John Arnold Flygare

John "Jack" Arnold Flygare took the next step in his life journey when, at 89, he passed away on December 13, 2022. The journey began on March 26, 1933 in Gloucester, MA as the second child of Oscar and Martha Spry Flygare, took him through his early years as a young magician, and led him to Boston University. The United States Air Force then called him to Reese AFB and Lubbock where he had a serendipitous encounter with Arlette Elizabeth Arnett at a community party. Though an officer and gentleman, he did not fly away but rather ended his military stint and entered law school at the University of Connecticut and ultimately Southern Methodist University School of Law. While in law school, he asked Arlette to marry him, and the two wed in 1958. Upon graduation and return to Lubbock, Jack joined the firm eventually known as Jones, Flygare, Brown and Wharton, and began his family. Soon, the family grew to include two sons, Robert "Bobby" Flygare and William "Bo" Flygare and one daughter, Abby Flygare Quinn.
Career and family took much of his time. But, he found a way to serve his community, too. Acting as Chancellor for the Northwest Texas Episcopal Diocese for 15 years, Jack counseled under two bishops while also actively participating in the Lubbock Lions Club, serving as a 60-year member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and engaging with elected leaders, area attorneys and others to bring a law school to Texas Tech University.
In addition to his notoriety in the courtroom when playing what he called the "game" of law, Jack's skills at poker and dominoes will not soon be forgotten. He did more than just break even as a lawyer, story-teller, sharp dresser, art lover, music connoisseur, and habitual dancer. Life loved Jack as much as he loved life, his family, friends, a shot of scotch each evening, and a fine cigar.
Pre-deceasing Jack were his brother Robert and sisters Lois Greene and Marcia Garofano, son Bobby, and wife Arlette. Hoping to someday sit with him again are his long-time companion Anita Pitstick, Bo, Abby, son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Matthew, Cammie, Cullen and Alexandra, and four great-grandchildren. All do miss him and his wit, counsel, spirit and sly smile.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., December 20th, at St. Paul's on-the-Plains Episcopal Church. Those caring to honor his memory need not send flowers but are invited to live each moment of life and donate to the Texas Tech University School of Law General Scholarship Fund. Contributions maybe given online at donate.law.ttu.edu or through check sent to TTU Law School Foundation, Attn. Foundation Office, 3311 18th St., Lubbock, TX 79409.