James Jack

Jim was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 4, 1943 to Bernice and Carroll Jack. His parents soon took him back to Dallas, Texas, where he grew up. Raised in Dallas, he graduated from W. H. Adamson High School in 1960. He went on to Texas A&M and spent the rest of his life as a proud Aggie. He worked for several years in Dallas as an Electrical Engineer and then moved to Florida in 1988. He lived in Miami for a few years before settling in Orlando, where he continued to work as an Engineer until his retirement. Jim passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Jim is survived by his wife, Tina Jack, his brothers, Bill Jack of Colorado Springs, CO, and Monte Jack of West Palm Beach, FL. His son and daughter-in-law Justin Jack and Heather, their children, Seth, Lacie and Malachi of Decatur, TX. His daughter and son-in-law Janina and Alan Perdue, their children Ayden and Keiran of Carrolton, TX. Grandson Joel Jack.

Jim lived life fully and as such had many passions. He loved classical music and the opera, supporting it on and off stage. He also enjoyed restoring old Rolls-Royces, target shooting, flying (he had a pilot license), and figure skating. Even after retiring from electrical engineering, Jim was always looking to see how things were built and pointing out details about what he saw to anyone who was with him. Jim also believed deeply in God and endeavored to live out his faith.

Jim loved his family and friends deeply, always expressing great pride in his beloved children and grandchildren. He carried stories about times with all of his family in his heart and shared them, especially stories about his parents. He always looked for ways to make life better for people he loved, sharing his time, creativity, expertise, and finances.

His other goal in life was to make everyone he met laugh. He carried one million dollar bills and would ask at restaurants, "Do you have change for a large bill?" If he wanted to show you with his fingers that he had 2 of something he would hold up 3 fingers, and in response to your confusion tell you that people can also count the spaces between the fingers. He even considered building his own coffin in order to make horror jokes about it to visitors. His sense of humor is known to all his family and friends who receive his internet jokes.


My personal note.

Jim believed in me in a very special way. With his help and encouragement, we did things together that I would never have achieved on my own. Together we explored, founded and still manage the Central Florida Chapter of Gliding Stars, an ice skating program for people challenged by disabilities. He has been my comfort and guide in starting my own business last April. Because of Jim I learned to cook - homemade chocolate pie was his favorite.

Jim and I developed a very special patience with each other since he had survived a stroke and I am legally blind. We strengthened each other where we struggled (Jim was my eyes and I helped him to communicate when needed). We encouraged each other continually.

I am grateful to God for allowing me to have had Jim as part of my life. His presence in my life made me happier and more fulfilled than I have ever been. I know that he is now in God's care and I await the time when He will reunite us forever.

Tina P. Jack



A public viewing for Jim will be held on Monday, February 2, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 895 S. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL 32822. A service will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in the funeral home chapel from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Gliding Stars adaptive ice skating programs. http://glidingstars.org/donation.html