Jack Wilbur Dutchess

Jack Wilbur Dutchess, age 92, passed away peacefully at his adult care home in Gresham, Oregon on December 15, 2022. Jack was born July 16, 1930 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson, New Jersey to his parents, Lillian and Wilbur Dutchess.

Jack spent his childhood in New Jersey along with his younger sister Dwayne. Jack graduated from Ramsey High School in 1948. Jack married Phoebe Henrich on March 31, 1956 at Wyckoff Reform Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and they shared a happy marriage until Phoebe’s passing in November 2007. Jack attended Patterson State College in Patterson, New Jersey and earned a Bachelor of Arts, and then a Master of Arts in Education. Jack was a teacher at several schools in New Jersey, then after making a cross-country train trip to the West as a tourist, was inspired to move his family to Junction City, Oregon. Jack worked for the Junction City School District from 1967 until his retirement in 1993. He taught at Central School, Junction City Junior High School, where he also served as Principal in 1972, and at Oaklea Middle School. Jack’s greatest pleasure in his career was teaching, most specifically working with middle school students. He was proud of his participation in the opening of Oaklea Middle School, where he taught from the time that school opened until his retirement.

After moving his family to Oregon in 1967, Jack rented a house in Junction City. A year later Jack purchased a 28-acre farm outside of Cheshire, Oregon where he resided until his retirement. Post retirement, Jack moved to an apartment in Eugene, Oregon for a short time, then lived a number of years at Lakeridge Senior Park. Following Phoebe’s passing, Jack lived in an apartment in Portland, Oregon, then Russellville Park Senior Community for nearly 14 years. Finally with his health and mobility failing, Jack moved to Cornelia’s Adult Care Home in Gresham, Oregon.

In life, Jack enjoyed traveling, anything to do with trains and railroads, theater, and all things food, particularly black licorice. Jack had worked at a travel agency as a young man and took up traveling by rail, which he loved. He took many long railroad trips, including the one that led to his discovery and love of the Pacific Northwest. He would drive throughout Oregon and beyond to view railroad bridges, trestles, and trains. He was an avid model railroader. Jack also loved Switzerland, especially the extensive railway system, and was able to take trips there with Phoebe and with his daughter Kim. The Columbia River Gorge was another favorite, and he spent many days touring the Gorge. He also traveled to Hawaii several times with Phoebe and again after her passing. Jack’s love of theatre led him to volunteer at Portland Center Stage, where he was able to take in the live shows from his usher position. He also acted in live performances at the Scandinavian Festival in Junction City, and for years was active in the organization of that ongoing event. He also led a live theatre group, Curtain Call, at Russellville Park. Besides licorice, Jack enjoyed many foods, including mince pie and the Thanksgiving drumstick.

Jack was adored by his family--children, grand children, and great grand children alike and he will be greatly missed by us all. Jack’s greatest disappointment was the early passing of Phoebe to dementia, which we also share together.

Jack is survived by sons Keith and wife Jill (Brush Prairie, Washington), Kenneth (Nagasaki, Japan), daughter Kim (Sherman) and husband Lonny Sherman (Junction City, Oregon), grandchildren Angie Hearn and husband Adam Hearn, Carley Dutchess, Andrew Sherman and wife Amber Sherman, Ryan Sherman, great-grandchildren Julia Hearn, Kate Hearn, Emma Hearn, Rose Hearn, and Osric Sherman and niece Gail Sterling (New Windsor, NY). Jack is preceded in death by wife Phoebe (2007) and sister Dwayne Blauvelt (2017).

No service is planned at this time however the family will be holding a memorial service in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association (www. alz.org) in Jack or Phoebe’s name.