Jerry Robert Jax Sr.

Jerry Robert Jax, age 87 passed away on March 16, 2015 surrounded by his wife and loving family. He was born in Wichita, Kansas on June 3, 1927 to Hazel and Clarence Gerald Jax and moved to Houston with his family at the age of 5.

Jerry is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Mary Kay Jax; two sons, Michael Stiles Jax and wife, Carin, and Jerry Robert Jax, Jr.; Grandchildren: Catherine, Stephanie, Michael, David and Lucy Jax; Julia and husband, Eden; Jerry Lynn and husband Antonio; Jerry Robert Jax III and wife, Ashlee; and great grandchildren: Ahrianna, Jalea and Ava. Additional survivors are: Brother, Rev. Tom Jax and wife Brenda; Sister-in-law, Dolly Korenek and husband Joe; sister-in-laws, Emily Stiles and Lou Jax and numerous nephews, nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Kay Jax, his parents and brother, Jimmy Jax.

After graduating from Allen Military Academy in 1944, Jerry attended the U.S. Naval Academy and completed his education at Rice University in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering. He began his career with Superior Oil Company and retired from Exxon Oil Company after 34 years as a natural gas engineer and manager of natural gas marketing. In his retirement Jerry became an author. He wrote 1550 sonnets, of which 566 were published, including a book entitled SONNETS OF LIFE.

Jerry’s life was filled with service to his God, his family, his community and his country. He was a faithful member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church since 1965, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, Past President of the school board, Member of the Diocesan School Board and Our Lady of Fatima Family Guild. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and Past President of the Serra CLub. He also loved youth activities and sports and was a Scoutmaster and coached baseball, basketball and football in the Spring Branch/Memorial Sports Ass, Dad’s Club and St. Cecilia Catholic School.

Jerry had the remarkable ability to light up a room with laughter. He made everyone he met feel special and important and will be so missed by those whose lives he touched.

A rosary will be held at 9:45AM on Friday, March 20, 2015, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30AM officiated by Bishop Vincent Rizzotto at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, TX 77024. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Charity Guild of Catholic Women, St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church or Charity of your choice.