John Stuart McKillop

John Stuart McKillop, a devoted husband, loving father, humorous grandfather, proud Korean War veteran, and beloved educator, passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on May 3, 1933, John spent his life fostering a love for learning in others and a love for hands-on projects in his backyard. Everyone enjoyed John's stories of youthful work in Seattle, including escapades cleaning fish on the docks, riveting planes at Boeing, washing dishes at Swedish Hospital and digging holes for the telegraph crew on the railroad.

A Career Dedicated to Students

John proudly served in the U.S. Army (1954-56 Korean War) before beginning a career in education that spanned more than 30 years. He discovered that he enjoyed working with kids when he was returning home from his overseas Army assignment and there were children on board that he was assigned to entertain. With the encouragement of his wife, Joan he earned his B.A. in Education from PSU in 1961, then his Masters in Education from the University of Oregon in 1965. He also worked part-time at the bank to support his growing family.

John’s career in education began in September 1961 at Woodlawn School in North Portland, where he taught 7th grade. His journey took him through Sunnyside School and eventually to the North Clackamas School District, where he spent the vast majority of his professional life.

John found his true "work home" at Milwaukie Junior High. As the librarian and media specialist, he was a fixture of the school community. He was known for his versatility, tutoring students in math one hour and providing a steady, guiding presence for the more "energetic" students who frequently found themselves in his library the next. Even decades after his retirement, John was frequently recognized by former students, a testament to the lasting impact he had on generations of students.

A Life of Adventure

Outside of the classroom, John was a man of action. He loved to build and was never one to shy away from a complex project. His family fondly remembers his adventures involving ladders, chainsaws, pulley systems, and the occasional block and tackle. It was often said that his wife, Joan, was his guardian angel, keeping him safe through his many ambitious backyard engineering feats.

To his grandchildren, he was always teaching something or trying to get a laugh. From chess lessons and family trips to Sunriver to afternoons in the backyard watching birds and squirrels, he created the kind of memories that stay with family for a lifetime.

Along the way, John made running a habit and collected dozens of 10k race shirts over the years.

Family and Legacy

John is survived by his sister, Mary Stovel of Edmonds, WA; sons, John and Chris; daughter-in-law, Diane; son-in-law, Allan; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanie Driver; his wife of 60 years, Joan; and his daughter, Mary.

His legacy lives on in the thousands of students he mentored, the things he built with his hands, and the large, loving family he leaves behind.

A Cemetery Service with Military Honors will be 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2026 at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.