Jackie Dwayne O'Neill

1940 - 2022

Jackie Dwayne O'Neill, better known as Jack, JD, Dad, Da or Papa, was a beloved grandfather, father, husband & friend during his incredible 81 years of life. He passed away on Saturday July 2, 2022, surrounded by his wife & children, whom he considered his greatest life accomplishment.

His spirit is carried on by his loving wife of 58 years, Ann, his 4 children Kristen, Jada, Johnny & Stefanie, 9 grandbabies Jessica, Daphne, Priscilla, Dakota, Emma, Jack, Kathryn, Townsend & Tallulah, & great grandbaby Willa, his sweet pup Maggie, as well as an extended family of relations from all walks of life.

Jack was born on December 24, 1940, in Brackettville, Texas, his parents, Gladys Alma & John Melvin O'Neill. He was raised in San Antonio with his brother Vernon Young & his sister Jeanette Vignes. Jack was known for his storytelling & we can all agree he loved his years at Harlandale High, where he graduated with the class of '59. Known for being everybody's friend, he truly never met a stranger. Jack was popular, ambitious & benevolent. He loved people & would have given the shirt off his back to help someone who needed it.

Jack joined the US Marine Corps in 1960. That summer before he left for boot camp, he went to the drive-in, where his friend Drew introduced Jack to his cousin Ann. Jack invited them to join him in his car. He took one look in that rearview mirror at Ann & knew he had fallen in love. When Jack returned from boot camp in December, he & Ann went on their first date to see John Wayne's new movie, The Alamo. Jack served 3 years at Camp Pendleton CA with an Honorable Discharge in 1963. 1 year later he married the love of his life, Priscilla Ann O'Neill on August 28, 1964.

In 1968 while attending DeVry Institute Jack & Ann had their 1st daughter Kristen. Over the next decade they had 3 more children, Jada, Johnny & Stefanie, making their family of 6 complete. They raised their kids in the suburbs of Dallas, TX. He worked hard to give them a life he knew they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he mentioned often. He was unboundedly proud of his 4 children. His unconditional love & guidance was the foundation of this family.

Being a grandpa came naturally to Jack. His grandbabies loved his big bear hugs & fondly remember the songs he used to sing to us growing up. "I love you, a bushel & a peck & a hug around the neck" followed by a big hug and him excitedly saying "I just LOVE YOU SO MUCH babydoll" When his kids were close to their 1st birthdays, Jack started a tradition of balancing them on one hand up in the air. He continued that the next 44 years with all his grandbabies. To some, this might sound scary but to our family, there were no safer hands to be held by than his. He was dependable & patient. Jessica called him panicking at 16 because the truck he had given her was dying on the side of I-10. "Calm down darlin, if you're not hurt everything is ok. I'm on my way."

In true Jack form, he waited until his family were all together, knowing they would be alright, before he moved on to his eternal life; a life where he is now reunited with Mama, Bubba, Vernon & Junie. We are truly comforted knowing he was greeted by his first & favorite dog Trailer Boy.

We miss you terribly & there are not enough words to express how much we love & appreciate you for building this family. We will remember you for your playfulness & your occasional, endearing stubbornness. We will remember your warmth & that mischievous laugh you made after jokes that got you in trouble. We will remember how strong you were & how you taught us to be kind. We will remember to have white cake with white icing on Christmas Eve for your birthday. We'll stop by Snappy's every now and then for breakfast, & make sure they still get your eggs right..no brown edges! Your great grandbabies will know to keep their ribbons tight when they start playing soccer. Your stories & the memories we made with you will live on forever. The storyteller with the heart of gold taught his babies well, & his legacy is a story worth sharing.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday July 30th at The Club at Falcon Point 1:00 PM. We invite anyone who loves Jack to attend. We ask that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association to contribute to the important work in providing Alzheimer's care & support, & accelerating research.