John Whitlock

John Charles (“Jack”) Whitlock, Jr. was born on September 7, 1924 in Fairmont, WV and passed from this life on June 3, 2017. At age 14 he became the principal bread winner of the family, consisting of his mother and sister, by running the family farm. At age 17 he misrepresented his age to obtain employment with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. With the outbreak of WWII, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater on the Aircraft Carrier Shangri-La as an anti-aircraft gunner where he fought off Japanese Kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa campaign. At the War’s end, he was a member of the first American contingent to occupy Japan. After the war, he returned to farming and his employment with the railroad as a trainman and conductor until his retirement after 40 years of service, with a brief break in the 1960’s when he temporarily lost his job to affirmative action, during which time he farmed and railroaded in Florida. Jack regained his job with the B&O Railway with the support of his Scottish Rite Fraternity brothers, a kindness he never forgot. After retiring from the railroad Jack moved to New Mexico and then to Olathe, CO, where he continued to farm until his move to Grand Junction in 2007. He took great pride in being a United States Marine and his membership in the several Masonic organizations. Throughout his life he gave generously of his time and money to the support of those in need, the Shrine Hospitals, the RiteCare Speech-Language Clinics, and other Masonic charities. Until his passing he stayed in touch with and will be greatly missed by his surviving military companions, railroad buddies, Masonic Brethren, and the many friends from the Chesapeake shores and the mountains of West Virginia. He is survived by a niece, Kristen Koster of San Diego, CA, his faithful caregiver, Melinda Baker, and many, many dear friends. His remains will find rest beside his mother and sister in Frederick, MD. Military and Masonic service will be held in his honor at the Grand Junction Masonic Center at 7:00 pm on June 15, 2017. Memorial Donations may be given to the Salt Lake Shriner’s Hospital, E Fairfax Rd & N Virginia St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103