A visitation for Jack will be held Sunday, January 1, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A celebration of life will occur Monday, January 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. He will be on laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park.
Jack Latham was born on April 2, 1933 at his family’s ranch near the remote mountain area of Coalmont, Colorado, which was once a booming coal mining town, but today is little more than a wide place in the road. He went home to be with Jesus on Christmas Day 2022 surrounded by his daughters and sons-in-law. He was 89 years old.
Jack was the fourth of five children born to Charles and Marie Latham. Jack’s mother died when he was just two and at age four, Jack was blessed with a new mom, Ruth Latham and two more siblings, making him the middle of seven children.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carolynn Latham; his son, Douglas Latham, his parents and all six of his siblings. He is survived by his three daughters, Pamela Pugh (Jeff), Becky Randle (Doyce) and Karen Thomason (Allen). Six grandchildren: Brandon Gross, Cherise Kelly, Chase Randle, Stormi Aubuchon, Michaela Thomason and Austin Thomason and nine great grandchildren.
Jack was highly intelligent, finishing school ahead of all of his peers. In 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force where he served as a gunner on an A-26 aircraft during the Korean War. He went on to serve in aerial reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. He served our country for more than 21 years, retiring with honors in 1972. It was during an assignment in Phoenix, AZ where he met and married Carolynn.
During his military service, he also began college, but because of the Vietnam War, was not able to complete until his retirement. Upon retirement, he completed both his Engineering and Chemistry degrees.
Jack & Carolynn became involved in the “tape ministry” under the leadership of Pastors Wallace & Marilyn Hickey, while living in Denver, CO in the late 1960s. Jack went on to serve three churches over the next 50 years. He was a beloved member of the Christian Center of Shreveport where he helped birth the media ministry He recorded and distributed copies of the services and ensured that all shut-ins received a copy of each service.
Jack had many hobbies, including woodworking, building furniture, stained glass, ceramics, genealogy, collecting scout memorabilia, old coins and much more.
There is not room on this tribute to list all that Jack gave and did for his family, his church, the Boy Scouts of America and many others. His giving was generous and his faithfulness – legendary. Jack was well known for his kind heart and his great love of story-telling. Jack was well loved and he will be missed.
Till we see you again Daddy – We love you! Pam, Becky & Karen
