Jack W. Straw

Jack W. Straw, age 73, of Grants Pass, died September 25, 2024 at Asante Rouge Regional Medical Center.

Jack Wellsley Straw was born in Riverside, California, in 1950 and grew up with a passion for sports. He excelled at football at Novato High School and continued his athletic career at College of Marin, ultimately finishing his playing career at Hayward State University in California. Jack married the love of his life in 1976, and together they raised five wonderful children. They moved from Novato, California to Ashland, Oregon for a time, serving as caretakers of Wilderness Trails, before settling in Grants Pass in 1994.

Jack was a man of many talents and a heart full of love for people. He was a skilled surfer, table tennis player, and coach who inspired his teams with both his dedication and sense of fun. His enthusiasm for Grants Pass High School Football was unmatched, and he rarely missed a home game.

In Grants Pass, Jack found his true calling working with men at the Gospel Rescue Mission, where he poured his time and energy into supporting both residents and staff. He was also an active member of Edgewater Christian Fellowship and shared his faith through various efforts, including a mission trip to India. Jack’s warmth, humor, and knack for conversation made him a friend to everyone he met. It wasn’t uncommon for him to casually ask, “You got faith?”—always with a twinkle in his eye and a genuine curiosity.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Straw of Grants Pass, OR; his children: Rebecca Antley and her husband Robert (Grants Pass, OR), Katelyn Thiesen and her husband Kurtis (Reedley, CA), Amanda Hodges and her husband Joshua (Fresno, CA), Andrew Straw (Grants Pass, OR) and his wife Danielle, and Ethan Straw (Grants Pass, OR) and his wife Falon. Jack is also survived by his brothers: Douglas, Gregory, Kenneth, and Phillip Straw. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren, each of whom he adored.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Hobert Miller Straw and Joann Francis Straw.

Jack Wellsley Straw will be remembered for his deep faith, spontaneous songs, loving spirit, and infectious joy in serving Christ.

Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of life to be held at Edgewater Christian Fellowship 11/2 at 2pm. 

Please share a memory of Jack on the Guestbook below.