Jack was friend to our bookstore, Lambda Rising, and often displayed his artwork in our shop. He was a kind and quiet man with a significant artistic skill and we miss him.

During one dry spell in the 1980s, he was encountering some financial difficulties and we arranged to produce a good number of signed, limited edition prints of 5 of his nude male artworks. We covered the cost of the prints in exchange for half of them and gave him the other half to sell at art shows in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. He told us later that it helped him get back on solid ground.

We have about 8 of his original works in our own collection (as well as a few of the signed limited edition prints.)  He brought such joy and beauty into our lives, for which we are forever grateful.

I was first overwhelmed by Jack’s work when I lived in the DC suburbs of northern Virginia in 1990.  His work was on show and for sale at an LGBT bookstore in Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.  One particular piece captured my attention and I contacted Jack directly.  When it did not sell during the exhibition, I was able to buy it directly from Jack.  It was a large pencil drawing that I cherish to this day.  I had Jack produce a companion piece to it years later.  When I went to pick up the companion piece he asked if I could bring the piece I had purchased years earlier.  He immediately recognized it as his work and said that he had forgotten about it and it was “uncatalogued” and no known photos of it exist.  So presumably I own and unknown work of Jack Whitlow.  These pieces, to me are priceless; oh someone may someday put a value on the work, but no price in the world can replace it, thus priceless.  When I move, nobody is allowed to handle these pieces, not because I do not trust them, but because accidents happen, and I want to be the one holding the treasure when that accident happens so nobody else has to deal with the guilt.  I lost track of Jack when he left the d’Art center in Virginia Beach and the management there did not have a means of contacting him to forward a message.  My condolences to Jack’s family and friends.  My condolences to the art world.  There will never be another Jack Whitlow.

I just added one of Jack's art pieces to the kitchen when I thought I would see what this amazing man was up to...so sad to see that he has passed along.  He was such a loving soul and I am blessed to have quite a few of his amazing pieces.  My condolences to his friends and family.

What an amazing man!  I met Jack in my 20s (he in his 50s) and treasured the talks we had at the d'Art center.  Jack, you are missed!  Condolences to his family and friends.

Jack was a good friend in days long past.  I recall his quiet manner and steadfast encouragement when engaged in difficult social action projects during the 1980s and '90s.  His artwork was admired by so many, and I am proud to have some of them in my home.  Please accept my condolences to the family during this sad time.

Fondly remembering the times at the d'Art Center, where we had many good neighborly visits. Even though there have been years in between, I will miss you, Jack.

"I am so sorry for your loss. but  there is always one who  can gave you comfort and that is GOD PSALMS 29:11

OBITUARY

Jack Sisson Whitlow

April 10, 1936 – December 21, 2015

Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home & Rosewood Memorial Park

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