Jerry King Hightower's Obituary
Dr. Jerry K. Hightower, known to just about everyone as "Doc," passed away on March 12, 2026, in Hayward, California. The cause of death was, by all accounts, too much awesomeness. He was 89 years old.
Born on December 30, 1936, in Santa Barbara, California, Jerry grew up to graduate from Oakland Tech High School before serving his country in the Army. He went on to earn his degree from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, launching what would become a long and extraordinarily successful career. Beloved by thousands of patients over the decades, Doc's passing leaves an enormous rift, and shoes far too big for any of his children to fill. He also devoted years to teaching at LifeWest Chiropractic College, shaping the next generation of practitioners. His sage advice to patients and students alike was memorable: "Chiropractic keeps the body in tune, yes. But if you're in agony, take an aspirin until you can come in for a tune-up. Masochism is pointless."
Doc met the love of his life, Carol, and married her on Maui, becoming stepfather to Robert and Jeffrey—the beginning of a journey that has removed any notion of “half” between the eventual six siblings. Victoria, Edward, Elizabeth and Hillary arrived between May 1970 and March 1977; clearly these were very productive years for Doc and Carol.
Doc was a snazzy dresser, his trademark being a crisply-pressed shirt paired with any one of a vast array of audacious bow ties. He loved coffee, backpacking, chess, his champion Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, fishing (also known as “Untangling the Gordian Knot”), a pint of Guinness with a cigar, and the grilling of many beef. His active membership in the Aahmes Shrine and playing in the Chabot College Symphonic Band gave him great joy.
At his core, Doc was a deeply loving man who sometimes found that love easier to express through perfectly barbecued ribs than through words. Sad movies undid him; action movies were safer territory. But nothing made him happier than having his large, loud family around him, filling whatever room he was in with noise and nonsense and the occasional wildly inappropriate joke, to help him laugh his way out of a sudden emotional moment during the toast. He loved being needed. He loved being the center of that kookanuts chaos. And he was: a quiet, wise, sometimes grumpy, bad-punning, good-smelling Wizard of Healing.
He loved all six of his children, their mates and rare but remarkable offspring, most often expressing his affection through fluffy egg pancakes on Saturday mornings, expertly grilled tri-tip at the cabin, and innumerable Sunday dinners, all of which his family now wish they got on video.
Doc was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol. He is survived by his sons Robert, Jeffrey, and Edward; his daughters Torie, Lizzie, and Hillary; the astounding collection of in-laws they've amassed: Beth Harris, Mary Clarke, Rob Davis, Josh Qualtieri, Veronica Torres, Tracy Bigelow and Nick Carlock; and his grandchildren: Natalie, Jackson, and Frances Bigelow, and Alexander Hightower—who will, one hopes, carry on the tradition of awesomeness.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 10, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544. There will be a swinging wake at Harry's Hof Brau in San Leandro following the service. Come wearing your most audacious bow tie.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?