Jacob Leon Schloss

May 19, 1936 - July 2, 2025

Jacob Leon "Jack" Schloss passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Longview, Washington, at the age of 89.

Born on May 19, 1936, in Toppenish, Washington, Jack was the third youngest of nine children raised by immigrant parents, whose dedication to family and spirit of generosity shaped his enduring values.

After graduating from Toppenish High School, Jack joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in post-war Japan, where his passion for culture and travel began. Upon returning home, he pursued higher education at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. It was during this time that he met Betty Arlene Ogle on a blind date arranged by his best friend. They married on June 27, 1964, on Bainbridge Island and built a life rooted in love, education, and exploration.

Together, Jack and Betty taught at the Taipei American School, worked in Udorn, Thailand, with Air America, and later served with U.S. military school in Frankfurt, Germany. Both earned Master's degrees from Oregon State University, and Jack later completed a Ph.D. in education, all while raising their family.

They eventually settled in Kelso, Washington, where their home became a welcoming haven for exchange students, foster children, family members, and friends. They created a home where others were accepted just as they were.

After Betty's passing in 2001, Jack remained devoted to his growing family, watching his grandchildren mature while continuing to travel, visiting Japan, Vietnam, New Zealand, as well as taking a teaching position in China. He also enjoyed many football tailgating parties with his family, rooting on his beloved OSU Beavers.

Jack will be remembered as a cautious observer with a spirit of adventure. His heart was full of generosity and he was always happy to share in the joy of telling a good story or savoring a sweet treat. He was never short on supply of corny "dad" jokes. He valued and taught the importance of being kind to others.

He is survived by his children and their spouses Jeffrey (Christy) Schloss, David (Emily) Schloss, and Wendy (Chuck) Furumori; grandchildren Ellie Schloss, Turner Schloss, Lillian Furumori, and Alice Furumori; and many friends and former students around the world.

A celebration of Jacob's life will be held on August 16 at Cowlitz County Moose Lodge in Longview, WA, at 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily News on Jul. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacob Schloss

6 Entries

Bill Schloss

Yesterday

Uncle Jack was an important part of my life, and life of our family, as I was growing up. We spent many holidays with the Jack Schloss family and I have fond memories of our time together. Uncle Jack had a positive and upbeat personality. He was always ready to laugh and joke about even the simplest things-- he may have invented the "dad joke" along with his younger brother Butch, who was my dad. As I grew into adulthood Uncle Jack did a great job of keeping in touch. I received a letter from him just about a year ago-- just his way of reaching out and reminding me that he cared and wanted the best for me and my family. He visited some friends in SoCal about a decade ago and went out of his way to spend a day with me and my family. As I dropped him off at his friends' house he made sure to give me a hug and tell me how lovely my family was and how proud he was of me. That was the last time I saw him. It is a memory that will stay with me always. Uncle Jack was a good man who led a life that made the world a better place. We would all do well to emulate his life.

Bill Schloss

Planted Trees

Shizuko Menikoff

Planted Trees

Dominic Dilenge

August 3, 2025

Uncle Jack will always be remembered as a one of a kind, loving, caring and giving person. He was always composed and positive in his attitude and was willing to share his knowledge with others. In my view Jack was one of best people to have ever graced this planet, we will all have a little piece of ourselves missing without him. Composed with love from Dominic and Sandra Dilenge

Martha Cecilia Jaramillo

July 30, 2025

My beloved American father, Betty, and the children of that time opened their home and their hearts to me. I will always be grateful for that wonderful year. He was a great man, always smiling and joking. I will always remember him.
Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar mi querido Jack.

Barbara Clausen

July 29, 2025

Jack and Betty provided a loving home and guidance for my son John Clausen as a single mom I worked days and traveled to Portland State nights. Both were kind, loving and generous with their time!

Jack, Gay Selby, and I were founding members of the Mt St Helens chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. We enjoyed his company!

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