Jack William Martin

Dr. Jack William Martin, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Castle Pines, Colorado on June 11, 2025. A dedicated educator and community leader, Jack’s life was marked by service, innovation, and deep love for his family and community. He leaves behind a legacy of learning, laughter and leadership that continues to ripple through the communities and lives he touched.

Born in West Frankfort, Illinois, to Orval and Elizabeth (Allison) Martin, Jack graduated from Taylorville High School and went on to earn his B.S. from Illinois State University, M.A. from Northwestern University, and Ph.D. in Education from the University of Illinois. It was at ISU that he met his beloved wife, Helen (Hubbard) Martin. The two were married in January 1956 and celebrated 69 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1956, Jack began his career working for District 214 in Arlington Heights, IL, as an English and Journalism teacher at Arlington High School. He also wrote the “214 News” newspaper column for the Arlington Heights Herald until 1965. An Associated Press scholarship enabled him to earn his master’s degree at Northwestern, and he was later recognized with an Associated Press award for a courageous editorial defending freedom of speech.

His impact on the northwest suburbs of Chicago spanned decades and generations. As Assistant to the Superintendent, he played an instrumental role in developing Forest View, Wheeling, Elk Grove, Buffalo Grove, Rolling Meadows, and Hersey High Schools through tireless work with community groups and citizen committees. A visionary thinker, Jack, developed the Gold Card Club to offer senior citizens free access to district events. The program earned national praise and sparked broader conversations about senior engagement. He also contributed to feasibility studies for Northwest Community Hospital and Harper College and advocated for a new state college in northwest Cook County.

Jack served countless leadership roles, including Chair of the Arlington Heights Youth Council, Chair of the Helene Bristol Memorial Scholarship Fund, and board member for the Wheeling Township Mental Health Board and Arlington Heights United Fund. In 1967, he was honored with the Arlington Heights Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.

As Principal of Forest View High School (1974–1984) and later Prospect High School (1984–1987), Jack was known as “an idea man” and a champion for both academic and extracurricular excellence. He helped launch the district’s first boys’ soccer program, supported school radio and arts programs, and prioritized accessibility and meaningful dialogue with parents and students—famously starting “Second Cup of Coffee” parent meetings.

Jack loved education, but above all, he loved people. Known for his quick wit, sharp mind, and gentle teasing, Jack found joy in lively conversation and family gatherings. He kept in close contact with former students, many of whom he mentored through the years, and his home was always open to his children's friends, especially fellow theater and music students from Arlington High School.

He is survived by his devoted wife; daughter Elizabeth (James) Sale; daughter-in-law Michele; grandchildren Andrew, Alexandria, and Eliot; and brothers Donald (Cindy) and James; and host of loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Lori; son Douglas; and son-in-law Gerald Graves.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held in Arlington Heights sometime in August. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your favorite performing arts organization or to the Alzheimer Association in Jack’s memory.