Jack Sherburn Dorr

Jack S. Dorr, 84, left his earthly family to be with his heavenly family February 23, 2011 as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. Our father was born in Dayton, WA April 3, 1926 and lived the majority of his life, 46 years, in Wapato before retiring in Yakima.

Dad was raised in Dayton along with an older and younger brother. He was active in school activities and excelled in sports while playing on three consecutive no loss seasons and was chosen as mythical state champions, while playing Bulldog football. He was drafted to play professional baseball by the Philadelphia Phillies, but he chose instead to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he served on the USS Tucson and was in Tokyo Bay when the peace treaty was signed. After the war, in 1946, he married his high school sweetheart Janis Joy Henriod and they began their family. He attended Central College of Education and received a BA Degree to teach history. While at Central he continued to excel in athletics and in 2002 he was inducted into the Central

Athletic Hall of Fame. Dad and mom moved to Wapato with their first child, a daughter, and he began a teaching career that would last over thirty years, eventually becoming the high school principal, “Cactus Jack”, lovingly named by the students to honor his choice of haircut style.

With the arrival of his two sons his family complete, he began to raise us in a home that taught respect, concern for others, and being humble was an honorable way to live our lives. In Wapato, Dad was very active in community affairs in both Lions Club and the American Legion. He also served a five year term representing the Yakima Valley as a member of the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association and helped bring women sports to fruition. Dad enjoyed fishing, camping with family and coaching Little League Baseball. Raising “boomers” during the 50s and the turmoil 60s for Dad and Mom was not often easy. We kids knew everything and they were old fashioned. But Dad always stuck to his beliefs and his task of raising children, who could change the world. When we became young adults and started to understand the world, he suddenly became a brilliant father and we loved him even more. The horrible disease that took Dad hit him rapidly and claimed him quickly, but to the end he shared his love for mom, his wisdom and his wit. All that knew Dad will miss him greatly.

Dad is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janis; his sons, Scott (Doris) of Wapato and Steve (Pat) of Seattle; grandchildren, Lisa, Matt, Jeff, Jenifer, and Zachary (Stephanie); great grandchildren, Hayley and Lexi; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family, Kathy and Tom Khem, and Maggy and Glen Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Clark, brothers James and George and his daughter Susan.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Wapato Community Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, Mom wishes a donation be sent to the local chapter for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. Merritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.merrittsfuneralhome.com