Jack A Whitaker Sr.

Jack A. Whitaker, Sr., of Rensselaer, passed away on February 28, 2025, at the age of 91. Even as the years took their toll, Jack’s personality remained larger than life—his humor, kindness, and lively spirit never wavered. Jack was known for his generosity, warm greetings, and knack for turning any gathering into a performance, often breaking into song at American Legions across the country.

Born on August 6, 1933, in Salyersville, Kentucky, to Lebo and Mollie (Salyers) Whitaker, Jack lived a life of grit, humor, and generosity. He married the love of his life, Patricia Jarvis, on January 7, 1956, in Manchester, England, and together they built a life full of laughs, love, and family. Jack was a self-employed truck driver, a jack-of-all-trades in construction and demolition, and a man who could strike up a conversation with anyone—he never met a stranger. He had a joyful appreciation of music and was a real-life Dr. Doolittle, caring for any and every animal that crossed his path.

He embodied the hard-working American spirit, offering steady loyalty to his country, family, friends, and community. A proud veteran and dedicated member of the Rensselaer American Legion Post #29, the 40-8, and the VFW Post #1279 Color Guard, he carried his patriotism with pride. At 89, he was still out on the green, swinging a club from his cart when 18 holes proved too much—or when his patience for slow play wore thin.

Jack wasn’t just a storyteller; he was a giver. Whether through a warm conversation or a kind act, he found ways to help others. But above all, he was a proud family man, always boasting about his sons, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters to anyone willing to listen. Always charismatic, he never hesitated to entertain during breakfast at Royal Oaks, regaling anyone who would listen with tales of his colorful and sometimes outrageous life experiences. Jack treated everyone like family, ensuring there was never a dull moment. Those lucky enough to be a regular in his life were most likely serenaded with God Bless America on more than one occasion.

Though Jack has left us, his legacy lives on in the family he adored. He is survived by his loving family: sons Lee (Laura) Whitaker and Kirk (Sue) Whitaker; five grandchildren: Jennifer (Joe) Camacho, Devan Whitaker, Kyle (Amber) Whitaker, Jarid & Arika Hivley; and six great-grandchildren: Jayla & Jiana, Ailynn & Noa, Arya & Korra.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia, his parents Lebo and Mollie, his son ‘Tojo’ Jack Whitaker Jr., and his siblings.

Per Jack’s wishes, cremation will take place, and a Celebration of Life is being planned for April 19th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM @ the American Legion Post 29 in Rensselaer. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Happy Tails Animal Shelter of White County or the Air Force Aid Society—an act of kindness that Jack himself would have done without hesitation.

Thank you to the family for writing this obituary.