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JOHN WHITCOMB Obituary
JOHN FREDRIC WHITCOMB "Jack" June 7, 1930 ~ October 13, 2016
After a long and rewarding life, John "Jack" Whitcomb peacefully passed away on October 13, 2016 after his prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, with his wife Susan by his side. Jack was born on June 7, 1930 in Washington DC to Dorothy M. and John F. Whitcomb.Jack was athletic his entire life. He was outstanding high school athlete at Woodrow Wilson High in Washington DC (class of 47'), was All Met in Basketball and All City in Baseball. He attended Randolph Macon College, Class of 52', in Ashland, Virginia. He continued to excel in basketball, where he was Captain of the team. He still holds two basketball scoring records and was inducted into the RMC Hall of Fame in 2001. Upon leaving RMC, he served in the US Army for two years. After his discharge, he began his coaching career at St. Ann's in Washington DC and soon thereafter began coaching basketball and teaching math at Gonzaga College High School. In 1958, he was hired as the first Athletic Director at Bishop J. O'Connell High School where he taught math and coached basketball and baseball. In 1960, he entered into his financial career with Merrill Lynch. In the 1980's, he was manager of Wheat First Securities, twice earning manager of the year honors. In 1989 he attended Wharton School of Business and moved to Colorado Springs.He relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 1999, where he resided until his death. Jack was also an avid Bridge player. He was a Gold Life Master and in 2008 he made the Barry Crane 500 list.He was preceded in death by Linda Whitcomb, his wife of 23 years. He is survived by his wife Susan Rupe Whitcomb, his children Jon, Kevin (Trish), Michael (Jamie) and Rob (Heather) Whitcomb. 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.The Whitcomb family and Jack's wish, is that all contributions (no flowers please) be sent to "The John Whitcomb Scholarship Fund", and be mailed to: Gift Processing, Randolph Macon College, P.O. Box 5005, Ashland, VA 23005-5505. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon, Saturday, October 29, 2016 followed by funeral service at Noon at St Ann's Church 4001 Yuma St NW, Washington, DC. Immediately following Mass there will be a celebration of Life / Reception at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN WHITCOMB
5 Entries
Lynne Amicay
October 26, 2016
Everyone knows how accomplished Jack was, smart , funny and kind. But the one thing that struck me about Jack was what a GENTLEMEN he was and how respectful he was of people. He was a rare gem in today's world. We all have lost a very special person. My prayers are now for his family and my dear friend Susan during this time. God comfort you and keep Jack vivid in your minds. He leaves all of you a special part of himself through all the wonderful memories you have shared. May those times give you joy and make you smile. That IS your great tribute to him!
Judy Close
October 24, 2016
Judy and Larry Close
Toni Sherman
October 24, 2016
Jack's passing is so very sad, that goes without saying. My heart breaks for my dear friend who has lost her partner, soulmate and friend. We only had the pleasure of meeting Jack once when they came to visit for the weekend. We didn't want them to ever leave. I think we really clicked as a foursome and I looked forward to many more outings together. Susan, I hope you know we are here for you. I know Jack would want you to continue to enjoy all life has to offer. We love you Toni & Barry
Rupe children grandkids
October 24, 2016
In loving memory of Jack Whitcomb.
Jack was always tons of fun. He always did everything with us, never letting us see how tired he was. Even if he was exhausted, he would still push a little further to make us happy and spend as much time with us as he could. He's done so many amazing things and impacted so many lives. I wish he was still here today so I could tell him just how much he means to all of us.
Madilynn Rupe
Paragraph for Jack
My favorite memory with Jack was when he would do anything with us. Wether it would be throwing the football, to shooting some hoops. Jonah Rupe
My most memorable time with Jack was the endless games of scrabble he played with me ,and when I was little he would let me change the rules to what I called "My Rules",but he also taught me how to play fair as I got older. We would play when he got up in the morning as he drank his orange juice then we would play a family game together at night. Without Jack I wouldn't be who I am today. Susanna Rupe ~ Almost 11 years old
A great memory I have of Jack is the last time he came to visit us in Texas with Mimi. He played countless games of scrabble with us. I think we all know who won 99% of the games.. A few mornings of his stay he would go to the gas station to get a news paper and on one of his trips he took me with him. There, he bought me a candy bar and he got him self a frozen snicker bar. That made me feel special, but I wasn't about to tell my siblings the delisious treat I had. Another day of that trip he took me and my siblings to walmart, where he bought us a bat and some wiffle balls. That evening he played baseball with us. It was a blast. He was an awsome grandfather and I'll never forget the great memories we shared.
Joshua Rupe
Jack and Susan celebrating the 4th of July a few years ago at my house
Karen Kanis
October 22, 2016
The thing I will miss the most is simply Jack being here with Susan. They were a great couple and shared a wonderful life. One of my favorite recollections is seeing Jack and Susan tooling around with the top down, ball cap and sun hat side-by-side, laughing and waving. I'll miss his storytelling, as well as his eye rolling when Susan and I shared our adventures or opposing views with him at happy hour or over dinner. And I'll miss watching him huddle with my husband Ed to yak about college basketball. He reminded me of my own father sometimes--especially when I hugged him hello--which I found especially endearing. He was old-school gracious and he will be missed. kk
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