Kimbo - Roderick or Teacher Whitaker
Generations of students at Granger High remember John M. Whitaker not just as an inspiring teacher, but as the same beloved Kimbo the Clown who made them laugh on TV and Roderick who gave them chills on late-night monster shows. He made learning feel like magic — the same kind he brought to every stage and screen.
John M. Whitaker (1923–2003) was a gifted performer, teacher, and neighbor whose warm spirit left an unforgettable mark on West Valley City and all of Utah. Born in 1923, John grew up in Southern California and served his country proudly as a Marine. He studied at UCLA and BYU, earning his master’s degree from the University of Utah — but his greatest education, he always said, came from the stage and the classroom alike.
In Hollywood’s golden age, John was a talented cartoonist and character voice at Walt Disney Studios, helping bring to life classics like Bambi, Dumbo, and The Reluctant Dragon. He lent his rich voice to radio stations, educational recordings, the Living Scriptures, and the Listening Library, inspiring thousands with his storytelling talent. On stage, he starred in operas and plays, taking on iconic roles like Mark Twain and Don Quixote in off-Broadway productions that showcased his remarkable range.
But to Utah families in the 1950s and 60s, he was best known as Kimbo the Clown, the beloved TV personality on Channel 2 and 5 who made kids laugh and community celebrations brighter. Horror fans also remember him as Roderick, the spooky yet charming host of late-night monster shows that gave local teenagers delightful chills. He even narrated performances with the Utah Symphony and kept audiences smiling wherever he went.
Despite his success in entertainment, John’s true passion was teaching. He taught school for years in West Valley City, inspiring countless students not only with lessons from books but with stories, songs, and kindness that stayed with them for life. Whether in a classroom, a TV studio, or at a neighborhood event in his famous clown costume, John M. Whitaker shared his talents generously — and his legacy of joy, laughter, and learning continues to live on in the memories of all who knew him.
In 1960, Granger families felt lucky to claim Jack Whitaker as both a neighbor and a teacher. By day, he inspired English students at Granger High, and by afternoon and night, he slipped behind the mask as “Kimbo” the clown or “Roderick” the horror host, entertaining thousands of kids and grown-ups alike. Whether at the blackboard or on Channel 2, Mr. Whitaker brought smiles, laughter, and a bit of magic to everyone he met.
