Jack Weyforth
Jack Weyforth
August 28, 1939 – October 18, 2020
Overland Park, KS
John (Jack) Stuart Weyforth, 81, of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully on October 18, 2020, after complications from surgery. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, with whom he just celebrated 50 years of marriage; his daughter Katherine Vanlandingham (Andrew) and granddaughters Avery and Quinn; his daughter Carolyn Glanville (Mark) and granddaughter Charlotte; his siblings Frank Weyforth (Didi), Mimi Dawson (Rhett), Deborah McElvenney (Kevin), and countless nieces, nephews, family and friends that loved and respected him.
Born in St. Louis, MO, Jack spent his youth in the St Louis area, attended St. Louis University High School and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was lured to Kansas City to coach swimming at Homestead Country Club and Southwest High school, where his team brought home a state championship in 1969. After earning his masters degree at the University of Kansas he worked at various companies including Southwestern Bell and Sprint, from where he retired after 20 years.
Jack was a leader in the community, serving as School Board President in the Parkway School District in St. Louis and Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas City. This service drove him to also run for the United States Congress in 1980. A loving father, PawPaw, official and unofficial coach to countless swimmers – he loved taking part in a PFA (planned family activity), watching a good movie and gathering with friends.
Service
He spent summers in his beloved Chautauqua, IL where five generations of his family have enjoyed this special valley, and where next summer family and friends will celebrate his life.
Memorial Contributions
In honor and memory of Jack, please consider a donation to either the New Piasa Chautauqua Church (checks made to NPCCA) or the Chautauqua Historical Society Endowment Fund (checks made to CHS). Either donation can be mailed to: New Piasa Chautauqua, P.O. Box 207, Elsah, IL 62028.
I had the privilege of working on his campaign staff as his chief economist when he ran for US Congress in 1980. I worked with him developing his economic policies. I originally met him when he was my gym teacher in 1968. I knew him as a student and later as an economic advisor/friend as an adult. I admired and respected his passion and work ethic.
It is funny- I just told a Sugar Bear story about a Halloween spent at his apartment today. Then Roland Sabates informed me about Coach’s demise. Those of you who saw him at the 50th were privileged. The mark he made on those of us he coached or taught is indelible. RIP, Jack.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mary Ann and the rest of Sugar Bear’s family. We so enjoyed our visit at our 50th SWHS reunion, Class of 69. Wayne and I will forever say he played a part in bringing us together. He was so kind and funny. He has left such happy memories for all of us to remember the rest of our lives. Our prayers are with Mary Ann and the kids. RIP
The name rang a bell and I pictured a man (kid) in a green bathing suit, a coach, when I was on the “B” swim team while in junior high in Webster Groves, MO, a suburb of St. Louis. Must be he same guy. Funny the things we remember. My sympathy to his family.
Jack was a wonderful swim coach and mentor!
Please accept my deepest sympathy at this time.
Jack and Mary Ann were are very first, and only, friends when we moved to Kansas City in 1970. We shared some wonderful early married times…many of them involving eating and laughing. We still have the pictures to prove it. His wicked sense of humor and delightful stories will be missed by many. We extend our condolences to Mary Ann and family.
Hello Enid,
I believe I am a Kappa Alpha Theta with you .
Your words of sympathy were poignant. Jack Weyforth was my swim coach beginning in 1965.
He was a great man and will be missed.
I grew up in Merriam, KS, never got to know the family well, but we had a pride in the Weyforth for Congress signs and bumper stickers. As an educator concerned with civics, and a proud dad of an NCAA swimmer, I wish I had known you all better.
Mary Ann, I am so sorry to read about Jack. We go back so, so many years, even before either of us were were married. I would love to talk to you, but do not know how to get in touch with you. You and Jack were always very special to me.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Knox
I’m so sorry to hear about Jack. My husband and I taught with him at Southwest and I will always remember when we won the state championship. He was a good man.
In addition to being a top notch swimming coach, Jack was also a tremendous football coach. I played defensive tackle for him at Southwest High in 1967, when he was our Defensive Coordinator. He really knew how to get the best out of us as athletes and bonded with us as people, too. I am not surprised to see how successful he went on to be from Southwest. May God bless his family. Jack, thanks for everything.
Entered Washington University together in the fall of ’57 and pledged Phi Delt. What a positive influence on all who knew him. So glad to be able to connect with Jack, (I think he was actually in the hospital) a month ago, for a Phi Delt Virtual reunion, organized by Rich Hughes.
This points to, among many things, that if you are organizing a reunion, do not ponder or delay, get going on it … connecting with family and friends. Its important.
Let Jack, be your inspiration to do this, and many of the other things undone and unsaid.
Our love and condolences to Mary Ann, Frank and all of the family.
Don Oliver, Kirkwood
Jack was an outstanding boss and I enjoyed working for him in the 911 Department at Sprint. He was always fair, honest and a great teacher always willing to share wealth of knowledge. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
RIP friend. Sure enjoyed knowing and working with you back in the PCS days
You will be missed
Much love and thoughts/prayers to the family!
DL
We both are so sorry to have to say goodbye to Jack. Will remember our over 20 years with him and Mary Ann and sparkling dinner conversations. Remember his insight into todays telecommunications world, political issues, his wit, and his wisdom. Jack and Mary Ann have shared a major part of our social world, including magical visit to Chautauqua. Thinking of your family at this time. With love, Sharyl and Ron Wright
My sincere condolences to Jack’s family. Affectionately known as Sugar Bear, Jack got me back into swimming and away from the Shawnee Mission East fun – but nefarious -group known as the Rat Pack. I had been away from swimming nearly three years and he called me the summer before the 1969 swimming season at Southwest High saying he thought he could make a run for a Missouri state championship. He flattered me saying I could be the “missing link“ towards getting there – and I was sold! It was a long, arduous journey getting back in shape but, when the state championship came, I was able to contribute on both relay teams. I’m forever grateful to Sugar Bear for helping me improve my life and being part of a wonderful time (excepting those excruciating swim practices!). Thanks Coach!!
Jack was a leader both in business and especially as President of the Chautauqua Board of Directors. Not an easy job! Our community was and is a motley crew composed of a people with a wide variety of talents and strong personalities and each with an opinion which they are always willing to share! However, a group of folks who, like Jack, loved Chautauqua! Jack’s competitiveness, intelligence, and sense of humor served him well over the years.
He was also blessed with a wonderful and giving wife and two terrific daughters they will miss him dearly! As will a great number of Chautauquans.
God Bless!
Tom Hagemann
We have been friends with Mary Ann and Jack for almost 50 years…..camping, farm visits, early Christmas celebrations , watching their beautiful girls grow up, and other KC visits. We will miss Jacks witty humor, beautiful smile and great hugs. RIP sweet friend. We love you ❤️
I had the good fortune to know Jack in the Chautauqua community where he was widely respected and admired. He held true to his word and could be counted on when the community and friends needed a helping hand or advice to a way forward. God be with you, Jack.
My heart aches for the family. Prayers and thoughts with all.
We have had over 35 years of friendship with Jack and Mary Ann. We will miss his company, wit and wisdom.
We are so very sorry that Jack is no longer with us. He was Pat’s best buddy. They loved going to Tanner’s and solving the world’s problems. His friendship will be missed