A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Highway 277 South, in Abilene. He was laid to rest at Elmwood Memorial Park on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
McGlothlin was born August 6. 1930, in Grand Prairie, second of the three sons of Raymond Daniel and Lillah Evelyn (Debbie) Trimble McGlothlin. The family moved to Abilene when Jack was five years old and he became a lifelong resident, graduating from Abilene High School in 1947 and Abilene Christian College in 1951 with a degree in accounting.
While a student at ACC he met Joyce Durrett of Memphis, Texas, and they married February 22, 1953, in Memphis. Three years later they relocated briefly to Radiant Valley, Maryland, where Jack served as an Army radio operator, beginning his lifelong interest in broadcasting.
Upon returning to Abilene, Jack worked for his father in various positions in ranching and oil refining, but his sense of adventure and entrepreneurial spirit took his career in many directions.
In 1968, along with Tony Andress and younger brother Hal McGlothlin, he formed LaJet, Inc., an oil refining company, which became the namesake of Abilene’s PGA golf tournament for many years.
Concurrently, he pursued his interest in broadcasting, controlling legal and financial operations of Radio London from 1964-67, and for a brief time, he helped begin United Network Co., a very short-lived competitor to the major television broadcast networks.
In the late 1970’s, along with Carl Williams, he recognized the need for alternative energies and was involved in the creation of LaJet Energy Company–Solar. He continued that interest into his 90’s as a supporter of ACU’s molten salt reactor project through NEXT Lab.
Though he officially retired decades earlier, he continued to go to work every day at his son’s company, Orison Marketing, a company that provides environmentally friendly chemicals.
He was a member of Highland Church of Christ in Abilene and enjoyed singing with the Hillcrest Church of Christ Singers, led by his brother Ray, Jr. for many years. His musical interest and perpetual curiosity also led him to take tap dancing lessons in his 80’s when his granddaughter, Jackie Beth, offered a class at a local studio. Inspired by JoAnn Halbert, Jack took up needlepoint and created many pieces that were crafted so well that they could have been shown from the front or the back because of his attention to detail.
Despite losing his sight and most of his hearing in his last years, he never lost his appreciation for good conversation or time with his family. He always had a tale to tell.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, daughter Jackie Beth, brothers Hal and Ray Jr., and grandsons Greyson McGlothlin and Tanner Smith. Survivors include his children: Tracy and husband Bryan Shilcutt of Abilene, Kelly McGlothlin of Windsor, Maine, and Shawn and wife Amy McGlothlin of Abilene. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jackie Beth Shilcutt, Erin Shilcutt, Cooper Smith, Camden Smith, Marley Lees and her husband Kevin, Ryan McGlothlin, Hannah Kington and her husband Jim Bob; great grandchild, Everett James Kington; sister-in-law, Marilyn McGlothlin, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family extends special thanks to those who journeyed with us: Jennie Ortiz, Kinder Hearts Hospice and Home Instead. Your kindness and devotion to Jack during this last year sustained us.
Those wishing to honor Jack’s memory may do so through gifts to The Hermitage https://transfigurationhermitage.org/, Greyson McGlothlin Memorial Scholarship at ACU, Joyce McGlothlin Scholarship Fund at Abilene Christian Schools or the charity of their choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the McGlothlin family.
