In Memory: Jack Reeves '63
Jack Dean Reeves '63 died of natural causes July 17, 2019, in his home in Woodburn, Ore., with family at his side.
He spent 50 years of his life contributing to the improvement of public education for all students. He served as a teacher, bus driver, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent and board member in public school districts from coast to coast, including Myrtle Point, Ore., and Sarasota, Fla., as a teacher, with many years as an administrator in five Texas School Districts, before returning to Oregon in 1996 as Superintendent of Woodburn School District, followed by his service on the board of directors.
While serving in each position Jack distinguished himself as a dedicated, visionary leader who made a difference in the lives of those he worked with and for, whether he was joking to get his point across, emulating his core values by taking unpopular leadership positions, or persuading staff and communities to change beliefs and practices around teaching and learning for students and staff.
He was a lifelong learner, graduating from Toledo (Ore.,) High School; and attending Pacific University on a football scholarship, graduating with his bachelor's degree in 1963.
A few years later, he was drawn to the University of Texas in Austin, at different intervals, to study Science Education, Educational Leadership and Educational Administration, earning a Master's Degree in Education and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree, as well as the licensure to propel his career leading schools and districts.
Though work was his main hobby, he loved family time, sports (football), travel to coastal waters for beach walks, searches in tide pools, crabbing and fishing, reading and spending quality time philosophizing with dear friends and family members.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn Reeves, and by his brothers, Doug Reeves and Bill Reeves. He also grieved the loss of his German Shepherds Princess, Inka, Thor, and Brutus.
Jack is survived by his loving family: Linda, his wife of 34 years and their dog Kaley of Woodburn; daughter Kathleen Reeves (Laurie Johnson) of Soldotna, Alaska; caregiver Tim Massey of Salem, Ore.; sisters Margaret Trapold (Larry Fabian) of Fairview, Ore. and Kathleen (Jim) Monroe of Newport, Ore.; brother David (Shelia) Reeves of Woodburn; sisters-in-law Judith and Sandy, grandsons Kevin (Brittni) Gurganious and Ben Gurganious of Soldotna; great granddaughters Kaydence and Ellie Grace Gurganious; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many close friends who live both near and far.
Special thanks to Dr. Maurice Golden and the professional care team of Willamette Valley Hospice who provided guidance in Jack's final days with us.
A Celebration of Life was held on Aug. 17, 2019 at Woodburn High School.