University of Arkansas Mourns John Walton's Passing
On behalf of Chancellor John A. White and the entire University of Arkansas community, we offer deepest condolences to the Walton family. John Walton's work to better the world we all share will be long remembered and deeply appreciated. There are no words adequate to express the sense of loss that is felt at such a time.
In a press release issued Monday evening, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., announced the death of John Walton.
The release read in part: “A Vietnam War hero, member of the Wal-Mart Board of directors and philanthropist, Walton was killed when the ultra-light aircraft he was piloting crashed shortly after take-off from the Jackson Hole Airport in Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming.) The crash occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. CDT and the cause has not yet been determined. Walton, 58, was the aircraft's sole occupant."
Walton was the second son of Wal-Mart founder, Sam Walton.
As a board member of the Walton Family Foundation, Walton played a leading role in guiding the Foundation's contributions to elementary and high school education, according to the statement.
Walton was a member of the board of the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation which made the historic $300 million gift to the University of Arkansas in 2002. The gift was instrumental in driving the nearly concluded Campaign for the Twenty-First Century to a $1 billion dollar goal, reached last week. The campaign will end on June 30.
The press release also described Walton’s service in the U.S. Army Green Berets as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star for saving the lives of several members of his unit while under intense enemy fire.
Walton pursued a variety of business interests throughout his life, including work as a crop duster in the 1970s and as a boat builder in the 1980s and 1990s. More recently, Walton formed the holding company True North, which is composed of businesses ranging from advanced composites to boat building to venture capital investments.
Walton has been a member of the Wal-Mart Board of Directors since 1992. He attended the College of Wooster. He is survived by his wife Christy and their son, Luke; his mother Helen; two brothers, Rob and Jim; a sister, Alice; and their families.
No funeral arrangements have been announced, according to the press release.
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