I read the news today, oh boy . . . I want thank Jack for the opportunity he gave my band Alexis and getting us signed to MCA Records back in 1977 and being our manager. The experience for me was something that this now (61 year old man) will cherish forever. Thanks again Jack, I love you and see you on the other side.

Rest In Peace Jack. You were an inspiration to me.

I grew up next door to jack &he always was a class act. We got our Fender Guitars at the same time, and I could not even tune it before he was playing up a storm. Great guy. I will miss him.

I knew Jack when he was at Showco and I was in one of the bands they booked.  He was a good guy.  His contribution to the entertainment I will not soon be forgotten.  My deepest sympathy.

Jack was a good friend with whom I shared many spirited gigs when Jack put me to work as lead singer with The Jades, succeeding Bob Schulz who passed away last year, which lasted over a year while we were both at SMU. We had some good times with our music.
In our first gig at a Baylor party our drummer poked his intoxicated eye with a drumstick in the first set so we played the rest of the night with no rythm section while the drummer's girlfriend hurried
him back to a Dallas hosital. The Jades at that time consisted of Eugene Walls, Bass, Bill Stephenson, rythm guitar,drums, Phelps Lahommado (sp.), piano, Jack Calmes,manager, lead guitar,and me, singer.
Sometimes Jack Allday, drums and Eugene Hoffler, rythm guitar joined us.
Jack was always cheerful and very talented, even when we got fired from a steady gig at the Club Araby in Arlington.
 A lot of good times and good stories were had with Jack. I shall value his legacy of good times and genuine friendship.
 I did not know of his illness or his passing. 
Thanks for the memories!
A good fellow who left a very good trail.
R.I.P.

I remember the ethereal all-white Children's Arts & Ideas benefits that Jack planned in the 1970s, when there would be a hot air balloon over Irene Humphrey's ranch, and always a great rock group. Jack always inspired me a higher spirit. We'll all miss such a wonderful man in our midst.

You will be surely missed Jack. Thank you for all you have given to society. May you R.I.P.
ps Save Me A Seat!

Jack Calmes was truly one in a million gazillion.  So many memories.  He was my neighborhood playmate growing up, our junior high school's "original", a dear college friend. I spent so much time at his house in the 70"s learning from Sharma, the Indian Ayurvedic astrologer Jack (SO before his time!!!) brought to Dallas for months at a time, to help Sharma make money for his family in Delhi.  He was even my boss when I worked at Showco in the late 70"s, trying to be a "hippie" like all those guys and Jack!  He had that fabulous long hair he used to swing around! Oh to have had that hair!!.  

There was never anyone remotely like Jack.  And truly, he was maybe the smartest man I ever knew.  I don't know how many people got to know that part of him, but  I promise he could recite world history with names and places and dates from 1000BC, every battle, who led it, who won, how it changed the continent, the history of, well, the world!   He had an amazing mind...and his spiritual understanding was profound.  He was the world's greatest teacher on just about any subject.  

What an awesome guy! Truly a visionary, in 100's of ways.

We love you, Jack.  God bless Susie and all the family....he leaves such a super size hole in this universe...but will definitely shine like the biggest star in heaven, bigger than he ever even knew he was.
Love,
Becky

Susie, sending my prayers for you and your family. You and Jack had the kind of love that was an example to all of us that had the chance to be around you, of how it should be. I was blessed to be witness to your relationship. Hugs and love, Paula

Like many, Jack gave me my first job in "the business". Without Jack I wouldn't have met so many people that became great, lifelong friends. Jack changed a lot of lives - both directly & indirectly - through his generosity & kind spirit. I am thankful to have known him and my thoughts & prayers are with his family.

What a legend! Happy trails Jack until we meet again.,....

Jack was "an Original" one of the old school standup guys. He was a Legend when I started as a cocky youngster but we became great friends over the years and he was a backbone of support on numerous shows we did together.I shall miss his generosity of spirit and his rapier wit. 
If you see a bright light in the sky, it will be Jack playing with a Syncrolite!
 
My condolences to Susie and all his family who were so important to him.

I won't say goodbye,but I will say until we meet again. I want to say thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance to run your manufacturing Department. we have a lot of 1 on 1 conversation that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Always a visionary and entrepreneur. He was a pioneer in the music touring industry. I was blessed to have known him and I regret that his exit was so difficult. God Bless his soul and keep his family strong with his memory.

Susie,  thinking about you and your family today.  I pray for your strength during your time of sorrow.  Your a dear friend.
Love,
Lee Ann

  Without Jacks support I would never have had the early success with Sound Productions that I did. Jack was a friend ,a true renaissance man and an inspiration to all in the production industry.And he played a mean guitar.
He is truly missed.

Jack was my hero since 1979 when I went to work for Showco
He put together a wild and crazy group and made them professionals whether we knew it or not. He was an inspiration to all of us. RIP Jack

Jack we have you to thank for bringing together a motley crew of people! Some of these people have become part of our family for life. We are proud to have been a part of your Syncrolite family.

Jack was more than a friend.  I'm proud to call him family, and I share with the rest of the family a profound loss.

 RIP my brother. Without you much of what we take for granted would not be possible in this crazy business we all now call work. We'll continue the vision and legacy here at Syncrolite and you'll always be thought of.
  God Bless the Calmes Family and Thank You for everything!
Steve Washington (Syncrolite LLC)

The Chickenhawks and the 8.0.  Heartbreakers Ball and LDI are places where our lives intersected. You gave me my first lighting equipment and helped a young woman start a career. Thank you. Rest In Peace

You made the stars shine bright, Peace for you and your family.

I worked for Showco, Inc. a couple of years during the 80's and have many fond memories.  How sad to hear that Jack has gone on to be with the Lord.  He will be missed.  May God comfort his loved ones. Dora Duncan

Thank You Jack.  For giving so many of us our own History.Rest you soul and know you had a great life.

Robert Medley

Well I admit you were a big hero of mine. Always. I cannot believe you've left us. My sympathies to all the friends and family , who are grieving today. God Bless and God Speed. You will be missed, terribly.

Sounds of laughter, shades of life are ringing through my open ears
Inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on, across the universe.
(Lennon-McCartney)

Rock on, Jack

My sincere condolences to the Calmes family for your loss.

Jack you will be greatly missed! Thanks for your friendship over the years and relentless pursuit of perfect lighting! You were a pioneer in our business and a mentor to many! May God bless you on your best business trip yet!! See you on the other side one day and enjoy the many blessings God will bestow in you.

Jack not only gave birth to an industry, but brought together such a diverse group of people from all over the country, nee the world to form a family that hangs to this day.  And maybe the bonding of all those people is the greatest legacy of all.  Thanks, Jack.

Rest in peace Jack, you were a joy to know and work with and you made your mark on the world in a way few can claim . My deepest sympathies to the Calmes family and all who knew you Jack,  God bless .

OBITUARY

Jack Norton Calmes

21 October, 1943 – 5 January, 2015

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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