Jack Robert Orr

Jack Orr, beloved husband, dad, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at his home at Vista del Monte, Santa Barbara, CA surrounded by his family on May 19, 2024.

Jack was born in Rockford, Illinois, on March 9, 1934, second child of Esther Eichelberger Orr and Kenneth Orr. He grew up on a small family farm and truck garden in Winnebago, Illinois. He was the proud son of farmers and himself remained a farmer into his later years, trading the marketing of fruit and vegetables as a boy for tending his beloved avocado crops in a small, but grand orchard.

While in college at Illinois State University, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Jones, at a church youth work party helping elders. After acquiring an advanced degree in education at the University of Illinois, and following her graduation, they married in 1958. Last summer they celebrated a 65-year anniversary in the Northwest, with lots of extended family, love, and laughter.

Jack was a natural teacher, taught math, coached, and counseled generations of students from Byron and Geneva, Illinois to Claremont California, to Santa Barbara High School, and ultimately, Dos Pueblos High School. For Jack, it was always about the students, whatever their background, interests, passions, or abilities. He saw the best, and got the best out of those he taught and touched.

After moving to Santa Barbara in 1966, Jack became active in the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. He served faithfully on numerous boards and committees, sang in the choir, and devoted much time over many years as a steward of church finances.

A star multi-sport athlete in high school, Jack followed local and national sports, especially the Chicago Cubs, supported and cheered his sons in their individual passions, and enjoyed golfing with friends in his retirement years.

Jack is survived by his wife Bonnie Jones Orr, his sons David and Bob, daughters-in-love Kelly and Audrey, and grandchildren Kirsten, Kevin, Isabelle, and Mark. He also numbered among his children, Xiaofei Kang, a “daughter” whom he had the opportunity to parent when she came as a student to the United States.

Donations in Jack’s memory may be sent to the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara for the Social Justice Scholarship Fund benefiting first generation students.

A memorial service and celebration of Jack’s life will be held at the Santa Barbara First Congregational Church at 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 3rd.