John R. Woodhull

November 5, 1933 – January 16, 2021

Jack Woodhull, indefatigable business leader and accomplished yachtsman, died peacefully in his sleep of heart failure on January 16, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. He was 87. Jack had moved to Colorado in 2017 from Southern California to be closer to family as he dealt with age-related health issues. After heart valve surgery in 2016, one of his oldest friends quipped to Jack’s son, “Don't worry, your dad will be fine--he has no quit in him." Indeed, Jack was the kind who neither quit nor complained. For decades, he was a force in the defense industry as president and chief executive officer of Logicon Inc. from 1969 to 1998. Logicon provided advanced information and training systems for the military and corporations at the height of the transition from the Cold War to a post-Cold War era. Jack led a full and vibrant life; his friends and family agree that between his intellect and wit, he gave this world “a damn good ride.” For fun, he read math books, and measured everyone's wine when filling their glasses, as he liked to be in control of the pour. He was famous for his formidable, competitive personality and tactical skills, both in the boardroom and on the racecourse where he was “Skipper.”

Jack was born November 5, 1933, in La Jolla, California, to Mary Louise (Fahey) and John Richard Woodhull. Following his father’s untimely death on July 4, 1935, Jack temporarily went to live with his mother’s parents on their berry farm in Puyallup, Washington, while his mother worked to get back on her feet. When his mother remarried to Leonard Hostetler in 1937, Jack gained two step siblings, James K. “Jimmy” Hostetler and Linda Fay Hostetler.

Jack was raised primarily in Newport Beach, California, and attended Newport Harbor High School (’52). He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) with a B.S. in Physics (’57) and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Jack met his wife, Barbara Adams, while they were both attending undergraduate school at CU. They married in June 1957 and had a beautiful marriage that lasted more than sixty years. Jack served in the U.S. Navy as an Ensign in its Guided Missile Service Unit in Yorktown, Virginia. He was honorably discharged in 1959 as a Lieutenant and returned to CU to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics (’60). As a CU Alumnus, Jack served on the University of Colorado Foundation Board of Directors.

During Jack’s illustrious business career, he was a member of the National Security Industrial Association and served on the boards of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Sunrise Medical, Inc., First Federal Savings and Bank of California, and Adams Business Forms. He was also a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Chief Executives Organization (CEO), World Business Council, and a YPO Forum Group.

Jack had a lifelong passion for sailing, both in recreation and competition, finding much success that lasted more than fifty years. His boats were always named “Persephone,” after the Greek goddess who symbolizes the return to spring. Jack was also a goofy-foot surfer, avid skier and enjoyed playing golf. He spent many summers and winters with his family in Vail, Colorado, partaking in these activities. Jack’s business and recreational successes were most importantly highlighted by the extraordinary and meaningful friendships he acquired throughout his life.

He was the quintessential father and grandfather, endlessly supportive and directly engaged in his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ pursuits. Jack couldn’t hold back from showing his pride for their accomplishments while encouraging them to strive for excellence. He pushed and challenged, but he also taught us to have fun, creating extraordinary memories. Jack will be deeply missed by his entire family.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 63 years, his daughter Elizabeth Woodhull Perkins and her husband Gregory Perkins, son John Adams Woodhull and his wife Nancy Woodhull, and grandchildren Katie, Woody, Jack, Patrick, Nick, Beck, and Matt. He is predeceased by his daughter Katherine Esterly Woodhull (1973).

At this time there will be no services due to Covid-19. We invite you to visit the "Memories" section below to share your condolences, thoughts, and memories. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Jack to Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation in the link below.