Dr. Jack Lee Beal

Dr. Jackie Lee Beal, Professor Emeritus University of Washington

A Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, fisherman, teacher, and mentor, Dr. Jackie Lee Beal, 88, died peacefully on March 16^th, 2024, with his wife, Lois, and granddaughter, Samantha, at his side.

Jack was born in Buffville, Kansas on November 27^th, 1935, to Alice Archer Beal and Bill Beal.  During his childhood he met the love of his life, Lois Otto, where they shared everything from milkshakes to international travel.

He graduated valedictorian from Fredonia, Kansas High School before serving in the military as a commissioned army officer from 1957 to 1959 and continued in the Reserves.  He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas and began his lifelong journey of education as a teacher, mentor, and dear friend to many. Teaching at Shawnee-Mission School District, KS, Dana College, Blair, NE, and the University of Washington.

Jack earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Nebraska in 1972.  Over the years, Jack served mathematics education with avid participation in both the Washington State Mathematics Council (WSMC) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). He was recognized as the Stucky Mathematics Educator of the Year Award from WSMC and served as a board member.  Additionally, he served as the American Mathematics Contest Director for the State of Washington from 1986 to 2002 and the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education Board from 1990 to 1999. Jack was involved with many grants: including SIMMS Integrated math and science (Montana) and Project PASS with the NFL and GTE where he participated in the 1995 SUPER Bowl events.  But what these dates don’t show are the manly lives Dr. Jack Beal mentored and served over the years. His impact on math education continues to ripple outward from the effect he had on students’ lives.

While Jack lived a full, impactful life in math education, he also enjoyed international traveling with Lois.  He said these were special times with her, as they made frequent trips to Europe and explore new places like China and Russia. Additionally, he enjoyed yearly trips to Ocean Shores with colleagues.

However, one of Jack’s favorite places to travel to was consistently Crosslake, MN.  The cabin there was a constant in his life. Jack wrote much of his dissertation lakeside.  He taught his daughters to fish with peace and respect.  Jack shared that peace by inviting many friends and colleagues to the lake.  And even in his later years, you might find him at the lake driving his great-grandchildren around in the John Deer tractor.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Bill Beal and his sister Doris Adams.  Jack is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois, his children Elisabeth and Lisa, his grandchildren Courtney, James, Tess, and Samantha, and his great-grandchildren Desmond and Autumn, and sister-in-law Elisabeth Otto Wisemiller.

A memorial service is scheduled for April 28^th at 2:00 pm at the University Congregational Church, Seattle

Remembrances may be made to

University Congregational UCC Church, Seattle

Fredonia Flag Fund, Wickham Funeral Home, 510 North 7th, Fredonia, KS 66736.

Evergreen Health Foundation.com Hospice Jack Beal

Or a charity of your choice

Services will be held in Fredonia, KS, and Fort Ripley, MN at a later date.