Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jack Strawn Obituary
10/08/1948 - 02/06/2020
Jack Alton Strawn passed away February 6, 2020 at the age of 71. He was born in San Antonio, Texas and grew up in Raymondville. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Janet Strawn, his birth mother Valta Lee Sullivan, and his brother James Sullivan. He is survived by his loving wife Pat, of 41 years, his twin brother John and wife Kathy, sister Jane and husband Doug, sister-in-law Marinela Bridge, Ginny Vandertulip, husband Don and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack graduated from Pan American University with a BA in Music and a Master's in English and Drama. He also received a Master's in Library Science from Sam Houston University. Jack was Costumer and Instructor at Pan American University. He also taught at the University of North Texas and Our Lady of the Lake University. Jack taught Band and Drama at Mission High School. He also taught at Anson Jones Middle School and Sul Ross Middle School, NISD. He taught Staff Development for NISD for 20 years. He opened O'Connor High School library where he was Librarian for 10 years.
Jack was responsible for creating and naming the TAYSHAS list; the first High School Recommended Reading List. He helped write the Standards and Test for all School Librarians in Texas. In 1999, Jack was State Chair for the Texas Librarians Association Young Adult Round Table. In 2006 he was one of the Distinguished Educators of the Year for Sam Houston State University. In 2007 he was named Texas Librarian of the Year.
He was active in the theater in both the Valley and San Antonio. Jack was a member of the Fellowship of San Antonio. One of his greatest honors was to be selected as a Deacon. He designed costumes for many Choir performances, was a Sunday School and VBS teacher, and he loved his church family.
Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, February 9th at 1:30PM at The Fellowship of San Antonio. Graveside Service will be on Monday, February 10th at 10:00AM at the Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, TX
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FOSA Choir, 23755 Canyon Golf Rd., San Antonio, TX 78258.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Strawn
Sandy Schwartz
February 1, 2024
Miss that man's smile. Our gentle giant.
Baldemar G Hernandez
February 17, 2022
My Strawn was my English teacher many minds ago 87-88 (I think) I just learned of his passing and wanted to give my condolences.. a really liked individual and there’s no secret why he was a wonderful person and a great personality.. what really impressed me as a young adult back then was his intelligence.. that is a trait that I’ve always admired and he has it in spades.. I didn’t follow him after I graduated from high school ( class of 89) but I do know the world is lesser without him.. goodbye dear mentor!
Ruth Webster
May 17, 2020
Jack was a wonderful, loving Christian and my friend. He was always in my prayers and we always had a few minutes to share before the service. I deeply regret that I was unable to attend Jack's funeral due to my own illness. My deepest sympathy goes out to my friend, Pat.
Joyce Stevens
February 17, 2020
"And when I awake in Heaven I shall be satisfied for I will see you face to face." Psalms 17:15
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Joseph Ketchum
February 10, 2020
I only saw Jack in action once, but I knew Pat well, she was my Librarian in HS. After I graduated, they needed a hand with their nieces wedding (this was after Jack was on O2). I dont remember a lot of precise details about the day, the Corps did a number on my pre-basic memory, what I do remember is having a lot of fun carrying out Jacks creative vision, and it not being barking orders like Id have months later. I could also tell, that while I had only known half of the dynamic duo many talked about at the service, it was clear during that single day, to me at least, that they brought out the best in each other, which carried on to all parts of their lives, including sharing the love of books with the lonely kid spending lunches in the library his freshman year. May God bless Pat, and the rest of Jacks family.
Shakirat Taylor
February 10, 2020
Pat,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Although I didn't get to spend a lot of time with him, his light filled the room whenever he was around. He was a great human being, may God rest his soul and comfort you at this very difficult time.
February 10, 2020
Jack was one in a million. The kindness he showed to everyone was unmatched. My daughter, Miranda, will treasure the cups & saucers he gave her over the years and I will smile and think of Jack every time I see them in her home. We love you Pat!
Richard E Gonzales
February 9, 2020
I want to say to John and Jack's family how sorry I am about Jack. I still can recall the great times at RHS. Great friend. It seems that he did everything that he wanted to do. May God bless his family, John and all of my classmates from RHS '67.
Dorothy Schulze
February 9, 2020
Dear Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. The past few years have been a real battle for Jack and he was a true warrior. Both of you were. Now it is time to rest. I will always remember the beautiful music you and Jack performed for Cheryl and Scotts wedding. Truly memorable just as Jack is. May he Rest In Peace. Dorothy Schulze
Jillian Villejo
February 8, 2020
Jack was a very dear friend who I had the pleasure of knowing through the UIW Extended Run Players. He (and Pat) were supportive of my work as a student and then later as I began to work in the education field. I will always be thankful that our paths crossed and will treasure my memories of his friendship. My love and prayers to Pat and the Strawn family.
Maria Zambrano
February 8, 2020
My sincere condolences to Pat and the rest of Jack's family. I will never forget the one librarian with whom I worked at O'Connor who loved seeing students use the library so much he actually set up cafe tables and chairs where they could sip their morning coffee and chat while reading their favorite book. Your warm smiles will be missed.
Maria Zambrano
February 8, 2020
Jack, you were the only school librarian I I ever knew who opened
up a special section in the library with cafe tables and chairs where students could sit and visit while they sipped their morning coffee and read their favorite books. You even purchased the coffee and cream from your own pocket sometimes. The O'Connor students were indeed fortunate to have you as were those of us lucky to be your colleagues. You will be truly missed.
Maria Zambrano
Diana Rosas
February 8, 2020
The choir in heaven will welcome their new member. I will miss you Jack. You left an incredible legacy that I am part of. Thank you for all you did for others.
