John Patterson Witherspoon was born in Chicago on July 5, 1929, to Walter and Frances Witherspoon.
Walter Edward Witherspoon was born 7 April 1901 in Duquesne, PA to John Paterson Witherspoon and Emma J. Crossland. He died 4 December 1978 in Stanilous, CA.
Helen Frances Couch was born on 29 January 1909 in Decatur, IL to Joseph A Couch and Ida Caroline Liesch. She died 22 December 1992 in Oregon.
Walter and Helen married on August 4, 1928 in Midothian, IL. They had two children, John Patterson Witherspoon and Janet “Tish” Witherspoon.
Helen was married on 7 March 1953 in Elko, NV to Harold Maurice Hooper.
Part of this information was directly from the family history written in 1971. It includes the names of John Witherspoon’s wife and 2 daughters (still living) which match his obituary.
Source: Family Genealogical Record: Cultice, Ruth Pfeiffer. Philip and Wilhelmina (Futh) Moeller and Their Descendants. N.p.: Self published, 6 June 1971.
_____________________________
The impact John Witherspoon made on public broadcasting reverberated in his home base of San Diego, as well throughout the country and the world.
Mr. Witherspoon became the first general manager in 1967 for what is now KPBS, the local public radio-TV station. His long tenure as professor at San Diego State University culminated in becoming professor emeritus at its School of Communications in 1992.
Mr. Witherspoon died on Oct. 11, of natural causes at his Coronado home, with his family by his side. He was 88.
Extremely active on a national level, he was pivotal in the creation of the Public Broadcasting Act, which supported noncommercial radio and television. In 1967, he attended the bill’s signing by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington, D.C.
In 1970, Mr. Witherspoon served as the Founding Chair of National Public Radio’s Board of Directors and, around the same time, Television Activities Director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
He served as the first general manager of what was then KEBS TV and radio from 1967 to 1970. He was inducted into the inaugural KPBS Hall of Fame in 2010.
Tom Karlo, current KPBS General Manager, said he considers Mr. Witherspoon, co-author of the 1987 book, “The History of Public Broadcasting,” a giant in the industry.
“John always emphasized that KPBS had to be relevant in producing programming that inspires, educates and informs our local audience,” said Karlo, who considered Mr. Witherspoon a mentor. “He preached covering public affairs, culture and arts – national, international and local – to become a one-stop-shop service. His vision is still the backbone of what we do.
“Another great thing John did when he started was applying for the call letters, KPBS. That was a brilliant stroke of branding and marketing.”
An avid sailor, Mr. Witherspoon joined the Coronado Yacht Club in 1982 and was Commodore of the group in 2004. He remained a member until his death.
“We sailed as family,” recalled his daughter, Lynn Witherspoon of Los Angeles. “He always had a boat. I remember as a child he loved to turn off the motor because it would become so peaceful. He liked being with nature in a genuine way.”
John Patterson Witherspoon was born in Chicago on July 5, 1929, to Walter and Frances Witherspoon. He spent his early years in Pennsylvania and settled with his family in Modesto as a teenager. After studying at Modesto Junior College, he earned his B.A. at the College of the Pacific in 1951.
He served in the Navy during the Korean War, from 1952 to 1955. He was a navigator on the destroyer USS Eversole and received several honors, including the Korean Service and National Defense Service medals. On his return, Mr. Witherspoon earned his master’s degree at Stanford in 1958 and continued studies there for two years.
In the mid-1970s, he became founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors, helping to establish the field of long-distance learning. His commitment to this field lasted through the 1980s and required traveling to a wide range of spots, including Alaska, the South Pacific, China and Washington, D.C.
“John’s work professionally and his volunteer work were all around public service, improving society and creating new opportunities for people,” said Jacob Adams, Witherspoon’s son-in-law. “He was even-keel and diplomatic; the calm center of the storm – whatever room he was in.”
Family members and colleagues alike commented upon his quick wit, excellent facility for language and diplomatic skills.
“So many people have said what a gentlemen he was,” his daughter said. “A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He never managed by intimidation; he collaborated. He could transcend the details that people considered obstacles because he could see the big picture.
“I respected him and loved him so much. My whole life, I admired him so thoroughly. But, especially in the latter part of his life, I realized the most wonderful thing about him was how he demonstrated how important love of his family was.”
In addition to his wife, Mercedes, and daughter Lynn, Mr. Witherspoon is survived by his daughter, Leslie Adams of Claremont, two grandsons and a great-grandson.
