Jack Balagia

Jack Balagia was the ultimate Zen Master- a giver of peace wherever he went. He made a scared and somewhat homesick kid from East Texas coming to Austin for school know that he had a home- a family- in Austin that was a mere phone call away. No one knows this story but the two of us, but I saw him one day early in my freshman year and he asked me how I was and I sort of unburdened myself. I was lonesome and ready to go home and started crying. He smiled at me with the kindest eyes I have ever seen, grabbed me in front of God and everybody, and gave me one of those patented Jack Balagia hugs. He said, Boy, it's gonna be alright and you know where to find me if you need me. Then, as he was wont to do, he held me back by the shoulders so he could look in my eyes and let me know he meant it. The Balagias have always seemed like family to me, but it is rare to have a real friendship with your friend's parents. Not only did Jack Balagia scream at me at the top of his lungs every time he saw me for the rest of my life (no matter where we were), I got a hug and whisper in my ear, I love you, Buck. He delighted in the fact that his wife was later my college classmate and friend and loved my stories about her academic exploits. As I get older, I miss him more, but in those moments when someone comes to me at their weakest and most vulnerable, I try to channel my inner Jack Balagia and react with a kind and gentle heart. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the phrase and his legacy lives on. I'll see you when I get there, Mr. B. -Buck

My deepest sympathy goes out to Mrs. Balagia and the entire family. I have not lived in Austin for over 27 years, but have followed the achievements of Jack, and his children that benefited the great city of Austin.

Sincerely, Mike Swartout (Virginia Beach, VA)

Elaine & Ben my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. I pray that God is in your life and that he shows you his love throughout! Take care and know that as long as you keep him in your memories he will never truly be gone.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Balagia family. Jack touched my heart so many times when I worked at NHP. God bless each and every one of you.

If Saba Jack Balagia had been nothing else in Life except the Father of my beloved Friend Terry Balagia, he would be considered a man who had lived a Successful and Wonderful Life.

He was also the Husband of Sophie, the Father of Jackie, the Father of Jimmy and the Father of Susie.

That alone is a great achievement for any man.

He was the Grandfather of Terence, Sarah, Rebecca, Adam, and an entire new generation who adored him.

It is no small feat to be understood and loved by those 75 years your junior.

He was a true Hero of War. He was a Friend to the Great and the Good.

He was a friend to those who may not be among the Great or the Good.

Including the Barron Boys of Tyler, Texas.

Tom, Ben and Gene.

We shall miss him greatly.


Gene Barron

Dear Sophie, Jackie, Jimmie, Terry, Suzie...
I was so sorry to hear that Jack passed away last week. What a rich,full life he lived! It was a such a pleasure to have known him. May you be comforted by the many wonderful memories you have of him.
Thinking of you all with love,

Our family has fond memories of Jack during the time we worked with the Hyatt family at Tower Drug store.
Your family is in our prayers.
Much love, The Coronado Family

I will fondly remember Uncle Jack's boisterous laugh and contagious smile. May you all find comfort in knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father.

Dear Sophia and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Jack's death. He was a great gift that God put here for all of you and everyone that knew him. His passing will certainly be a tremendous loss to you and the many people that knew him. Jack and all of you will be in our prayers. Nancy and Jack Boyd

First of all, my deepest sympathy goes out to Mrs. Balagia and the entire family. He was a true gentleman and treated everybody with respect. Boy, what a fine job he did raising his family. I know he was looking down on the church service wishing he could be there. He used to take me to lunch & slip me money to go get something to eat on more than one occassion. I even picked him up for lunch in my sports car. He sure liked that & told me it was okay, if we were late. He told me they wouldn't fire an old man! Gosh, no words to express the warmth that came from this man. He made you feel like a part of his family. I always teased my husband that I was seeing somebody at work, my boyfriend Jack. He was so excited for me when he heard my adoption in Russia went through.(2003') He even called me at home to see how we were all adjusting. He couldn't believe how fast my little ones picked up English. I am comforted knowing that he is now with my little angel in heaven, McKenna and all the other dear employess that have now passed on (NHPP) He must be having a wonderful time partying with the best!

Love,

Beverly Wilson
xoxo

I truly missed Mr. B's smile and charm when we moved back to Phoenix. As someone else said, Heaven's good fortune is our loss. Our thoughts and prayers to all grieving.

DEAR SOPHIA AND FAMILY,
JACK AND I WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF JACK'S DEATH, HE WAS SUCH A DEAR AND PRECIOUS MAN, WE DID NOT SEE YOU TWO VERY OFTEN , BUT WHEN WE DID IT WAS SUCH A JOY TO BE WITH YOU .
LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY

My thoughts and prayers are with all the Balagia family. Mr. Balagia always greeted everyone with smile and made them feel as if they were his best friend. My youngest son has such fond memories of Mr. Balagia at UT baseball games. Disch-Falk will never be the same without him!

Deepest Sympathies to all the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I will always remember Jack and his wonderfful smile. When I was little, my parents Jay and Etta Levin would take me to the Balagia's house. I have wonderful memories of Jack and his family.My prayers are with the Balagias.

