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IN LOVING MEMORY OF John "Jack" Matthews
John "Jack"
Matthews
Sep 27, 1925 — Jan 27, 2018
John "Jack" Matthews' Obituary
John Phillip "Jack" Matthews 92, passed away January 27, 2017 at Windcrest Nursing Home in Fredericksburg, Texas
Jack was born September 27, 1925 to Edith Burdick Matthews and John Thomas Matthews in Houston, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents, one brother, Gerald and one grandson, Christian.
Jack was a graduate of La Porte, Texas High School, The U.S Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, Long Island, NY., as well as South Texas College of Law and the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals School Contract Attorney Course.
Serving two or more years in the last phase of World War II as a cadet midshipman and Merchant Marine engineer, Jack saw active duty in the South Pacific, Caribbean and into Shanghai, China on the SS Chalpultepec and SS Norman Lykes.
Back on land, he successfully pursued a career in Radio in Houston and Henderson, Texas hosting his own shows on stations KLEE, KGRI, KTHT and KPRH. One in particular was billed as "Little Marge and Jack". Marge being the wife of Floyd Tillman, then a popular C and W performer.
Turning to politics in the 50's and 60's Jack organized The Young Democrats for Harris County eventually becoming friends and associates with several notables of the day such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Adlai Stevenson. He was appointed by Mayor Louis Welch of Houston as Chief of the Planning Department for the Government Model cities Program. Later, he was appointed to the Board of the Texas Governor's Committee on Aging.
Jack graduated from law school in 1973 and in 1975 married Diane White of Brattleboro, Vermont. He moved to New York City and from beginning as a temporary lawyer with the U.S. Small Business Administration he advanced to become Regional Counsel with the Agency responsible for a territory covering NY, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Due to his cooperation in this capacity with the U.S. District Attorney's office he was favorably mentioned in a book titled "Feeding the Beast" exposing corrupt political and governmental appointees and elected officials from both the NY area and Washington, D.C.
In their free time in New York, Jack and Diane travelled extensively, world-wide with Pan American World Airways, Diane's company. They often took weekend trips to dine or celebrate an occasion at some far-flung location.
Jack and Diane retired to Fredericksburg, Texas in 1990. He became active in the noon Rotary Club as a President and Paul Harris Fellow and volunteered with the Rotary Interact Club. He served on the Board of the Needs Council and was active at St. Barnabas Church and other organizations. He ran for Gillespie County Judge in 1994. A talented woodworker, he crafted furniture for their home and many landscape features for their property in Fredericksburg.
Jack leaves his wife Diane, his seven children Michele, Kevin, Melanie, Rory, Brian, Maureen and Patrick and spouses as well as 24 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service celebrating Jack's life will be held at St Barnabas Episcopal Church Tuesday February 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Barnabas Church or a charity of your choice.
Jack was born September 27, 1925 to Edith Burdick Matthews and John Thomas Matthews in Houston, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents, one brother, Gerald and one grandson, Christian.
Jack was a graduate of La Porte, Texas High School, The U.S Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, Long Island, NY., as well as South Texas College of Law and the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals School Contract Attorney Course.
Serving two or more years in the last phase of World War II as a cadet midshipman and Merchant Marine engineer, Jack saw active duty in the South Pacific, Caribbean and into Shanghai, China on the SS Chalpultepec and SS Norman Lykes.
Back on land, he successfully pursued a career in Radio in Houston and Henderson, Texas hosting his own shows on stations KLEE, KGRI, KTHT and KPRH. One in particular was billed as "Little Marge and Jack". Marge being the wife of Floyd Tillman, then a popular C and W performer.
Turning to politics in the 50's and 60's Jack organized The Young Democrats for Harris County eventually becoming friends and associates with several notables of the day such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Adlai Stevenson. He was appointed by Mayor Louis Welch of Houston as Chief of the Planning Department for the Government Model cities Program. Later, he was appointed to the Board of the Texas Governor's Committee on Aging.
Jack graduated from law school in 1973 and in 1975 married Diane White of Brattleboro, Vermont. He moved to New York City and from beginning as a temporary lawyer with the U.S. Small Business Administration he advanced to become Regional Counsel with the Agency responsible for a territory covering NY, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Due to his cooperation in this capacity with the U.S. District Attorney's office he was favorably mentioned in a book titled "Feeding the Beast" exposing corrupt political and governmental appointees and elected officials from both the NY area and Washington, D.C.
In their free time in New York, Jack and Diane travelled extensively, world-wide with Pan American World Airways, Diane's company. They often took weekend trips to dine or celebrate an occasion at some far-flung location.
Jack and Diane retired to Fredericksburg, Texas in 1990. He became active in the noon Rotary Club as a President and Paul Harris Fellow and volunteered with the Rotary Interact Club. He served on the Board of the Needs Council and was active at St. Barnabas Church and other organizations. He ran for Gillespie County Judge in 1994. A talented woodworker, he crafted furniture for their home and many landscape features for their property in Fredericksburg.
Jack leaves his wife Diane, his seven children Michele, Kevin, Melanie, Rory, Brian, Maureen and Patrick and spouses as well as 24 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service celebrating Jack's life will be held at St Barnabas Episcopal Church Tuesday February 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Barnabas Church or a charity of your choice.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
Funeral Services for John "Jack" Matthews
Memorial Service
February
6
Tuesday
St. Barnabas Episcopal
Starts at 10:00 am
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