A private celebration will be held today in Coronado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to KPBS, in care of Alex Kim, 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182.
~ by Beth Wood, San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 20, 2017
_________________________
John P. Witherspoon died peacefully at the age of 88. He was home with his treasured wife of 67 years, Mercedes, daughters Leslie Adams and Lynn Witherspoon, and son-in-law Jacob Adams.
John helped create the Public Broadcasting Act and attended the White House ceremony where President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill. He served as the founding chairman of National Public Radio's (NPR) Board of Directors and as the Director of Television Activities for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). As founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors Association, John helped lay the foundation for the field of distance learning. Closer to home, John was the first general manager of San Diego's public television station, KEBS (now KPBS), and later a professor of communications at San Diego State University.A former Naval officer, John was an avid sailor and served as Commodore of the Coronado Yacht Club.All who knew him will remember his intellect, wit, and facility with language and will cherish his immense kindness, thoughtfulness, and care for others.A celebration of life service will be held in Coronado on October 22. For details and to RSVP, please call or text (310) 617-2022.
~ Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 17, 2017
Read More
Walter Edward Witherspoon was born 7 April 1901 in Duquesne, PA to John Paterson Witherspoon and Emma J. Crossland. He died 4 December 1978 in Stanilous, CA.
Helen Frances Couch was born on 29 January 1909 in Decatur, IL to Joseph A Couch and Ida Caroline Liesch. She died 22 December 1992 in Oregon.
Walter and Helen married on August 4, 1928 in Midothian, IL. They had two children, John Patterson Witherspoon and Janet “Tish” Witherspoon.
Helen was married on 7 March 1953 in Elko, NV to Harold Maurice Hooper.
Part of this information was directly from the family history written in 1971. It includes the names of John Witherspoon’s wife and 2 daughters (still living) which match his obituary.
Source: Family Genealogical Record: Cultice, Ruth Pfeiffer. Philip and Wilhelmina (Futh) Moeller and Their Descendants. N.p.: Self published, 6 June 1971.
_____________________________
The impact John Witherspoon made on public broadcasting reverberated in his home base of San Diego, as well throughout the country and the world.
Mr. Witherspoon became the first general manager in 1967 for what is now KPBS, the local public radio-TV station. His long tenure as professor at San Diego State University culminated in becoming professor emeritus at its School of Communications in 1992.
Mr. Witherspoon died on Oct. 11, of natural causes at his Coronado home, with his family by his side. He was 88.
Extremely active on a national level, he was pivotal in the creation of the Public Broadcasting Act, which supported noncommercial radio and television. In 1967, he attended the bill’s signing by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington, D.C.
In 1970, Mr. Witherspoon served as the Founding Chair of National Public Radio’s Board of Directors and, around the same time, Television Activities Director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
He served as the first general manager of what was then KEBS TV and radio from 1967 to 1970. He was inducted into the inaugural KPBS Hall of Fame in 2010.
Tom Karlo, current KPBS General Manager, said he considers Mr. Witherspoon, co-author of the 1987 book, “The History of Public Broadcasting,” a giant in the industry.
“John always emphasized that KPBS had to be relevant in producing programming that inspires, educates and informs our local audience,” said Karlo, who considered Mr. Witherspoon a mentor. “He preached covering public affairs, culture and arts – national, international and local – to become a one-stop-shop service. His vision is still the backbone of what we do.
“Another great thing John did when he started was applying for the call letters, KPBS. That was a brilliant stroke of branding and marketing.”
An avid sailor, Mr. Witherspoon joined the Coronado Yacht Club in 1982 and was Commodore of the group in 2004. He remained a member until his death.
“We sailed as family,” recalled his daughter, Lynn Witherspoon of Los Angeles. “He always had a boat. I remember as a child he loved to turn off the motor because it would become so peaceful. He liked being with nature in a genuine way.”
John Patterson Witherspoon was born in Chicago on July 5, 1929, to Walter and Frances Witherspoon. He spent his early years in Pennsylvania and settled with his family in Modesto as a teenager. After studying at Modesto Junior College, he earned his B.A. at the College of the Pacific in 1951.
He served in the Navy during the Korean War, from 1952 to 1955. He was a navigator on the destroyer USS Eversole and received several honors, including the Korean Service and National Defense Service medals. On his return, Mr. Witherspoon earned his master’s degree at Stanford in 1958 and continued studies there for two years.
In the mid-1970s, he became founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors, helping to establish the field of long-distance learning. His commitment to this field lasted through the 1980s and required traveling to a wide range of spots, including Alaska, the South Pacific, China and Washington, D.C.
“John’s work professionally and his volunteer work were all around public service, improving society and creating new opportunities for people,” said Jacob Adams, Witherspoon’s son-in-law. “He was even-keel and diplomatic; the calm center of the storm – whatever room he was in.”
Family members and colleagues alike commented upon his quick wit, excellent facility for language and diplomatic skills.
“So many people have said what a gentlemen he was,” his daughter said. “A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He never managed by intimidation; he collaborated. He could transcend the details that people considered obstacles because he could see the big picture.
“I respected him and loved him so much. My whole life, I admired him so thoroughly. But, especially in the latter part of his life, I realized the most wonderful thing about him was how he demonstrated how important love of his family was.”
In addition to his wife, Mercedes, and daughter Lynn, Mr. Witherspoon is survived by his daughter, Leslie Adams of Claremont, two grandsons and a great-grandson.
A private celebration will be held today in Coronado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to KPBS, in care of Alex Kim, 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182.
~ by Beth Wood, San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 20, 2017
_________________________
John P. Witherspoon died peacefully at the age of 88. He was home with his treasured wife of 67 years, Mercedes, daughters Leslie Adams and Lynn Witherspoon, and son-in-law Jacob Adams.
John helped create the Public Broadcasting Act and attended the White House ceremony where President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill. He served as the founding chairman of National Public Radio's (NPR) Board of Directors and as the Director of Television Activities for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). As founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors Association, John helped lay the foundation for the field of distance learning. Closer to home, John was the first general manager of San Diego's public television station, KEBS (now KPBS), and later a professor of communications at San Diego State University.A former Naval officer, John was an avid sailor and served as Commodore of the Coronado Yacht Club.All who knew him will remember his intellect, wit, and facility with language and will cherish his immense kindness, thoughtfulness, and care for others.A celebration of life service will be held in Coronado on October 22. For details and to RSVP, please call or text (310) 617-2022.
~ Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 17, 2017
Read More
John Patterson Witherspoon was born in Chicago on July 5, 1929, to Walter and Frances Witherspoon.
Walter Edward Witherspoon was born 7 April 1901 in Duquesne, PA to John Paterson Witherspoon and Emma J. Crossland. He died 4 December 1978 in Stanilous, CA.
Helen Frances Couch was born on 29 January 1909 in Decatur, IL to Joseph A Couch and Ida Caroline Liesch. She died 22 December 1992 in Oregon.
Walter and Helen married on August 4, 1928 in Midothian, IL. They had two children, John Patterson Witherspoon and Janet “Tish” Witherspoon.
Helen was married on 7 March 1953 in Elko, NV to Harold Maurice Hooper.
Part of this information was directly from the family history written in 1971. It includes the names of John Witherspoon’s wife and 2 daughters (still living) which match his obituary.
Source: Family Genealogical Record: Cultice, Ruth Pfeiffer. Philip and Wilhelmina (Futh) Moeller and Their Descendants. N.p.: Self published, 6 June 1971.
_____________________________
The impact John Witherspoon made on public broadcasting reverberated in his home base of San Diego, as well throughout the country and the world.
Mr. Witherspoon became the first general manager in 1967 for what is now KPBS, the local public radio-TV station. His long tenure as professor at San Diego State University culminated in becoming professor emeritus at its School of Communications in 1992.
Mr. Witherspoon died on Oct. 11, of natural causes at his Coronado home, with his family by his side. He was 88.
Extremely active on a national level, he was pivotal in the creation of the Public Broadcasting Act, which supported noncommercial radio and television. In 1967, he attended the bill’s signing by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington, D.C.
In 1970, Mr. Witherspoon served as the Founding Chair of National Public Radio’s Board of Directors and, around the same time, Television Activities Director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
He served as the first general manager of what was then KEBS TV and radio from 1967 to 1970. He was inducted into the inaugural KPBS Hall of Fame in 2010.
Tom Karlo, current KPBS General Manager, said he considers Mr. Witherspoon, co-author of the 1987 book, “The History of Public Broadcasting,” a giant in the industry.
“John always emphasized that KPBS had to be relevant in producing programming that inspires, educates and informs our local audience,” said Karlo, who considered Mr. Witherspoon a mentor. “He preached covering public affairs, culture and arts – national, international and local – to become a one-stop-shop service. His vision is still the backbone of what we do.
“Another great thing John did when he started was applying for the call letters, KPBS. That was a brilliant stroke of branding and marketing.”
An avid sailor, Mr. Witherspoon joined the Coronado Yacht Club in 1982 and was Commodore of the group in 2004. He remained a member until his death.
“We sailed as family,” recalled his daughter, Lynn Witherspoon of Los Angeles. “He always had a boat. I remember as a child he loved to turn off the motor because it would become so peaceful. He liked being with nature in a genuine way.”
John Patterson Witherspoon was born in Chicago on July 5, 1929, to Walter and Frances Witherspoon. He spent his early years in Pennsylvania and settled with his family in Modesto as a teenager. After studying at Modesto Junior College, he earned his B.A. at the College of the Pacific in 1951.
He served in the Navy during the Korean War, from 1952 to 1955. He was a navigator on the destroyer USS Eversole and received several honors, including the Korean Service and National Defense Service medals. On his return, Mr. Witherspoon earned his master’s degree at Stanford in 1958 and continued studies there for two years.
In the mid-1970s, he became founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors, helping to establish the field of long-distance learning. His commitment to this field lasted through the 1980s and required traveling to a wide range of spots, including Alaska, the South Pacific, China and Washington, D.C.
“John’s work professionally and his volunteer work were all around public service, improving society and creating new opportunities for people,” said Jacob Adams, Witherspoon’s son-in-law. “He was even-keel and diplomatic; the calm center of the storm – whatever room he was in.”
Family members and colleagues alike commented upon his quick wit, excellent facility for language and diplomatic skills.
“So many people have said what a gentlemen he was,” his daughter said. “A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He never managed by intimidation; he collaborated. He could transcend the details that people considered obstacles because he could see the big picture.
“I respected him and loved him so much. My whole life, I admired him so thoroughly. But, especially in the latter part of his life, I realized the most wonderful thing about him was how he demonstrated how important love of his family was.”
In addition to his wife, Mercedes, and daughter Lynn, Mr. Witherspoon is survived by his daughter, Leslie Adams of Claremont, two grandsons and a great-grandson.
A private celebration will be held today in Coronado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to KPBS, in care of Alex Kim, 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182.
~ by Beth Wood, San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 20, 2017
_________________________
John P. Witherspoon died peacefully at the age of 88. He was home with his treasured wife of 67 years, Mercedes, daughters Leslie Adams and Lynn Witherspoon, and son-in-law Jacob Adams.
John helped create the Public Broadcasting Act and attended the White House ceremony where President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill. He served as the founding chairman of National Public Radio's (NPR) Board of Directors and as the Director of Television Activities for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). As founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors Association, John helped lay the foundation for the field of distance learning. Closer to home, John was the first general manager of San Diego's public television station, KEBS (now KPBS), and later a professor of communications at San Diego State University.A former Naval officer, John was an avid sailor and served as Commodore of the Coronado Yacht Club.All who knew him will remember his intellect, wit, and facility with language and will cherish his immense kindness, thoughtfulness, and care for others.A celebration of life service will be held in Coronado on October 22. For details and to RSVP, please call or text (310) 617-2022.
~ Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 17, 2017
Read More
Walter Edward Witherspoon was born 7 April 1901 in Duquesne, PA to John Paterson Witherspoon and Emma J. Crossland. He died 4 December 1978 in Stanilous, CA.
Helen Frances Couch was born on 29 January 1909 in Decatur, IL to Joseph A Couch and Ida Caroline Liesch. She died 22 December 1992 in Oregon.
Walter and Helen married on August 4, 1928 in Midothian, IL. They had two children, John Patterson Witherspoon and Janet “Tish” Witherspoon.
Helen was married on 7 March 1953 in Elko, NV to Harold Maurice Hooper.
Part of this information was directly from the family history written in 1971. It includes the names of John Witherspoon’s wife and 2 daughters (still living) which match his obituary.
Source: Family Genealogical Record: Cultice, Ruth Pfeiffer. Philip and Wilhelmina (Futh) Moeller and Their Descendants. N.p.: Self published, 6 June 1971.
_____________________________
The impact John Witherspoon made on public broadcasting reverberated in his home base of San Diego, as well throughout the country and the world.