Bert Garza
February 8, 2020
Great memories at Pan Am. R.I.P. Jack.
Sharon & Chuck Solanik
February 8, 2020
Good friend, incredible educator - you will be missed.
Jane Nordmeyer Rose
February 7, 2020
I have the best memories of Jack as our Drama teacher at Mission HS. But I mostly remember his kindness. Pat, you are special, too. Y'all letting me have a small part in your wedding reception meant the world to me. I send my most sincere condolences and love.
Armando (Dito) Cespedes
February 7, 2020
Deepest sympathy to Pat. Jack made a lasting and meaningful impression on me. May God bless you and your family.
Connie Garza
February 7, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Strawn family. Mr. Strawn was an extraordinary band director at Mission High School. Malay he Rest In Peace
Diane Ethridge
February 7, 2020
Jack Strawn left a wonderful impression with many sweet memories on my son that helped to shape the man he is today. Having Jack as a band instructor at Mission High School,and a forever friend, was a blessing and we are most grateful for having him in our lives. Thank you too to his wonderful wife, Pat, for your help and love that surely extended Jack's life. RIP sweet friend and mentor to many.
Joe Valadez
February 7, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the Strawn Family.Jack was always a kind and giving man.
He was a well respected member of the community of Mission,Texas.I enjoyed working with Jack as an assistant Band Director while at Mission High School.May God bless Him and all family.
Joe and Aida Valadez
Anna Longoria
February 7, 2020
My deepest condolences to Pat and family. I was blessed to have Mr. Strawn as my band director in Mission. Kind, always ready to help, and patient!! May he Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers to to the family. ❤
Shannon Smith Sims
February 7, 2020
I have fond memories of Jack from my childhood. May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to all his family.
February 7, 2020
Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a true warrior. He will be missed.
Dorothy Schulze
Jan Karmes
February 7, 2020
Jack was such a wonderful man to work with. He always had a quick smile and positive word for everyone! I will miss his light in this world. Pat, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Patricia Lozano
February 7, 2020
Mr. Strawn was a very dear teacher and friend. He helped shaped my life, and from that I've tried my best to teach others. When I moved to Mission, I didn't have much, but I found a teacher that was willing to show me that the Valley could be much more if I'd just let myself be open to the unexpected. While we didn't talk much after I graduated, I drew strength knowing that he was in the world spreading happiness of life to those who needed it. I'll try to draw comfort knowing his spirit continues his life work. To a man that genuinely changed my life, I'll lift a scotch, and hope to hear him in Heaven with the choirs and bands and artists above.
Hermelinda Rosales
February 7, 2020
Truly one of the best teachers I ever had at Mission High School. Mrs. Strawn you both are in my heart forever. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Mayra Zapata
February 7, 2020
Mr. Strawn was my honors English teacher at Mission High School. I received the love for musicals from him. He had our class read CATS and publish our own books. His class was so much fun and challenging at the same time. Thank you Mr. Strawn for having so much passion for your students and for teaching. God bless you. RIP
Kent Smither
February 7, 2020
I loved Jack. I first worked with him in Once Upon a Mattress in 1974 at what was then Pan American University. He played a sweet, hilarious and ultimately touching King Sextimus. He was kind and modest and brilliantly talented. A talented director and actor and a really fine human being. I will remember him always. Condolences to Pat and to his family.
Virginia Bigler
February 7, 2020
Jack was bigger than life...a true Renaissance man. Smart, talented, loving, compassionate - the world is a little less today without him in it.
Janie and Kevin Connelly
February 7, 2020
Dearest Pat, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of dear sweet Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Our family was so honored to have known Jack. There are no words to express all his talents, his compassion for people, and his great love for you. You were his most precious jewel and his love and devotion to you were incomparable. And you are so right; I pictured him gracefully dancing looking ever so distinguished in his tuxedo. Although in my heart I know that he is at peace, I am certain he has a wonderful production in the works in Heaven. And I know it will be spectacular! We love you both very much. ♥♥♥
Sandra Schwartz
February 7, 2020
Jack was my very favorite leading man. He was the kindest, gentlest, most caring man. He will be missed. Love you, Jack!!!
Beth Thames
February 7, 2020
A kinder person could not be found. He pulled me through a difficult year.
Jeanette Bradfield
February 7, 2020
My sweet dear friend Pat, I'm so sorry for your loss. Jack was such a dear sweet person, whom I loved very much and will miss him too! Just know I'm here for you in anything you might need during this difficult time. My prayers are with you. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Dahlia Cavazos
February 7, 2020
What a great man and person he was! He was my band director and one of those inspirational people you meet in your lifetime! He will always be remember with fond memories! RIP Mr Strawn..
Faye Hagerty
February 7, 2020
What a great friend Jack was to all who knew him. Love you you, Pat!
Teri Lesesne
February 7, 2020
TLA will not be the same without Jack. I always looked
looked forward to having time to visit with him. Much love to Pat.
Mary Ellen & Archie Glaze
February 7, 2020
What a treasure heaven has gained! Jack was a multi-talented man who always had a smile on his face. He was a strong fierce fighter. As disease ravaged his body he continued to battle. His faith was his strongest weapon. He will be missed by so many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. They, along with all of us, should always keep the good memories of the past close to our hearts.
Nancy Horn - Boga
February 7, 2020
Condolences to the family. He was one of my Mission High School band directors . A wonderful man.
Brian West
February 7, 2020
Probably the nicest human being I've ever met. I always enjoyed our conversations. I'll miss you, young man.
Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results
Make a Donation
in Jack Strawn's name
Memorial Events
for Jack Strawn
People and places connected with Jack
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Jack's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jack Strawn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
