Jack "HAZ" HAZZARD

1946 - 2014

HAZZARD, Jack 'HAZ'

(04.18.46-03.27.14)

Long-time Austin real-estate developer, business executive, investor, philanthropist, art collector, writer, music-video producer, food and wine connoisseur, gadfly and patron-of-the arts, Jack Hazzard, passed away quietly of natural causes at his Chicago residence; he was 68.

Born in Chicago on 04.18.46 to Vernon and Hannah Hazzard, Jack was one of three children. The Hazzard family moved to Tippecanoe, Indiana and later to South Bend, where Jack went to high school, and then graduated from Purdue University in Electrical Engineering.

Upon graduation, Jack made his way to Texas in the late 60's and began his business career in real-estate development, having worked in various executive positions for: National Homes Corporation, National Resort Communities, National Tours Corporation, Frates Communities, American Homes Corporation, First American Mortgage, and The Ontra Companies. In addition, Jack consulted with companies including Dell Ventures, McDonald's, Allied Van Lines, Kraft Foods, Whole Foods, Heart of Texas Film Festival, Renaissance Software and Jim Beam, and was an advisor to former President Lyndon B. Johnson for two years.

Jack also held roles in the technology and entertainment sector at First American Data, BMG/ Bertelsmann AG, Random House, Music, and Austin's Continental Records. At Continental Records Jack and Continental Club owner, Steve Wertheimer, were instrumental in the success of the French swing band, 8 1/2 Souvenirs.

In the early 90's Jack spent regular time in Paris, hobnobbing with various members of the Bohemian crowd, including beat-poet, Ted Joans. In 1999 Jack took up roots in NYC and was there to watch the towers fall. The last three years of Jack's life were spent in Chicago, where he was involved with a group of professional people addressing youth violence in that city.

Jack's brother, Gene, preceded him in death, and he is survived by his daughter Sheri Hazzard Primm; grandchildren (Evan, Maren and Aiden); sister, JoAnn McNulty, and his cousin Jonni Hegenderfer. We have all been blessed by Jack's friendship in this life, and wish him safe passage as he floats on to that next big adventure.

There will be a celebration in Jack's honor at C-Boy's Heart & Soul (2008 South Congress) on April 24 (6 PM to 9 PM) hosted by Steve Wertheimer and some of Jack's closest friends.