WESLACO, Texas – On Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, Jack Wittcamp; loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many; passed away at the age of 95, surrounded by his family at his residence in Weslaco, Texas. He was born in Buckingham, Ohio, on March 12, 1925, to the late Theodore James and Jane Harvey Wittcamp.
A graduate of South High School in Columbus, Jack went on to serve in WWII in the U.S. Army’s 98th Field Hospital as a Technician Fourth Grade.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University Class of 1954, he received his degree in mechanical engineering and immediately went to work for Cooper-Bessemer, which later became Cooper Energy Services. His years with Cooper were spent in Mount Vernon, New Orleans, Dallas and Mexico City. Jack returned to Mount Vernon in 1983 and retired in 1989 after 34 years with the company.
He married Ruth Underwood on June 30, 1946, just 4 months after his discharge from the Army. They raised two daughters, Janni Kay and Karla Joy. After retirement, Jack and Ruth were Winter Texans, and in 1995 they became full-time residents in the Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Following the death of his wife Ruth in 2002, Jack married Dorothy Hagan. They were married until her death in 2011.
He was the ultimate “Jack-of-all-trades,” an unmatchable craftsman who had the perfect tool for every task and was often found tinkering in his workshop. He loved spending time in his rose- and vegetable gardens. He embraced life with joy and passion.
Jack was a gentle and caring man of great spirit, quiet strength, intense love, fierce loyalty, deep faith and a witty sense of humor. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan. He was a devoted and dedicated life-long Lutheran and selflessly volunteered in every church where he was a member. He will be missed beyond measure, but his life was a life well lived. Well done, good and faithful servant; you have made your family and the “Greatest Generation” proud.
He is survived by his two daughters, Janni Kay (Tony) Cawthorne of Haslet, Texas, and Karla Joy (Thomas) Meyer of Katy, Texas; two granddaughters, Megan Meyer (Robert) Haynes and Mallory Meyer (Jake) Young; great-granddaughter, Eleanor Joy Haynes; great-grandson, Beau Wayne Young; and dear friend, Lola Nelson, who was the last love of his life.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Jane Wittcamp; brother, Richard Wittcamp; first wife, Ruth Wittcamp; and second wife, Dorothy Wittcamp.
A special thank you to caregiver Hortencia Reyes and “Team Jack” for their expert, loving care of him the past three years.
A private graveside service will be held at Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, Ohio.
Submitted by Karla Meyer
