We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jack Thomas Humes from Whitesboro, Texas, on November 4, 2024, at the age of 86. Jack passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born in Council Bluffs, IA, on December 3, 1937 to Geraldine (Harkins) and William Thomas Humes. His father’s career with the Union Pacific Railroad inspired Jack’s love of trains. Jack attended Grinnell College for one year before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Just before graduating, he met the love of his life, Sandra Jean Lewis, and they quickly married that Christmas setting off on a 64-year adventure together. Their first stop was a move to Germany, where they welcomed their first son, Jack Junior, “Tom”. Jack and Sandy moved 11 more times over the course of his military career and had three more children along the way: Todd Edwin, Traci Sue, and Troy David. Jack honorably served two tours in Vietnam, earned a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, taught Electrical Engineering at West Point, and made many contributions in the field of artillery. After 20 years of dedicated service to his country, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and moved on to the next adventure. In 1980, Jack relocated his family to sunny Southern California, where he worked as a Systems Engineer at Litton Data Systems. Over the next 19 years, he advanced artillery system technology and was honored with the Sam Sternbach Award for his technical excellence and leadership. He again traveled the world promoting Litton products and, most importantly, connecting with people everywhere he went. In 1999, Jack, Sandy, and Troy moved to Whitesboro, TX, where they built their dream home. Jack and Sandy shared a love for all things old, and opened Yellow Front Antiques and later Butterfield Stage Stop Emporium right across the street. The best part of the shop for Jack was in meeting and forming great relationships with the many wonderful people of Whitesboro and beyond. Jack was the ultimate storyteller, known for his larger-than-life personality. He possessed a strong will, unwavering determination, and a profound love for and desire to support his family and the community he loved. In addition to playfully engaging with nearly everyone who wandered by the store, Jack contributed to his community in numerous ways. He was actively involved in Rotary, Keep Whitesboro Beautiful, the Whitesboro Restoration Board, and the Chamber of Commerce. His contributions earned him the Community Leadership Award in 2008, 2011, and 2014. Additionally, Jack played an active role in his church community, where he greeted thousands of people at Breakfast at the Community Kitchen.
Jack is survived by his wife, Sandy; their four children, Jack Jr. (Judy), Todd (Lisa), Traci (Kevin), and Troy; four grandchildren, Laura, Oriel, Abbie and Rachel; brother, Jim; cousin, Julie; and nephew, Jeff. Jack was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, hero, and he is dearly missed.
We were blessed to know Jack and share in his telling of tales.
When I was little Jack used to scare me with his deep loud voice, but I eventually learned how sweet he was. When we went to visit them in Texas, Jack was so tickled by our little daughter Hannah…he kept singing “hard headed Hannah, the vamp from Savannah”. You will be missed Jack. Love and prayers to the Humes family.
Love, Michael, Sue, Emily, Evan, Grace and hard-headed Hannah
I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was larger than life and a true gentleman. I loved “sparring” with him when he would come to the City Hall office. He loved ribbing me about my “lack of doing ANY kind of work” and I’d dish it right back at him. He was so much fun and always made me laugh.
I recall going into the antique store one time and he eagerly gave me a grand tour and showed me the prize victrola and showed me how it played and the story behind it. It truly was amazing.
I will miss him deeply and pray God’s peace and comfort to Sandy and family. May your memories go with you from this day forward knowing that he is with you in spirit.
Til we meet on the other side, rest easy, my friend.
We met Jack when we all were working at the breakfast and attending the little Presbyterian church. We had so much fun joking with him and arguing sometimes.
He was a true gentleman, dedicated to his family and his community. He was a big personality, filled with kindness and love. He will be sorely missed.
We send love and hugs to the family he dearly loved.
I am so very sorry for the passing of this kind man.Praying for his family and loved ones.
I only became friends with Jack a few years ago and am better for it. The things I most admired about Jack were his sweet devotion to his family, his kindness to others and patience with anyone that he encountered. He helped make Whitesboro a better place and the people in it richer for having known him. Go easy warrior.
Jack Humes, what a wonderful friend and neighbor when I lived in Whitesboro. Met Jack, Sandy, and Troy when Juanita and I attended First Presbyterian and we all became great friends. A wonderful gentleman and Christian , loved by all, and will be extremely missed ! Whitesboro has lost a pillar to the community but his legend will live on. We will see you again in Heaven my friend. God’s blessings and loving care to Sandy, Troy, and Jeff , and family members.
Jack has been and always will be a giant of a man to me. I always looked forward to visits with my uncle…his stories, hospitality, love of family. He was so proud of Sandy and my four cousins T,T,T&T. His love and leadership in community and service to his country have inspired me. I will really miss our times of banter and teasing as well as our discussing of current affairs, railroads and antiques. My prayers for comfort, peace and everlasting good memories to Sandy and all the Ts!