Jack Devine

CMsgt Jack Devine, loving husband, dad and pa of Kerrville passed from this life on July 18, 2016.

Jack was born January 28, 1920 to Miles Thomas and Beatrice Little Devine in Donie, Texas. Jack was the seventh of eight children. His brother Glynn was born seven years later. The family lived on a farm and Jack enjoyed farm life. He was athletic and lettered in football and basketball. He continued playing basketball after entering the military. He loved watching the Spurs and was sorry Duncan retired.

Jack graduated from Donie High School in 1938 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Jack availed himself to all the training schools eager to learn new skills and advance. After the attack on Pearl Harbor his unit was sent to the Aleutians to protect the Dutch Harbor. Life in the extreme cold, living in tents was difficult. He was proud of his unit's accomplishments. He later served in the Pacific. He was on Iwo Jima and said President Truman saved his life and thousands more by bombing Japan. Later he flew Operation Vittles and participated in the ''Candy Bombers.''

Jack met and married the love of his life, Peggy Maddox in Mexia, Texas. They shared over 65 years of happiness. They were blessed with two children Miles Devine and Carol Bergmann. He was always proud of his family. After 24 years in the Air Force, Jack retired. He was awarded numerous awards.

The family moved to Huntsville, Texas for Jack to complete his college degree at Sam Houston State University. He was a member of the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society at Sam Houston.

After graduation Jack was employed as a teacher at Huntsville ISD where he taught history for two years and went to work for the tax office. He studied and obtained his Certified Tax Assessor certificate. He later was employed as a tax assessor for the city and school district of Bryan, Texas. In 1977 he was employed by the South Park ISD of Beaumont. He retired in 1997.

After a heart attack Jack and Peggy got involved in Mending Hearts. They visited heart patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital once a week.

In July 1999 Jack and Peggy moved to Kerrville where they enjoyed the slower pace watching birds and squirrels and caring for their yard, working out at the gym, and time with family. They enjoyed traveling and made many trips and cruises.

One of the highlights of his life was taking the family on an Alaskan cruise. He also enjoyed an Honor Flight to Washington with his son-in-law as his escort.

Jack loved the Lord, his family and country. He is survived by his loving wife Peggy, son Miles, daughter-in-law Mary, daughter Carol Bergmann, son-in-law David, granddaughters Dr. Alison Benner, her husband Ben, Sara Brocksmith, her husband Richard, Lauren Bergmann, great grand children James and Kyle Brocksmith, Olivia and Sophia Benner, brother Glynn of Austin and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to express our gratitude for the loving care given to Jack by the nurses, aids, and caregivers at Hilltop Village and Peterson Hospice.

Funeral Services will be held at 10AM Saturday July 23, 2016 at Kerrville Funeral Home, 1221 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, TX 78028 with Pastor Blair Cushman officiating. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories, Kerrville, TX.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home (830)895-5111

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