John Philip Maher III

John Philip “Jack” Maher III, Lt. Col. Ret. Army, died peacefully Tuesday morning, March 21, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Jack, “Papa Jack” to his fifteen grandchildren, lived a full life of love and integrity. He will be remembered most for his deeply kind nature, his magical stories, his passion for teaching, and his desire to help anyone in need. A voracious reader and extraordinary Spanish speaker, throughout his life, Jack devoted himself to intellectual challenges and guiding youth. Yet he most cherished spending time with family and friends. Born in Brownsville, Texas, at Mercy Hospital, Jack attended St. Joseph’s Academy as a boy and spent many summers with family in Laredo, Texas. Then, at Brownsville High School, he met the love of his life, his “OAO” (one and only), Janette Jean Dancy. She was born in the same hospital by the same doctor, Dr. Jas. Renfro, two years after Jack. They dated eleven years, marrying at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona on July 21, 1958. They had seven children and traveled the world during his military career, including the Far East, Europe, Latin America, and throughout the U.S. before returning back home to Texas. Jack was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point by John Nance Garner, graduating in 1953 from the Corps of Engineers; received a Master of Civil Engineering, Princeton University in 1958, a Master of Political Science, Rutgers University in 1965, and studied Education at Trinity University. Jack served his country in Korea and Vietnam. Always humble, few knew he received numerous medals, including two Bronze Star Medals, an Air Medal, and a Legion of Merit. Retiring from the Military in 1978, Jack enjoyed many years as an educator in Harlandale ISD, first teaching algebra at Kingsborough Middle School, later becoming District Head of Math, Science, and PE. Jack is preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Michelle Jean; sister, Mary Beth Looney; mother, Mary Lee Newman Maher; father, Col. John Philip Maher II; step-mother, Lt. Col. Helen C. Maher. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janette, his children and grandchildren:

Mark and Kim Maher: (Austin, Marlayna, Kyndall)

Shauna and Michael Thornton: (Auden, Leydon, Loren, Evan Leigh)

John Philip Maher IV: (Miranda)

Mary Ellen and Greg Castro: (Niko, Noel)

Anjanette and Rusty Moore: (Sharon, Rachel, Michelle, Megan)

Matthew Maher: (John Matthew);

and many loving relatives. Jack was grateful for many wonderful friends here and abroad, including Tom Sofis, Jimmy Pace, and Sam Dallas (dec). The family deeply thanks Maria, Alma; Tammy and staff from Gentiva Hospice; PT and staff at Paramount Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and loving care.

Visitation: Sunset Funeral Home (Austin Highway), Monday, April 3, 2017 at 6-8pm.

Services: Sunset Funeral Home, Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 12pm, Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House BAMC, DAV, or charity of choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX.