Walter John (aka, “Woody” or “Jack”) Woodhull, Jr., 86, of Springfield, IL, died October 6, 2024 at home from congestive heart failure. Walter was born October 26, 1937 in Rahway, NJ, to Walter John Woodhull, Sr. and Jessie MacGregor Woodhull, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Dianne Perry.
He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Posnak) Woodhull (whom he always claimed he met “on the boardwalk in Atlantic City”), and a brother, Craig (Theresa) Woodhull, Milton, DE. He has four children: Mark (Mary) Woodhull, Canton, GA; Laurel (William) Severson, Goshen, KY; Julie Selzer and Jennifer Woodhull, both of Boise, ID, as well as step-children, Deirdre (Michael) Bunch of Rochester, IL and Roger (Lisa) Douglass of Chatham, IL and fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. A brother-in-law, Richard Perry; and several nieces and nephews.
Woody was a graduate of Maryville College, Maryville, TN and Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. Woody’s professional career was devoted entirely to education. He was a high school teacher of English, German, History, and a school counselor, and athletic coach in New Jersey. He was recruited by the NJ State Department of Education, Division of Vocational Education as Public Relations Director for the State Commissioner of Education. During this time, he developed a national model for the enhancement of vocational education involving major businesses and public/sports figures in the New York/New Jersey area as spokespersons.
With the presidentially appointed National Advisory Council for Vocational Education (NACVE) in Washington, DC, Woody advised and developed a national marketing model in 32 states. His most significant contribution with NACVE was a project involving Vietnam War veterans entitled, “You’ve Done a Good Job; Now Let’s Get You a Good Job Through Vocational/Technical Education.” He produced television videos highlighting sixteen Governors who narrated these televised public service announcements. He also produced the first national television commercial highlighting women in non-traditional occupations.
Later, Woody served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Director of the College Foundation for Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City, IA. Working with Southern Illinois University and the Illinois State Board of Education, Woody initiated the “Illinois Employer Advocacy Initiative” designed to highlight the many Illinois employers actively supporting vocational and technical education and hiring vocational/technical students. Woody was honored by the National Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) with its “Award of Merit”, given to only one outstanding individual a year, at their 2006 Atlanta Convention.
In the late 1990’s, he became the Deputy Director for the Illinois Community College Board where he initiated an Ethics Program for all the community colleges in the state. He completed his career teaching Ethical Fitness Programs to both public agencies and private businesses throughout the country.
Starting in 2020, he developed several videos highlighting the value of Catholic Education. His last Catholic Education videos are currently being used by Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). He donated this video to any Catholic school or business that wanted to use it.
Woody always said he experienced many “Golden Moments” in his life: he loved the Lord, he taught Bible Study for ten years, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed great camaraderie with “his coffee boys” at Panera’s, often hosting their Friday morning meetings at his home, sometimes joined by the Bishop. His greatest gift was his wife, Rebecca.
Visitation: 10:30 -11:30 am, Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Funeral Mass: 11:45 am, Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Rev. Brian Alford officiating. Following Mass, there will be a reception in the Cathedral Atrium. A burial will follow after the reception at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.
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