August 26, 1921 ~ July 5, 2012
Resided in:
Redondo Beach, CA
John "Jack" Lawrence Whitmeyer Jr., a 40 year resident of the South Bay, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, Thursday, July 5, 2012 in Redondo Beach.
Jack was born in San Francisco August 26, 1921. After graduating from Riverside Jr. College in 1941, Jack enlisted in the US Navy. A Quartermaster on the battleship USS New York and the Heavy Cruiser USS Canberra in both the European and Pacific Theaters respectively, Jack was at the helm of the Canberra off Formosa when it was struck by an aerial torpedo launched from attacking bombers. Heavily damaged but still afloat, the Canberra was used as "bait" while under tow but fortunately it successfully returned to Boston, where Jack remained until VJ Day. After being honorably discharged, Jack worked at Food Machinery, where he met his future wife and sweetheart, Doris. Turning a lifelong passion for trains and trolleys into a career, Jack worked 34 years on the Santa Fe Railroad as a chainman, draftsman, civil engineer and expert witness, retiring in 1981.
Jack was part of a select group of self-described "train nuts" who documented the Age of Steam with thousands of photographs. Jack would climb over any obstacle in any weather to get just the "right shot." Jack was a member of the Pacific Railway Society and the Orange Empire Trolley Museum and was a familiar face on many rail excursions. Today his photos of steam engines, cable and trolley cars, stations and depots are found in many books and online.
Jack generously donated many photographs to museums where they continue to create and inspire future generations of "train nuts." Jack was also an active member of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, having never lost his love of ships and ferries.
Jack was preceded in death by his son, James; his parents, Grace and John; and his beloved wife, Doris. He is survived by his sons, William (Laurel) of Vancouver, Canada; and Richard (Cheryl) of Santa Maria, California. Services were held at St. Francis Episcopal Church with burial at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church in the name of Jack Whitmeyer.
Guestbook
Jack Will Dearly be missed By All Members Of the USS.Canberra Reunion Association. Yours Truly Ron Nullet,Sect./Treas.
I miss you so much already, grandpa.
Jack will definitely be missed around the neighborhood.
Dad, you are in our thoughts daily & we keep smiling sadly at the constant reminders of you in our every day lives. Little Maxwell says, “Grand-papa!”, every time he sees a picture of you. Everytime we hear a train whistle blow. Every time we see our dog’s toy banana on the floor, how you looked at it quizically & wondered aloud, “how’d my banana get on the floor?” Tears in your friends’ eyes made me realize just how many people really have been touched by you. I thank them all for making your life just that much sweeter. Missing you for the rest of my life, your daughter/in law
Jack was my friend for many years through our mutual interest in ships and ferries and our involvement with the Steamship Historical Society. I just learned of his passing and am very saddened to hear the news but heartened by the wonderful life that he led. I will always remember you and miss you my friend. My condolences to family, especially William and Rich. He spoke to me about you often and lved his family.