10/15/2025
Jackie Clinton Rye
A tear will be shed on the open range of Eastern Oregon as one of its greatest cowboys and Jack-of-all trades rode off into the sunset at the age of 90. Dr. Jack C. Rye finally decided to call it a day, as he passed away on Sept. 5, 2025, in his home of over 50 years, surrounded by family and dear friends in Monmouth, Oregon. He fought to the end, proving an adage he loved to quote, "Getting old ain't for sissies!"
Cowboy, husband, father, grandfather, leader, mentor and friend were roles he filled in a life well-lived and a one that was much appreciated by everyone he embraced along his trail.
Dr. Jack Clinton Rye was born April 4, 1935, in Paducah, Kentucky.
As a child, Jack spent countless hours exploring the Mingo River in Missouri and enjoying the outdoors. He eventually moved to Oregon with his aunt and uncle and graduated from Prineville High School. Jack attended Eastern Oregon State College where he met the love of his life, Grace Fumiko Furuyama.
While in college, Jack acted in the western movie, "Pillars of the Sky." Because of his riding skills and youthful good looks, Jack was asked to move to Hollywood and become a western actor. In this moment, Jack showed his unwavering devotion to Grace, and chose her over potential Hollywood stardom. Jack and Grace bought a house in La Grande, Oregon, where they raised and showed Appaloosa horses, and started a family.
They moved to Corvallis where Jack achieved his Ph.D at Oregon State University. Jack, Grace and their family then moved to Monmouth, Oregon, where Jack became the Director of Graduate Programs at Oregon College of Education. Jack lit up young minds for decades as a respected educator, Head of the Physical Education Department, and Athletic Director at Western Oregon University (formerly OCE). Jack was the NAIA District II Athletic Director of the Year 1986-87. His focus was to help his students, coaches, community so he pioneered the Wolf Pack Auction to raise money for the WOU athletics. Jack started, and was the advisor for, the Eastern Oregon and Western Oregon Rodeo Club teams. He also served in the National Guard.
In retirement, Jack continued to pursue his true passion, riding horses. Jack was a genuine cowboy, spending time on the open range herding cattle, taking his pack mules with friends to the Minam mountains or trail riding with his family. Jack became a competitive team roper, which he continued until the age of 89.
Jack devoted over 65 years to the Lions Club. He chaired the Scholarship Committee for many of those years, again investing his time, talents, and treasure in the success of young people's lives. Jack was widely respected and he received the Lions International President Award in recognition of his outstanding service.
Jack loved music and taught himself to play the ukulele. During family gatherings, Jack would play and sing his way through the holidays.
Most important of all to Jack was his family and the extraordinary, deep friendships he cultivated over the years. Jack's life was a journey defined by the rare and wonderful combination of grit and kindness, lifelong bonds, and a selfless servant who supported his countless friends, community and dear family, through to the very end.
Jack was preceded in death by Marvin and Beauton Stanley, Robbie Ray Priester and Jonathan Rye. He is survived by Grace Rye, Melissa and Alexander O'Keefe.
Please join Jack's Celebration of Life held Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Pacific Room (Northwest corner on the ground floor), 400 Monmouth Ave N., Western Oregon University, in Monmouth, Oregon..
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Central Lions Club are welcome online at
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