Jack M. McCaw

Jack M. McCaw, age 98, was welcomed into the Heavenly Choir on November 15, 2025, joining his beloved “redhead,” Laurette. He was born on March 31, 1927, in Walla Walla, WA, to Jay M. and Katherine Holling McCaw. (He always joked that his mother didn’t want him to be an “April Fool,” so she made sure he was a day early).

He grew up on the family farm near Prescott, along with his sister, Kathleen. He was valedictorian of the Prescott High School class of 1945, but his mother had to accept his diploma in his place since he had enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday to serve in WWII. Following basic training in San Diego, he began readying for the invasion of Japan. The end of the war in August meant he would serve a year in the occupation forces in Japan.

Following his discharge, he returned home and enrolled in Washington State College. He left soon thereafter to return home and assist his father on the family farm, where his true passion was realized. Within a year, he fell in love with Laurette Stueckle, and they were married on November 20, 1949. They welcomed three children between 1952 and 1957: J.E., Guy, and Laurie.

Over the years, he and the family worked very hard to grow their farming operation, and the family still farms the ground his grandfather began cultivating in the 1890s. Despite the heavy workload, he generously donated his time and effort in service to many organizations in the local community. He served on the Waitsburg school board, was an active member of the Waitsburg Lions Club, was a member of the El Katif Shrine, and was a devoted member of the Waitsburg Masonic Lodge #16, where he was part of the Order of the Eastern Star and a 33˚ Scottish Rite Freemason. He was a longtime member of the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully in the choir for many years. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion Post #35, Touchet Valley Grain Growers, Northwest Grain Growers, Washington Wheat Growers Association, Walla Walla Conservation District, and the Walla Walla Community Foundation board.

Jack also made time for coaching his two sons and other local youth in Little League baseball. He was called out of retirement in his 70s to once again assume the role of coach, this time for his two youngest grandchildren in T-ball. When he wasn’t coaching, he was an avid member of his adult sons’ softball team, coming off the bench to pinch hit in all the “clutch” situations where it was best to use a seasoned (age 75+) veteran.

In the 1960s, he began a 50+ year stint as the bass singer in the Waitsburg barbershop quartet. Through the years, several iterations of the quartet appeared, but Jack was the one constant throughout. Singing was a central part of his life, and he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his booming bass with everyone. When he turned 70, he discovered his second calling as a theater performer in dozens of musical productions at the Liberty Theater in Dayton. He continued performing into his early 90s and immensely enjoyed his theater family.

Jack is survived by his three children: J.E. (Sandy), Guy (Cathy), and Laurie; grandchildren: John McCaw (Tarah), Kelly Steinhoff (Tanner), Amber Roberts (Mike), Jesse McCaw (Kate), Wyatt Withers (Amanda), and Megan McCaw; great-grandchildren: Kiya, Lucas, Chloe, Ava, Colton, Rilee, Chase, Tucker, Trace, Hadley, Caden, Madison, Monroe, Violet, Sterling, and Linus; great-great-grandson, Baylor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Laurette; sister, Kathleen; son-in-law, Ian Withers; and daughter-in-law, Lynn McCaw.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Waitsburg High School gym, with a reception to follow at the Waitsburg Elementary School cafeteria.

His days on Earth were the definition of a life well and fully lived. A dedicated supporter of the communities of the Touchet Valley, he will be truly missed by all.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waitsburg Lions Club, PO Box 374, Waitsburg WA 99361, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

GO NAVY!!