John Frederick Quackenbush

John Frederick Quackenbush, age 85, passed away on November 17, 2018 in The Woodlands, Texas. He was known as “Jack” to his friends and was born in Port Monmouth, New Jersey, on January 20, 1933.  He was the youngest of five boys born to Emily Carrie Gross and Charles Quackenbush. His older brothers included: Charles, Harold, Albert, and Rudy.  Growing up, he was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jack spent two years in the US Army, both stateside and abroad.  Upon his return, he attended Tulane University, in New Orleans, La, where he received his Bachelor of Science.  He then attended Penn State University, in State College, Pa, where he received his Masters as well as his PhD in Psychology. He met and married Mary Jane Campbell and they were blessed with 4 children - Stuart, Leigh Diana, and John.

Jack’s career was as interesting and varied as his life. He began working for the Devereaux Foundation in Pennsylvania.  This position brought him to Victoria, Texas, in 1969. He pursued his love of teaching working for University of Houston Victoria Campus, Brazosport College, Matagorda ISD and University of Phoenix. He conducted untold tests for multiple police departments throughout Texas.  He worked for several years in the Texas State Prison system. He also worked one-on-one with patients throughout his career at several different clinics.

Jack’s many interests and talents included crocheting, carving, ship building, jigsaw puzzles, acting, and singing.  He was a huge fan of his beloved Astros. He took up painting later in life and became quite an accomplished artist. He was active in the community theater scene wherever he was living. His favorite role remains to this day - Tevye from “Fiddler on The Roof”.  He always found time to participate in community choral groups, which included everything from Madrigals, Barbershop, and church choirs.  He spent his last years as a cherished member of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church in The Woodlands, Texas.

His many accomplishments, however, are not what made Jack the man, the father, the son, the brother, the husband, the grandfather, the great grandfather and the friend we are remembering today. It was his big grin and his even bigger heart that will be remembered.  He loved his family and those he considered friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or a warm bear hug.  He believed in the good in people.  He made friends wherever he went. Some of his last words of advice to his grandchildren was this: “Be a better listener than a talker.”

Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Emily; his father, Charles; and all four brothers, Charles, Harold, Albert and Rudy Quackenbush.  He is survived by his four children, Stuart Quackenbush, Leigh Murray, Diana Bush and John Quackenbush; eight grandchildren (Alex, Jessica, Josh, Audra, Aubrey, Asa, Seth and Randy); two great grandchildren (Holden and Silas); and his companion of fifteen years -Susan Tinsley.