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Jack Tinsley Obituary
FORT WORTH -- Jack Tinsley, a long-time newsman who guided the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to two Pulitzer Prizes as executive editor in the 1980s, died at 3 a.m. Tuesday at a Fort Worth hospital. He was 69.
The cause of death was complications of surgery for a ruptured aortic aneurysm, family members said.
Mr. Tinsley was known for his community involvement, as well as his tongue-in-cheek "Fearless Forecasts" delivered annually at the Downtown Rotary Club.
Tinsley started as a reporter at the Star-Telegram in 1959. He retired in December 2000 as vice president for community affairs.
"Jack was a dedicated journalist who cared deeply about the city he served and the newspaper where he worked for so many years," publisher Wes Turner said.
Mayor Mike Moncrief, who worked with Tinsley while he was a Tarrant County judge and a state senator from Fort Worth, echoed those sentiments.
"We've cussed and discussed many an issue, and I've always had tremendous admiration and respect for him, not only in his professional position but as a friend," Moncrief said. "Jack's had a considerable impact on our city and Fort Worth is better for him being a part of us."
Mr. Tinsley worked at the Star-Telegram from 1959 to 2000, except for a 15-month stint as editor of an in-house publication for Southwestern Bell. A reporter for his first five years, Mr. Tinsley covered the Kennedy assassination in 1963 and the 1964 slayings of three civil rights workers in Philadelphia, Miss.
He won the National Education Writers Association's top award in 1965 for a series on academic freedom in Texas.
Mr. Tinsley became Sunday editor in 1966 and served for five years. Later he helped lead the newspaper into the computer age as assistant managing editor/new technology and then was assistant to the editor before serving as executive editor from 1975 to 1986.
"Jack was already a Star-Telegram legend when I arrived at the paper in 1986, with two Pulitzer Prizes earned under his leadership," said Executive Editor Jim Witt.
"Even after he left the newsroom, I know the community still thought of him as the editor of the paper -- that's how big an effect he had."
Former Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen said Mr. Tinsley was famous for his "Fearless Forecasts," which always drew large crowds to Rotary meetings.
"He used to have a lot of fun doing it," said Bolen, mayor from 1981 to 1991. "He did it again this year. It was always really funny."
Kenneth Barr, a former Fort Worth mayor and councilman, said Tinsley's forecasts were "surprisingly accurate."
"He was an astute observer of our community in all its facets," Barr said, "and he was always ready to admit when his predictions didn't come true."
As the newspaper's vice president for community affairs, Mr. Tinsley immersed himself in professional, educational and community activities. He led the Star-Telegram's United Way campaigns and Goodfellows Christmas charity.
He also established the Jack B. Tinsley/Fort Worth Star-Telegram Endowed Journalism Scholarship Fund at the University of North Texas, which now totals more than $100,000.
Survivors include his wife, Anne Miller; a son, Ben Tinsley of Fort Worth and a daughter, Anna Tinsley Williams of Fort Worth, both reporters for the Star-Telegram; brothers Lamar Tinsley of Huntington, and Carver Tinsley of Griffith, Ind.; an uncle, Preston Jackson of Jackson, Miss.; and two grandsons.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Tinsley
43 Entries
Ben Tinsley
July 22, 2007
To all of the wonderful people who have signed this guest book and made their appreciation of my father known: THANK YOU.
To Jerry Cabluck: I saw your latest entry on here the other day and was very touched. It's important that you know my Dad trusted you more than anyone.
You've done so much for our family over the years. Your loyalty and love have made all the difference. And Dad knew that. Just like he knows right now how much you miss him.
Jerry, thanks for everything you've done for all of us. And thanks for always being there for my Dad.
And to everyone else: Thank you again. Thank you a million times.
Jerry Cabluck
May 11, 2007
I still think of him, thanks for being my friend
Christina Smith
September 18, 2005
Even though it has almost been a year, we still think about Mr. Jack and wonder how little Zach is doing. I hope the family has been doing well and we still hold Mr. Jack in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
We will never forget you, Mr. Jack. We miss you!
