Dr. Jack Leslie McPherson PhD

This blog is dedicated to my father-in-law. He went home to be with the Lord Sunday September 27th after a long battle with cancer. He is loved very much and will be greatly missed!! If Dr. McPherson has touched your life in any way please leave a comment. Thank-you!!

DR. JACK LESLIE McPHERSON
October 22, 1933 to September 27, 2009

Dr. Jack L. McPherson, longtime Ellensburg resident, died on Sunday, September 27th at the age of 75 after a long battle with colon cancer. He was born on October 22, 1933, in Seattle, WA. We knew “Jack” as an incredibly devoted, loving, and sentimental husband, father and educator. As a prominent area educator and coach, he had a profound impact on students and athletes of all ages.

As a youth, Jack was active in sports, excelling in wrestling and later, tennis. He was a 1951 graduate of R. A. Long High School in Longview, Washington. After high school, Jack attended community college in Longview, then transferred to the University of Washington. He graduated in 1954 with a degree in geography and topography. Following graduation, Jack was drafted into the 6th Infantry Division of the Army.

Jack’s teaching career began in 1959 at Bothell High School and spanned 50 years. In 1960, he began teaching Social Studies at Franklin High School until 1967, where he also coached basketball, baseball, football, track and field. Jack continued his dedication to the field of education by acquiring two master’s degrees; one in special education from Portland State and one in counseling; then he earned a PhD in Vocational Education and School Administration from Washington State University in 1975. He later became an administrator and then a college professor. At Central Washington University, Jack was Department Head and Professor of School Administration. His last position was at Heritage University as Director of Professional Studies in the Education Department. In April, Jack was presented the Heritage University 2009 Professor of the Year Award. As an educator, Jack was known for his exceptional ability to challenge students to excel and his personal contribution to each student’s success.

Jack loved to travel, as you will see in his pictures on Facebook. He was able to bike the hills of England, roam the heathers of Scotland, and walk the Great Wall of China. During his speaking engagement in China, he was recognized as an “Honorary Citizen” of Zebo. Jack also traveled to Taiwan as an honored guest speaker in area universities.

In his role as husband and father to his five children, he was totally committed to providing love, encouragement, support and always available to share his wisdom and concern. Dr. Jack L. McPherson left us an unforgettable legacy of a truly honorable, selfless man; a memory rich with extraordinary relationships and experiences. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce McPherson, his son, Sean McPherson, and daughter, Jackie McPherson, all of Ellensburg; daughter, Susan Garvin of Batesville, Indiana; sons, Scott McPherson of Jacksonville, Florida and John McPherson of Poulsbo; his mother, Nora McPherson of Auburn; and his brother, George McPherson of Black Diamond. He is also remembered lovingly by his 11 grandchildren: Jacob, John and Jessica Garvin; Kyle, Shannon, Kristi, and Lindsay McPherson; and Scott, Michael, James, and Emily McPherson.

A memorial service in Jack’s honor will be held at 1:00 Saturday, October 3rd, in Ellensburg at Mercer Creek Church, 1407 North B Street. Donations may be made to the Dr. Jack McPherson Memorial Scholarship Fund for Graduate Students, c/o Heritage University, 3240 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948. For more pictures and comments from family and friends about Jack, go to the Facebook link on this page.


We welcome friends to post memories or thoughts about our Dad, Dr. Jack McPherson. You can click on the Facebook link to the left and view photos on that page by clicking the photo tab.

Thank-you!!