John Maxson

1940 - 2016

Mr. John DeGolyer (Jack) Maxson, one of the most noted sound engineers of his generation, died October 21, 2016 in Dallas. He was born on 11 March 1940 in Dallas, the eldest child of John and Virginia DeGolyer Maxson.

He graduated from St. Mark's School of Texas, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was vice-president of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Jack was fascinated with electronics from earliest childhood, and began his career as president of the Delta Recording Company and Spot Productions. His major enterprise was the creation in his garage of Showco in 1970 with business partner Rusty Brutsche. Showco would become one of the premier sound system companies in the world. Showco's incredible client list who Jack personally worked with included The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney and Wings, and James Taylor. This was followed by the founding with his business partners in 1984 of Vari*Lite. Vari*Lite was one of the first automated changeable color lighting systems for the stage. This groundbreaking company garnered three Emmy Awards for Jack.

In his private life, his preference was for classical music, of which he had an encyclopedic memory. He was generous with his time and money in philanthropic endeavors like the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco and The Dallas Arboretum. Jack was a dedicated third generation member of the Coon Creek Club in Athens, TX. But what he enjoyed most was spending time with his wife, daughter and amazing friends. He was very fond of extensive travelling and entertaining.

In later years Jack was a devoted husband diligently caring for his wife Sally in her battle with Alzheimer's. He married first the late Margaret Paulson of Dallas and second Sally Stocker, formally of New Orleans. He is also survived by his daughter Margaret DeGolyer (Peggy) Maxson of Austin; his siblings Virginia Buchanan-Smith of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada; Peter Flagg Maxson of Austin; and Mary Thompson of Volente. Jack is also survived by many other loving family members.

We'd also like to acknowledge Sandy Tokar for her excellent care of Jack and Sally over the past two years. The memorial service will be held at Saint Michael and All Angels Church, 8011 Douglas Ave. Dallas on Wednesday, November 16 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Museum Of The American Railroad in Frisco, TX. http://www.museumoftheamericanrailroad.org/