Hall of Fame
Jack Stites (deceased), 2005 - Owner and operator of Jack Stites Pharmacies from 1953 to 2000, Jack Stites is a nationally-respected pharmacist and a longtime supporter of Western Illinois Athletics, the university campus and local community.
“The General,” as he is known to those close to him, Stites played one season of basketball at Western and was an infielder on the 1944 IIAC championship baseball team, which swept a double header from Northern Illinois to capture the title with just nine players. Upon his return from a stint in the U.S. Navy as a pharmacist mate, Stites earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Illinois in 1952, then opened the pharmacy that operated for nearly 50 years. In 1982 he added to his ventures Stites Medical Service.
The Industry, Ill., native has served faithfully on the Western Athletic Board (now Leatherneck Club) since its inception, the WIU Foundation Executive Committee, is a Past President of the WIU Foundation, and received the WIU/Macomb Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. A member and past chairman of the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy, Stites has also served as Past President of the Macomb Rotary Club, is a 17-year member of the Macomb Planning Commission and is a charter member of the McDonough County Health Department.
Stites is well-known for the importance he places on caring for the people around him. He was once quoted in The Macomb Journal as saying “Filling prescriptions and taking orders over the phone from doctors are just part of the job.” He has contributed financially to Western’s baseball stadium, in honor of those on the 1944 conference champions.
