Jack Whittaker

WHITTAKER, JACK Age 43, a resident of Corrales, died Sunday, July 14, 2013, after a battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 15 years, Jeannette Martinez Whittaker; their teenage children, Max and Madison, who were the joys of his life; his beloved parents, Dwayne and Bea Whittaker of Albuquerque, NM; his sister, Jill Platow and her husband, Randy of Arkansas; nephew, Scott Platow; niece, Jennifer Weinzetl; his adoring father-in law and mother-in-law, Levi and Viola Martinez of Los Alamos, NM; brother-in-law, Kenneth Martinez of Los Alamos, NM; brother-in-law, Levi Martinez II of Santa Barbara, CA; sister-in-law, Suzzanna Martinez of Denver; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He attended Temple Baptist Academy and graduated with honors from Manzano High School. He won a DECA scholarship to the University of New Mexico where he studied finance. Jack exemplified the philosophy of carpe diem and lived his life to the fullest. He declared his love for Jeannette on their first date and stated that they would be married and have children, which, to the astonishment of Jeannette, did occur within 5 months. Beginning at a young age, he supervised hundreds of employees in the telecommunications, collections and consumer finance industries and garnered several awards for his leadership and excellence. While employed with Sprint PCS and Sprint/Nextel in Rio Rancho he managed vendor relationships in multiple locations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia. He traveled with his wife and children to Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Mexico for snorkeling and deep sea fishing and took his wife on anniversary trips to Switzerland, Japan and Canada. Jack was influential in the New Mexico youth soccer community for many years. He supported soccer at all levels, from devoted fan of his son’s and daughter’s teams, referee, President of Corrales Soccer Club, President of Northwest Rio Grande Soccer League, and NMYSA District Commissioner. One of his greatest gifts was his quick wit and sense of humor. In addition, he loved to cook, bake bread and prepare exquisite gourmet holiday meals. Jack and his father-in-law brewed beer and crafted apple cider and honey mead. Jack also enjoyed reading, gardening and skiing and he is an excellent marksman. His family and friends will miss him dearly. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 20, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Westside. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Whittaker College Scholarship fund for his children at the Wells Fargo Bank in Corrales. Please visit our online guest book for Jack at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300

Jack Whittaker

April 5, 1970 - July 14, 2013