Your friends at Jason's deli.
Abe Etemadi
February 21, 2005
Dear Ann, Ben and Anna,
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Norma Dell Jones
October 28, 2004
I learned by accident today of Jack Tinsley's death. Jack was one of the finest men I have ever known. He received the Distinguished SHSU Alumni Award while I was Director of the Alumni Assoiciation at Sam. He always had a smile and wanted to help so many people. Heaven welcomes him with arms, but, oh how he will be missed here. Tinsley family, thank you for the times shared with Jack Tinsley and the Tinsley family.
Janice Smedley
October 21, 2004
To the family of Jack Tinsley, may I express my condolences for your loss. I want to offer you solme colnfort and hope this message will encouragwe uou and your family. Always remember that people care and we are praying to the Most High GOD and asking him to confort, support and encoourage you and your family now and in the days to come.
Sincerely yours,
Janice Smedley
gail frick
October 16, 2004
Mr. Tinsley was a wonderful man. I am so sorry for his family that he is gone.
Terri Sarsorito
October 16, 2004
Annie,
There are no words that can express how my heart aches for you and your family in your loss. Know you are in Tony's and my heart and prayers.
Love you sis!
TerriS
A. G. McDaniel
October 15, 2004
My deepest sympathies are extended to Mrs. Tinsley and the family.
Our long term friendship began when Glenn Advertising, Inc. was asked to prepare a section to be placed in all 4 major newspapers serving Fort Worth and Dallas. My client Worth Food Mart was celebrating the opening of their new distribution center. Jack was given the liberty to interview anyone employed by Worth Food Mart and write the story. As far as we could determine this was the first section to be placed in the 4 major newspapers. Soon thereafter one of the newspapers closed.
This was the beginning of my admiration for Jack and I was proud to see him advance in his chosen career at the Star Telegram.
Again, my sympathies, I grieve with you.
Beverly Dunn
October 15, 2004
Mr. Tinsley was a "class act". Fort Worth has lost a great gentleman. I will remember his family & friends in my prayers.
Brad Govan
October 15, 2004
Dear Anne, I was sadden to learn from the web site of the Star-Telegdram of Jack's death. After getting over the shock, my mind was filled with pleasant memories of our friendship and association through my work with the United Way and the Ad Club. I always looked forward to introducing Jack when he presented his "Fearless Forcasts" to the Ad Club or Kiwanis Club. Can you imagine the challenge it was to introduce Jack to any Fort Worth group over a ten year period?
My last introduction was January 3, 1991 to the Fort Worth Kiwanis Club.
When Nancy Buford called to ask who would introduce him at Kiwanis, I told her he was in for a real treat, if would be me. Can you imagine just what he thought after enduring so many of my introductions. I boasted that no one has introduced him more than me.
Well, I told Nancy to tell Jack that the real treat was that I was going to give him a good introduction for change. The real treat was that I was going to read it almost like he wrote it.
I did mention that you and he were struggling to get your two children through their final year at college. I now enjoyed reading their articles in the S-T. Concluding my introduction, I asked the Kiwanians to welcome "one of my favorite persons...Jack Tinsley, the Fearless Forecaster." Pretty good memory for an 80-year-old...fortunately, it was on top of a file of introductions.
May God's grace comfort you and your family.
Brad Govan
David Yett
October 14, 2004
Anna,
Your dad was a great journalist and citizen of Fort Worth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
David
The Mathews Family
October 14, 2004
Dearest Anna:
Your Dad was a wonderful character and will be missed by many. You are ever in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family.
Love Always
Clare Adams
October 14, 2004
Dearest Anna and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Jack was such a funny guy and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He charmed you with his easy smile and funny sense of humor. I know he will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a wonderful husband, father and the kind of grandfather every child would want. He was truly a gift from God.
Kelly Baker
October 14, 2004
Dearest Tinsleys-
We share in your sorrow -at the loss of such a wonderful husband... father... and friend.
