KU School of Pharmacy mourns the loss of Jack Witmer


KU School of Pharmacy graduate and longtime community pharmacist John (Jack) Witmer died April 27. He was 88 years old.

Witmer, Class of 1953, was the longtime owner of Witmer Drug Store in Phillipsburg, Kansas, which he purchased from his father and is currently owned by his son, Eric Witmer, Class of 1989.

In 1998, Jack received the Bowl of Hygeia Award, given each year to one pharmacist from each of the 50 states for excellence in community pharmacy service.

School of Pharmacy Dean Ronald Ragan and Senior Associate Dean Gene Hotchkiss said Witmer leaves a legacy of extraordinary service to the school and to the profession of pharmacy.

We are proud of our alumni throughout the state and across the nation. The great things our alumni have accomplished never ceases to amaze me. I personally want to acknowledge the support Mr. Witmer has provided for our students and school over the years and express my condolences to his family. - Ronald Ragan, Dean, KU School of Pharmacy

Jack and Eric Witmer have long been staunch supporters of the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy and advocates for the profession of pharmacy in Kansas. The Witmer family has a long tradition of community engagement and provision of pharmacy care services to the community of Phillipsburg and the surrounding rural area. - Gene Hotchkiss, Senior Associate Dean, KU School of Pharmacy

Jack Witmer obituary: https://www.olliffboeve.com/obituary/john-jack-witmer