John Eggert Mortland

John E. (Jack) Mortland peacefully passed on 8/5/2026 after a brief battle with cancer. Jack was born in Galion, Ohio on January 23, 1935. His family moved to Upper Arlington in 1952 and he graduated from Upper Arlington H.S. in 1953. He was an active athlete earning letters in basketball and track at Galion and in cross country, basketball, and track at Upper Arlington. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1957 with a B.S. in Journalism and from The Ohio State University in 1958 with an M.A. in Journalism He lettered for three years in both cross country and track at Bowling Green. Jack worked as an industrial engineer at Westinghouse in Columbus for seven years and then as a technical writer and editor at Battelle Columbus Laboratories for 29 years, retiring in December 1994.

Jack took up racewalking in the summer of 1958. He was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, finishing 17th in the 20 Km Racewalk. He was also a member of U.S. National Track Teams in both 1961 and 1965 for meets with the USSR in Moscow and Kiev, as well as meets in Poland, West Germany, and England. In 1967, he was on the U.S. Team for the World Cup of Racewalking held in Bad Saarow, East Germany. For 51 years, Jack edited and published The Ohio Racwalker newsletter, which circulated internationally.

Jack was an active member of North Broadway United Methodist Church for 53 years. He faithfully participated in the Interfaith Hospitality Network and served homeless and displaced families. He also was a driver for the CRC medical appointment program and helped with Sermon Shapers and Tuesday Morning Theology. 

Jack was an avid music lover, especially jazz. His record and CD collection includes all the greats from the 1950's through to more modern jazz. Jack and Marty loved seeing members of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra perform as the Carpe Diem String Quartet and attended other classical concert and choral events.

Jack’s number 1 passion was his family. He not only contributed his athletic DNA to his son’s Derek and Scott, he was also a strong supporter of their athletic endeavors and was always a presence at their youth baseball, basketball and soccer games and later high school sports. He continued to be present at Scott’s Otterbein College soccer games and Derek’s motorcycle roadracing events. He later supported his granddaughter Jessica at her youth soccer games.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Martha Wright (Marty) Mortland, parents John Clair and Creta Marian (Eggert) Mortland and sister Jean Aurilla Mortland. He is survived by sons Derek (Roberta) and Scott (Lisa), grandchildren Jessica (Andrew) Bristle, and Christopher, and great-grandchildren Claire and Camryn. A memorial service will be held at North Broadway United Methodist Church on Saturday August 22nd, 2026. Visiting hours from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Service at 11:00 and reception to follow. Those called to make a gift in his honor may make contributions in his honor to North Broadway United Methodist Church