and followed and "Jack" who I loved, held dear and honor. A teacher, a coach, and a friend. Joann, David, Diane and family. My heart and prayers are with you. Surely, he has now heard the amazing words, "well done my good and faithful servant".

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