Jack Buras

Jack (Herbert Jackson) Buras of Plano, TX was born March 24, 1947, in Poplarville, MS, son of the late Harold Buras, who raised him. He died in his home on October 20, 2025, at the age of 78 in the loving care of his wife of 28 years and best friend, Joyce Malinak.

Jack loved music and shared that love with others as both a passion and a profession. At a young age he began as a performer and worked as a studio musician in both L.A. and Nashville. During his lifetime, although he was a university development officer, an advertising executive and a small business owner, his life always led him back to music. Jack served as Minister of Music in several missionary Baptist churches and was ever a beloved guitar teacher.

Since 2007, Jack has shared his musical gift with many students and friends through Texas Music Lab in Plano, which he owned and operated until the time of his death. Jack knew we each have a song in our heart, and he delighted in helping others get it out into the world to share. Those who knew him best will miss his steadfast optimism, wonderful sense of humor and quick wit, life stories and pure joy at making music. The heavenly band will no doubt appreciate his talent in spanning all genres of music.

Jack was preceded in death by his brother Rick (Harold Ralph) Buras and is survived by a family he cherished dearly. These include his wife, Joyce, daughters Jennifer Malinak Helshoj (son-in-law Morgan), Melody Buras David (son-in-law Steven), Rachael Buras Billings (son-in-law Jared) and son Todd Buras (daughter-in-law Allison). Jack also leaves five grandchildren: Ben Buras (granddaughter-in-law Hannah), Jonathan Buras, Michael Buras, Faith Billings and Joseph Billings (granddaughter-in-law Hannah).

Please send tributes in lieu of flowers, in Jack's name, to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.

A Celebration of Jack's Well-Lived Life will be held on November 9, 2025, from 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM at Texas Music Lab 2229 West 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075. This is a celebration of Jack's life -- somber clothes not needed.

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