With Deepest Sympathies,
The Bakers
and on Behalf of Jill, Phyllis and Roddy Wolper.
Robert L. (Bobby) Wilson
October 14, 2004
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with him as a night wire room attendant and copy boy from 1966 to 1874. I thought a lot of him.
Stephen Dunson
October 13, 2004
Ben and Anna,
I was so glad to be able to see your father and meet lil' Zachary this summer. The two of them were waiting to go into a Tarrant Appraisal District hearing and I offered my assistance to him, drove back to my office during lunch, ran his comps and he came by to pick them up. He was able to beat TAD and called me later to thank me for my help. I was so glad to be able to help him out and he was so friendly/appreciative that with his passing it makes me feel even better that my last contact with him was just as positive as ever. Very sorry for your loss.
Ann & Rich Richards
October 13, 2004
We are most distressed because we love Tinsleys. Our time together was a delight. rich & ann
Christina Smith
October 13, 2004
Our deepest sympathies to all who mourn the loss of a dear friend. We will miss his Wednesday afternoon visits with Zack. Feel free to bring him by every once in a while if you have time. We watched him grow and he LOVED his grandfather. We will miss Mr. Jack.
From all his friends at Jason's deli on Camp Bowie.
Christy Holland
October 13, 2004
Our prayers are with you. Jack was a very kind person, he will be missed by alot of people. God be with you.
Lisa Napier Redding
October 12, 2004
I first met Jack when I was a 5th grade student at George C. Clarke Elementary school in Fort Worth and Jack came to interview me for a potential position as an advice columnist for kids. The "Dear Lisa" column was Jack's creation, and I am so thankful to have had such a great opportunity and to have maintained a relationship with him through the years. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to communicate with Ben and to sort of keep up with Ben and Anna's careers as I read the Star-Telegram. I'll be keeping all of you in my prayers.
JUDY/KATE MASON/WORDEN
October 12, 2004
Dear Annie and your wonderful family,
We wish to express our deepest feeling of sympathy to you all at this unbelievable time.
We first met Jack through his lovely wife, Annie, who was a founding member of the Boa Babes (a group of about 8 women writers who met online and fast became close, caring and loving friends)when we all finally met in real life in Las Vegas. Jack was one of the few men who were brave enough to allow himself to be besiged by this insane group of women. It didn't take long for his wide smile, warm personality and strong hugs to win us over as a "Babe" favorite. Jack made every woman there feel special but he also made it very clear that his "Annie" was the most important person in his life. With his charasmatic personality, I was certain that he could have struck up a conversation even with the "white piano" where we would meet each evening at the Flamingo Hotel to plan our mischief.
Annie, we hope you can feel our strength and the our arms as they hold you in love during these horrible days ahead of you. We know that Jack is now in the arms of our Lord where pain and suffering cannot be felt. "Let This Be Our Prayer."
Love,
Jud and Kate
Jacqueline McCartney (nee Toller)
October 12, 2004
I met Jack a few years ago through his lovely wife, Annie, when he gamely tagged along with her to Las Vegas for one of our girlfriend gatherings. What a sport to endure a boisterous group of gabbing, cackling women he didn't even know! I was struck by how personable and warm and humorous he was. My heart goes out to Annie and their two children. And to the Star-Telegram family as well; he spoke highly of its news staff and the newspaper in general. Being in the same business, I'm aware of how many editors-in-high-places don't always do that. I am sorry for your loss.
Terri Likens
October 12, 2004
Annie and family,
Words fail me. I wish I could turn back the clock for you.
Annie, sis, I'm so sorry.
Dale Duncan
October 12, 2004
I met Jack in the late 70s and got to know him because we both worked for newspapers owned by Capital Cities. Aside from being the consumate professional, Jack was one of the most down-to-earth, caring and helpful journalists I've ever known. Hopefully, the many people he taught over the years will seek to emulate his honesty and integrity.
Dale Duncan
Stacey Arbuckle
October 12, 2004
My prayers are with all of the family, friends and loved ones. Although I didn't know him well, I always heard great things. He set a great example for all of us. God bless you all.
