Jack W. Houston
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held Saturday, April 6 at 2 PM. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 E. College Way in Mount Vernon, WA.
Jack Houston went home to Jesus early Sunday morning, March 24, 2013, after a long battle with cancer. He passed away in his son’s home, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him.
He is survived by his children Brent Michael Houston (Kari), Joshua Travis Houston (Traci), Jeremiah Elijah Houston (Audrey), Jordan Malachi Houston (Julianna). Grandchildren MacKenzie, Kari Grace, Ciara, Hannah, Ciann (Brent) Baylee, Jackson, Memphis Belle (Joshua), Caden, Kylan (Jeremiah) and great granddaughter Yzabel. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Darlene (Hall) Houston-Polson, and wife Maryann (Labay) Houston.
He was born February 2, 1940, in Rochelle, IL to Samuel and Vivian Houston. Jack was the second of three siblings, Dale (Aline) and Susan Houston. He graduated from Illinois School for the Deaf in 1959 and attended Gallaudet University in 1964 and 1965.
After college he trained for linotype and worked as a typesetter for the Chicago Sun Times (IL), The Daily News (CA), and The Anchorage Times (AK). He settled in Alaska for 12 years before returning to Illinois to attend auto body school, subsequently working as an auto body repair specialist for 5 years.
In 1979 Jack pioneered a move to Washington State where he continued to work in the auto body industry. Once the whole family was settled in Washington, he began working part time in the food industry so that he could devote his free time to his church and his sons, including their numerous sports activities.
In 1985 Jack and his family moved to 5 wooded acres just outside of Marysville. He spent many hours working on the property and turning it into a haven for his boys to explore. In 2002 he moved to Sedro Woolley. Jack enjoyed traveling to visit friends all over America. In January 2011, Jack married Maryann (Labay) Houston.
Jack enjoyed sporting events of every kind, especially watching his children or grandchildren play them. He has always enjoyed outdoor sports and has successfully hunted game of all kinds including bears, deer, moose, and prize winning Chinook salmon.
2 Timothy 4:7 -"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jack’s honor to Deaf Mission or Deaf World Wide.
Jack served the Lord whom he loved, and he will be dearly missed.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-24
Memories
From MIchael Bukis
Jack, Thank you for the patience and generosity you showed to Jennie and I whenever we ran into you. Sorry I couldn't have done better holding up my end of the conversation. Take care.
Michael
From Linda Buchanan
very good guy I know for many years......He is a very wonderful father to his boys..Now he is walking with jesus in a beaitful heaven. I will never forget him..also will miss him..
From Thomas c. Mow
Although we met for only one time since his graduation from ISD, i miss his warmth in friendship.
Although we are not related, we shared many common relatives as well as many common friends.
Although I wish I have more time socializing with him, I know many other people feel that way, too.
I am thankful for that person as my friend. I will always remember him.
From John M. Hall
Jack was a good father n a fine fellow all around. He was my brother in law but I wished I got to spend more time with him. We lived to for apart.May GOD n you walk together. AMEN!
From Mary & Don Richards
Jack is great and sweet guy. He is great freind of our during Golfing Deaf tourment. He will be miss with freind and his family. He now up in dance with Jesus
From Ray Bock
A kind, gentle true friend. I will miss working with you and visiting you until we meet again in Heaven. Thank you for trying to teach me sign language, forgive my attemtps at signing. I smile when I think of you and everything you did while we shared our earthly friendship. It was a true honor to meet you.
From Suz
Mr. Jack, I'm sorry to hear that you have passed away. I am glad that I have met you in person. I'm sorry that I don't really know you very well. My condolences sent to his family. Jack, may God be with you. I am sure that you are in a great place out there. May his soul rest in peace. Take care.
From Lynn Varrelman-Burr
I've known Jack Houston since 1987. Jack and I were member of BCA (Bethany Christian Assembly) He love reading the bible book. He loves the Lord all his life. A very kind, sweet, good heart and wonderful brother in christ. Now he is with Jesus. I will always remember and miss him.
From Veronica Dunnington
Jack is precious brother in the Lord. I am sorry that unable to attend the memorial service due our moving day!
He is the first deaf person who went to Bohol, Philippines to see the deaf church that my husband and I started in 2001 while we were missionaries. Also he met my 'children' in faith. That touched my heart as he was willing and brave to go out of comfort zone to see the other side of the world esp. outside of America!
I am rejoicing that he has entered in the presence of Almighty Lord!
From Ray and Linda …
We have known each other but have not seen much of each other..Every time we see you, you always welcomed us with warmth Jack..
You will be missed..
From mark ian labay
jack was a kind person. he is good in and out. thank you for loving my sister maryann and considering as ur family too. our family treasure the memories when you where in the Philippines. may your soul guide us and ur family. we will miss you. love you so much my brother -in-law...
From mark ian labay
thank you so much jack for being so kind to us. i know that you are good in and out. thanks for helping and loving my sister maryann. frm our family we will treasures all the memories that you where here in the PHILIPPINES. miss you and love you my brother-in-law.. GOD will always guide ur soul and ur family...
From Ken & Lori McLeod
We are so saddened to hear of Jack's graduation to Heaven. He will be missed here on earth but welcomed in Heaven. We enjoyed many years with Jack at church in Sedro-Woolley and always enjoyed running into him. He always had a great smile and a warm spirit. We hadn't seen him in a few years but know that we will see him again someday! Blessings to Jack's family.
From Mike Houston
My Dad was not a perfect man but he was a perfect man! I thank God everyday for blessing us boys with Jack as our father, our guide, our role model; especially when it came to following Jesus. I have many fond memories of my father and I regularly use those memories of him whenever I do any presentations or public speaking...it was like having him there alongside me wherever I am. And now I know he's alongside the King of kings, healthy, vibrant, laughing and will have eternal life (John 3:36). I shall miss you dad...thank you for your patience with me in helping me become who I am today. I love you Dad!
From Mrs. Dyess
Such a nice tribute to Jack! I remember him while we enrolled at Gallaudet College, now University.
From Jim and Beverl…
Dear, Mike, Josh, Jeremiah, Jordan, Darlene, and Families, we want you to know how sorry we were to hear of Jack's passing, yet rejoice with you that he is truly at "home" with our Lord! The scripture says, " the memory of the just is blessed" Prov.10:7. We were blessed and honoured to have known your dad! In looking back over the years we spent together at the sports games for Master's Touch, and Church activities, Jack was always there at the games and it was so evident that he loved and supported his boys, and that He loved his Lord. He leaves behind a great legacy to carry on in you all! With our love and prayers, Jim and Bev Klein
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