John Cameron McCaleb

1927 - 2022

John Cameron (Jack) McCaleb, 95, passed away February 12, 2022 at his home on the Guadalupe River near Comfort, Texas, leaving behind a wonderful legacy.

Jack was born January 14,1927 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His family moved to Texas, eventually settling in San Antonio in 1942. In Jefferson High School's class of '44, he led the team as school cheerleader. JoAnn Carraway swept Jack off his feet in the halls of Jefferson, dancing with him at fraternity socials in his backyard and strolling down Houston Street. Jack attended the University of Texas, joining Phi Gamma Delta and completed his Bachelor of Science at Trinity University in San Antonio in 1948, after serving in the Coast Guard in Alaska as a Radioman. After graduation, Jack married his love, JoAnn, and together they raised four children. He commenced his long career in insurance in San Antonio, forming his own company, McCaleb Insurance Agency which he grew into a successful agency for twenty-six plus years. Jack gained respect in his field, serving as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of San Antonio and receiving the Ben Binford Award.

Jack loved JoAnn, often surprising her with fresh flowers. She was so deeply dedicated to him. Together they made their life and home beautiful. After JoAnn, the kids held first place in his heart. He routinely left the office early to cheer his kids on in sports or play catch in the front yard. He loved to hunt and golf and enjoyed a Scotch on the porch. Music filled Jack's soul, whether singing at church or weddings, harmonizing with the Chordsmen barbershop chorus, or filling his home with piano melodies by ear. Jack traveled the world with JoAnn, using the excuse, "We're shopping for antiques!" He and JoAnn made simple memories playing bridge with friends for decades, family vacationing, listening to the ocean from their condo in Port Aransas, dancing or selling those antiques. With his keen eye for detail, Jack could spot the potential in the overlooked auction item and refinish it to its original wood-stained beauty.

After retiring in the 1980's, Jack and JoAnn moved to Comfort, Texas to their "little bit of heaven" on the banks of the Guadalupe River he loved so much and where they restored their home together. Jack's favorite place was on the back porch with JoAnn overlooking the river while watching the wildlife at sunset, enjoying a glass of wine from a box, saying it was "good wine, but had a slight hint of cardboard." He was blessed with so many dear friends in Comfort where he and JoAnn melded into the fabric of that sweet town and into hearts of the members of Gaddis United Methodist Church. Jack loved his Tuesday morning Bible Study and volunteering his time to the church and local community, serving with JoAnn with The Comfort Heritage Foundation and enjoying the Racquet Club.

Jack was lovingly known as "Papa" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of his life. At holiday gatherings, he prayed that all would know the love of Christ, reminding his kids and grandkids that they made his life worthwhile. Every time his kids or grandkids would leave the house, Papa was sure to say, "I love you, 'Ole Buddy" or "I love you, Baby." Jack was always optimistic, never complaining and forgiving quickly. His boys were proud to be introduced as "Jack's son", while their sister was his jewel among his rocks. Most dear to him was JoAnn, his "Angel". He loved just sitting with her before their blazing fire. Jack kissed her and told her he loved her each evening before going to sleep, up to his last night. Jack-Papa will be deeply missed by all who have been blessed and touched by his life.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Garnet and Mildred Hanna McCaleb; and brothers, James McCaleb and Garnet McCaleb; He is survived by his wife of 73 years, JoAnn Carraway McCaleb; his four children and spouses: John and Margo McCaleb, Ben and Teresa McCaleb, Jenni and Robert Schmidt and Dick and Serena McCaleb; his seventeen grandchildren, Chad McCaleb (Amanda), Jeffrey McCaleb (Amber), Julie Friedman (Kerr), Terrell Flanigan (Connor), Jennifer Sinha (Anmol), Chase McCaleb (Kara), Addison McCaleb (Anna), Matthew McCaleb, Hanna Balemi (Ryan), Sarah Maag (Michael), Emma Schmidt, Caleb Schmidt (Carlie), Abigail Schmidt (fiancé Peter Keairnes), Nellie Schmidt, Madeleine McCaleb-Harman (Colin), Anna McCaleb and Jack McCaleb; his thirteen, soon to be fifteen, great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Joyce McCaleb; his nieces Kristin Rogers (Randy), Shawn Stedman (Steve) and Karis Verlander, and nephews, Scott McCaleb (Wendy) and James McCaleb.

JoAnn and the family extend heartfelt thanks to Jack's nurturing caregivers who were like family to him: Diane Maring, Sori and Vladimir Robles, Braden Goodwin, Shauna DaCosta, Brenda Garza and José Palacios, who have made it possible for Jack and JoAnn to remain at the river these past many years.

Friends are cordially invited to a memorial service at 11:00 on February 23, 2022 at Gaddis Memorial United Methodist Church, 141 US-87, Comfort, Texas. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during the reception at the church.

Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home of Comfort, TX.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com