Mr. Witherspoon became the first general manager in 1967 for what is now KPBS, the local public radio-TV station. His long tenure as professor at San Diego State University culminated in becoming professor emeritus at its School of Communications in 1992.
Mr. Witherspoon died on Oct. 11, of natural causes at his Coronado home, with his family by his side. He was 88.
Extremely active on a national level, he was pivotal in the creation of the Public Broadcasting Act, which supported noncommercial radio and television. In 1967, he attended the bill’s signing by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington, D.C.
In 1970, Mr. Witherspoon served as the Founding Chair of National Public Radio’s Board of Directors and, around the same time, Television Activities Director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
He served as the first general manager of what was then KEBS TV and radio from 1967 to 1970. He was inducted into the inaugural KPBS Hall of Fame in 2010.
Tom Karlo, current KPBS General Manager, said he considers Mr. Witherspoon, co-author of the 1987 book, “The History of Public Broadcasting,” a giant in the industry.
“John always emphasized that KPBS had to be relevant in producing programming that inspires, educates and informs our local audience,” said Karlo, who considered Mr. Witherspoon a mentor. “He preached covering public affairs, culture and arts – national, international and local – to become a one-stop-shop service. His vision is still the backbone of what we do.
“Another great thing John did when he started was applying for the call letters, KPBS. That was a brilliant stroke of branding and marketing.”
An avid sailor, Mr. Witherspoon joined the Coronado Yacht Club in 1982 and was Commodore of the group in 2004. He remained a member until his death.
“We sailed as family,” recalled his daughter, Lynn Witherspoon of Los Angeles. “He always had a boat. I remember as a child he loved to turn off the motor because it would become so peaceful. He liked being with nature in a genuine way.”
John Patterson Witherspoon was born in Chicago on July 5, 1929, to Walter and Frances Witherspoon. He spent his early years in Pennsylvania and settled with his family in Modesto as a teenager. After studying at Modesto Junior College, he earned his B.A. at the College of the Pacific in 1951.
He served in the Navy during the Korean War, from 1952 to 1955. He was a navigator on the destroyer USS Eversole and received several honors, including the Korean Service and National Defense Service medals. On his return, Mr. Witherspoon earned his master’s degree at Stanford in 1958 and continued studies there for two years.
In the mid-1970s, he became founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors, helping to establish the field of long-distance learning. His commitment to this field lasted through the 1980s and required traveling to a wide range of spots, including Alaska, the South Pacific, China and Washington, D.C.
“John’s work professionally and his volunteer work were all around public service, improving society and creating new opportunities for people,” said Jacob Adams, Witherspoon’s son-in-law. “He was even-keel and diplomatic; the calm center of the storm – whatever room he was in.”
Family members and colleagues alike commented upon his quick wit, excellent facility for language and diplomatic skills.
“So many people have said what a gentlemen he was,” his daughter said. “A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He never managed by intimidation; he collaborated. He could transcend the details that people considered obstacles because he could see the big picture.
“I respected him and loved him so much. My whole life, I admired him so thoroughly. But, especially in the latter part of his life, I realized the most wonderful thing about him was how he demonstrated how important love of his family was.”
In addition to his wife, Mercedes, and daughter Lynn, Mr. Witherspoon is survived by his daughter, Leslie Adams of Claremont, two grandsons and a great-grandson.
A private celebration will be held today in Coronado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to KPBS, in care of Alex Kim, 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182.
~ by Beth Wood, San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 20, 2017
_________________________
John P. Witherspoon died peacefully at the age of 88. He was home with his treasured wife of 67 years, Mercedes, daughters Leslie Adams and Lynn Witherspoon, and son-in-law Jacob Adams.
John helped create the Public Broadcasting Act and attended the White House ceremony where President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill. He served as the founding chairman of National Public Radio's (NPR) Board of Directors and as the Director of Television Activities for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). As founding president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium and consultant to the Western Governors Association, John helped lay the foundation for the field of distance learning. Closer to home, John was the first general manager of San Diego's public television station, KEBS (now KPBS), and later a professor of communications at San Diego State University.A former Naval officer, John was an avid sailor and served as Commodore of the Coronado Yacht Club.All who knew him will remember his intellect, wit, and facility with language and will cherish his immense kindness, thoughtfulness, and care for others.A celebration of life service will be held in Coronado on October 22. For details and to RSVP, please call or text (310) 617-2022.
~ Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 17, 2017
Read More
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
