Jack King Whitesell

The oldest of five children, Jack was born at home to Kenneth and Bonnie Whitesell in Filley, Missouri. He attended elementary school at Cherry Valley in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated as valedictorian of his high school at El Dorado Springs. Jack continued his education at the University of Missouri where he earned his Masters Degree in Education. He taught school in St. Louis until 1960 when he moved to Southern California, teaching and counseling at San Marino High School. After five years, Jack began his long career at Orange Coast College as a counselor, psychology professor and career planning instructor from 1965 until his retirement in 1999.

Jack was known for his work ethic, his knowledge and his warm, caring and inviting demeanor. He had special interests in counseling international students, working students looking to change careers and older adults returning to college to continue their education. He felt personally responsible for every student with whom he ever worked to see that they reached a level of success. His encouragement had a major impact on his students’ lives long after college.

Besides education, Jack’s passions were gardening, traveling, cooking, classical music and spending time with family on the farm in Missouri. Jack is survived by three brothers, a sister and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched.

Services will be held at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, CA on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 12 noon.