OBITUARY

John J. “Jack” McNaughton, the founder of the National Education

Corp., passed away Oct. 25 at the age of 78.

The cause of death was complications of a heart attack.

McNaughton was a resident of Newport Beach for more than 40 years. The

National Education Corp., which began 31 years ago in Orange County, has

grown into the world’s largest training corporation, with 60 schools and

training centers throughout the world.

The company started as a training program for firefighters, but it

quickly grew to include training for other vocations. McNaughton

attributed his success to his willingness to take risks.

“I’ll always take a gamble,” he often said. “I come by it naturally.”

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Canada, McNaughton moved to California

when he was 8, after the death of his mother. He graduated from USC with

a Navy commission and worked on a coastal transport in the South Pacific

during World War II, becoming the commanding officer of the vessel.

After his service, McNaughton joined a Los Angeles advertising agency,

working on such accounts as Douglas Aircraft. He left in 1954 to form the National Education Corp.

In 1965, McNaughton moved to Newport Beach with his first wife,

Violet. He served on the board of governors of the Balboa Bay Club. He

also served on the board of Hoag Hospital and the Art Institute of

Southern California.

As the fortunes of his company rose, so did McNaughton’s love of

thoroughbred horses. His stable, McNaughton Farms, was renowned for its

outstanding thoroughbred breeds.

Divorced in 1980 from Violet, McNaughton married Nancy, who survives

him.

He is also survived by his sons, Kent and Pat McNaughton, and by two

grandchildren.

A life celebration will be held at the Newport Beach Country Club at

noon Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hoag

Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 6100, Newport Beach, CA 92658-6100.