Stacey Judge Arbuckle
Ruthanne Brockway
October 12, 2004
Jack's flair for meeting and greeting people gave him a personality perfect for journalism.
Amon G. Carter would have appreciated Jack's community involvement and showmanship.
Anne, Anna and Ben, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
My fondest memories of Jack were zany rehearsals for the SPJ Gridiron Show _ and the countless hours he devoted to scriptwriting and managing that annual event.
john tackett
October 12, 2004
I came to work for the Star-Telegram from the old Fort Worth Press. The two papers were arch enemies. My arrival was a bit chilly, except for Jack's warm and friendly hand. "We're glad to have you, Johnny," he said. That's the Jack I will always remember.
Mark Thompson
October 12, 2004
Jack’s smile lit up a newsroom like a supernova, and his enthusiasm was the afterburner for many a journalist’s jet engine. Even though he absented himself from the newsroom awhile back, I fear there’s a little less light and fervor in Fort Worth tonight. Godspeed, Jack.
Steve Munday
October 12, 2004
I first met Jack in the early 1970s when my first wife worked for him as a copyeditor. Our paths crossed from then on.
He was a good man and a newspaperman. He fathered two young, potentially great reporters who, appropriately, work for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
May God bless Jack with peace and light and bless his family during this time of loss and mourning.
Lisa Wesselman
October 12, 2004
Tinsley family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Working with Jack at the Star-Telegram was always a pleasure. His smile was contagious and he will be greatly missed.
Manuel Alvear
October 12, 2004
Jack was intimidating in his accomplishments, but amazingly approachable in person. A great man professionally, personally, and in countless other ways.
Kathi Miller
October 12, 2004
Oh my. I'm so sorry to hear it. I worked with Jack at the S-T from 1966 to '77. He was always one of my favorite bosses there. Fort Worth and the newspaper world will certainly miss him.
Melinda Routh
October 12, 2004
The first time I met Mr. Tinsley he was visiting the executive offices downtown, 1998. He brought one of his grandson's with him. His grandson was dressed up as "Woody" from Toy Story. He told me he was enjoying his day being a granddad and just stopping by to drop off something at the office.I will always remember his smile and how proud he was to have his grandson with him.
Sheila Dibbens
October 12, 2004
I grew up in the fortworth area. WE have truly lost a great journalist.
God be with the family at this time.
sue ann eickenhorst
October 12, 2004
UNCLE JACK WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH. AUNT ANN,BEN,ANNA OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. I AM SORRY FOR YOU LOSS. UNCLE JACK WILL TRULY BE MISS. YOU AND HIS GRANDCHILDERN WERE HIS WORLD. I AM SORRY THAT BECAUSE OF MY HEALTH I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COME TO THE FUNERAL. I LOVE YOU. GOD BLESS. LOVE, SUE ANN, ELIZABETH, MISTY, CINDY, AND JOHN LEE
TommyMiller Miller
October 12, 2004
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Jack's family. He was newsman who loved newspapering. I'm glad I got to know him at the Texas APME meetings.
Tommy and Darla Miller
Tom Hill
October 12, 2004
To our Great times around the table since 1983.
Marina Trahan
October 12, 2004
Tinsley family,
Please accept my deepest sorrow for your loss. Jack is an absolute legend in the DFW-area and will always be remembered. His list of achievements could go on for days, but perhaps the most outstanding were his children and grandchildren. He was idolized by many, but Ben and Anna had the privelege of following directly in his footsteps.
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please, contact me if you need anything.
Jason Trahan
October 12, 2004
Ben, what a terrible day. Marina and I feel awful for you and little Jake. Your family will be in our thoughts. There are a lot of shocked people over here.
Matt Ward
October 12, 2004
Jack Tinsley was a loving father and grandfather and a heckuva journalist. He leaves behind a legacy that will shine for generations.
John Knight
October 12, 2004
My thougths and prayers are with the Tinsley family as well as the staff of the FWST.
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