Mr. Balagia was a wonderful man who will be missed by all of Austin.

Although our paths have not crossed in a good many years, reading of Mr. Balagia's death leaves a very large vacant spot. Always the gentleman with a smile on his face who was delighted to see you. What a privilege to know him and to read of his service to our country and to the citizens of Austin. My sincere sympathy goes out to Mrs. Balagia and to the members of his family.

Dear Cousins,
I can remember Jack from my childhood as being so handsome! My father, Harry Balagia loved and respected him. He was a wonderful person that always made my family feel very special.

To All,

As so many have already said so well, Jack was a memory maker for all who knew him. His smile, quick wit and boundless energy are legend. I had the pleasure of growing up with the kids and will always treasure our friendship despite the years and the distance. Through the sorrow, read all these wonderful tributes and celebrate a life well lived.
God Bless Jack Balagia

Our thoughts are with you. Condolences to the entire Balagia family.

Buzzy & Ollie Ann Pool

Our condolences to the entire Balagia family. We are out of town and wanted you to know we were thinking of you at this time.

Sonny & Johnnie Pool

What a wonderful man he was. I worked for him for 15 years. My sympathies to the family. I am so glad I got to see him last summer at the mall!!

Through many years of school with Terry I always remember his Dad with a great smile.

I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. It was a true delight knowing him. I loved hearing Jack tell me stories of his youth - he never failed to laugh at himself as he always made me laugh! I always called him "the sharpest dressed man in town" - even while coming to exercise he looked like a million bucks! I'm glad I was given the gift of knowing this truly amazing man. I know he will be missed by many. My most sincere sympathy to his family.

As a college friend of Jimmy & Terry, I was privileged to meet this true gentleman, Mr. Jack Balagia. His quick and warm smile and ever hospitable manner left a lasting impression on me and I was honored to be one of the many friends his fine boys made over the years. My deepest sympathies and condolence go out to the entire Balagia family.

What a wonderful man. I will always remember his warm smile and hand-kiss greetings. This is not good-by Mr. Balagia, rather, see you later. Lucky heaven for having you now.

I came to know Mr. Balagia (Papa) at Nieman Hanks Puryear from 1999 - 2005. In his upper 80's, Papa came to work with more energy and excitement than everyone! He loved to check his email and hug the staff, but not necessarily in that order! His infectious laughter and positive attitude is a reminder to all of how to live a nice long life! God truly blessed everyone that got to know the love of Papa.

With his big hugs and contagious smile, Jack Balagia had that knack of making everyone feel so special. I feel so lucky to have grown up knowing him!

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

I was a friend of Jack Balagia, Jr.'s at UT, and it was always a special treat to see his Dad. What a hospitable man with such a generous outgoing spirit - you felt it the minute you entered the room. His loyalty to UT and many years as a resident of Austin has been a real gift to the community. Jack and Mary, I will be thinking of you and your family at this time, and my sincere condolences go out to you.

Dear Balagia Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was such a wonderful person. I will always remember how special he made you feel when you talked to him and will also remember that wonderful smile of his. My mother Evelyn Balagia Beverly was his cousin and he was very dear to her. I love looking at the pictures of her wedding and how handsome Jack looked in his tux at her wedding. He was a very special part of the Balagia family and will be greatly missed by all.

With deepest sympathy and love,

Laura Kitley and family

The Balagia family:

Jack was a rock. Vibrant, cheerful, always smiling and ready to jump in to help. I do not believe he ever had a bad day. He inspired me just seeing and talking with him. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and I know that as time passes you will be left with fond and loving memories.

Godspeed,

Jim Geary

Deepest sympathy to the Balagia family

Dear Balagia family,
We are in Colorado and so sad to miss the service. We love you and will continue to keep you in our prayers. May God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hands.
All our love,

I loved Papa,which we all called him,and will miss him very much. He was always so very nice and would come in to work with a big smile and a big hug for all of us women. Papa was what I would call a gentleman. In the dictionary under gentleman there would be Mr.B.
We missed him when he couldn't come in to our office anymore and his desk was emptied. He loved his family very much and would keep us informed of the lastest outstanding activeity of his children and his very beloved grandchildren. He was always concerned about me especially when I lost my husband and I will always remember him for that. Papa I will never ever forget you and love you very much. God has a very special angle. Thank you for being part of my life. With much love. JoBeth Halliburton

I only knew Mr B for a short time but in that time I have some good memories of him. He was supportive of me when I lost my husband. He will be greatly missed. God bless him.

Jack, I will certainly miss your smiling face. I'm glad I got to know you and enjoyed our conversations together. I know you'll keep an eye on all of us.

We will miss you terrible, Mr. B!

Our thoughts are with you. With deepest sympathy,

J.W., Gigi, and Cameron Johnson

I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Jack.
My deepest Aloha,

When you saw Jack Balagia, he always made you feel like you were the one person in the world he wanted to see at that moment. What a wonderful gift.