John and Jeanne Mackey created the John C. and Jeanne L. Mackey Endowed Scholarship Fund in February of 2007. The scholarship is intended to encourage and assist graduating seniors from Corvallis High School and Crescent Valley High School who show achievement in extra-curricular activities and/or athletics, and who plan to attend and graduate from one of Oregon’s state universities. Their scholarship fund reflects Jeanne’s lifelong interest in youth as well as John’s desire to give back to the community that allowed him to prosper as an entrepreneur.
John started his first business, commercial masonry, when the couple moved from Salem to Corvallis in August of 1968. He managed his masonry business for 10 years, working on construction projects throughout Oregon. Over the years, he owned several other enterprises, including Eastgate Cabinet Co., John C. Mackey Real Estate, and Mega Teach of Oregon, an electronics company that assembled circuit boards. Additionally, he co-owned Tidewater Veneer in Bandon, OR. John retired in October 2006 when he and a partner sold Eastgate Construction, a company that constructed and leased commercial and industrial space in the Corvallis area.
Jeanne graduated from Oregon College of Education (now WOSU) in 1963, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught fifth and sixth grades in Salem for six years while working toward a master’s degree in guidance and counseling through Oregon State University. In the spring of 1968, she earned her degree and she and John were married. That fall, she became a counselor at Corvallis High School, where she thoroughly enjoyed her contacts with students, parents, and teachers until her retirement from education in June, 1993.
John and Jeanne both acquired pilot licenses in the early 1970’s and enjoyed travels with the Oregon Pilot’s Association. They have also enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing and other outdoor activities throughout the years. Just prior to John’s retirement, they moved from a four-acre country property to a home next to the golf course at Corvallis Country Club. John passed away at their home in 2015.
Donate to the John C. & Jeanne L. Mackey Endowed Scholarship