Jack Mayhall

From childhood to his return to the Father, Jack lived his life placing God at the center. His greatest desire was to serve God and people. He lived his life well. Jack was a faithful, loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a leader in the Christian community. Those he has temporarily left behind will miss him greatly.

Jack was born in Rushville, IL to Clarence and Ruth Mayhall (both deceased) and raised in Peoria, IL. He graduated from Woodruff HS and then went to Wheaton College in Chicago where he met Carole. They were married in 1949. He earned a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1953, then worked with young people in two churches before joining The Navigators in 1956. During their time at the first church in Aurora, IL, Jack and Carole’s only child, Lynn, was born.

Jack worked in Navigator ministries in California, Illinois and Colorado. He had many varied responsibilities starting with the Long Beach Service Men’s Center. In Chicago, he started a ministry at Wheaton College and then took on responsibility for the Great Lakes Region and subsequently the Northern Division. In 1973, he and Carole moved to Colorado Springs. He was an innovator, making contributions to the beginnings of NavPress, Daily Walk, Discipleship Journal, Missionary Associates and Church Discipleship Ministries (CDM). From 1976-1985 he was U.S. Director and then became the first CDM Director.

During this time Jack and Carole began giving marriage seminars both nationally and internationally. They found it interesting how the principles of the Word of God addressed marriages in unique ways in each culture. He wrote Discipleship: The Price and the Prize and co-authored with Carole the NavPress book Marriage Takes More than Love.

Jack is survived by his cherished wife of 66 years, Carole, and his beloved daughter, Lynn (Tim) Westberg. He had a significant relationship with his grandchildren Eric (April) Westberg and Sonya (John) Blancato. He also prized his four great-grandchildren Lydia Blancato, Abbie Westberg, Micah Blancato and Hannah Westberg.

Jack knew the truth of Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” One day soon we will be privileged to stand with Jack and worship Christ the King heartily and forever. What a day that will be!