Jack Juan Arroyo

Jack Juan Arroyo, a man whose life was a masterclass in joy, service, and unconditional love, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that has forever changed the Las Vegas community and beyond. Known affectionately as "Indiana Jack" or "Happy Jack," he was a beacon of light to everyone who crossed his path.

Jack passed away peacefully at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 19, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on August 12, 1956. He moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in the 1980s, then relocated to St. Cloud, Minnesota, before returning to Las Vegas in 1995. He was the 11th of 16 siblings—one of nine brothers and seven sisters born to Theodore and Rosa Arroyo. Growing up in a large family, he learned the virtues of patience, loyalty, and family at an early age. He was a dedicated son who took tender care of his mother and remained a brother "true to his core" to his large, vibrant family. His love knew no boundaries; he extended the same familial devotion to his neighbors, friends, and even total strangers. He loved hiking, fishing, and bowling. He was great at billiards. He enjoyed playing in tournaments and clubs, but mostly when he played his brothers for money. They would all ooh and ahh at his trick shots. After winning, Jack would use his earnings to buy ice cream or a soda for everyone. He also loved to sing (especially karaoke), and he found joy in writing poetry and painting, often gifting his artwork to family and friends.

Jack was the heartbeat of the recovery community in Las Vegas. A titan of the AA fellowship, his dedication was the cornerstone of his life. He was instrumental in the operations of the Camel Club, where he was a fixture at the 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM meetings every single day. Jack didn’t just participate in the program; he lived it. He was often the very first person to approach a newcomer, offering a warm embrace and a kind word that made the daunting walk through those doors a little less frightening. For over 30 years, he served as a notable example of how service and love work in tandem, teaching others how to face their fears, find patience, and—most importantly—how to love themselves.

To know Jack was to know his smile. He earned the name "Happy Jack" because he always had a grin waiting for you and an infectious laugh that could lift the heaviest spirit. Whether he was giving a visitor a ride to a meeting, engaging in soul-stirring conversation, or simply offering his calming presence, he brought peace wherever he went. He was described by those who loved him as affable, unforgettable, and a truly cool man. Jack was a good and decent human being who gave of himself freely. Even those who met him only once felt his specialness and were touched by his warmth and happy-go-lucky spirited nature.