I understand Col. Colley passed 15 yrs ago, but I would still like to express my condolences on his passing.  He was the Chief of Staff at 1CD when I was attached to staff from III Corps.  What most folks don't know about the man was his sense of duty to our country and little known about his humor.  Loved working for him - he taught everyone around him about ethics and insisted on soldiers "doing the right thing at the necessary time".  I will miss him.

COL Jackie W. Colley  was our 3rd Battalion Commander at Fort Jackson during my basic training. Former  LTC Colley spoke to us newly trainees and his leadership was extraordinary! I remember his presence and serious concern for every trainee. It saddens me that he has passed.

God bless his service to our country and God bless his family. Formerly PV2 Boswell Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, First Training Brigade in 1985. Retired Sergeant First Class Gandy, OIF/OEF Veteran 

To the Family of Jackie W. Colley,
  It is with a profoundly sad heart that I just found out about the passing of one of the best Officers I ever had the good fortune to soldier for.  He was my Battalion Commander at Ft. Jackson.  I was the Senior Field Leader for D Company.  He made those two years on the trail easier.  I extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies and condolences.  May GOD bless you and your family.
                  Sincerely,
                 Wendell Benner

Hi Pat, 
This is February 2016 and I am just finding out the Colonel has passed away. I am sorry for your loss. I was looking for the both of you. Brett has hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer. I was hoping to get some pics that you might have that I could blow up for my dining room, which somehow has Lee and Jackson portraits on the walls.  I remember a few  but I was hoping you may want to pass some along of us with the 1st cav....if you have any. 
I have always missed you. You and I both worked and Gert disliked me for it. But here we are, retired in SC, since right before the towers fell.I just retired 2 years ago and we have almost 5 grandchildren. I hope you are doing well. I am saddened to hear Jack passed away. 
Much Love, Brett & Susan Weaver

Good afternoon!! He was my Battalion Commander in Basic Training. 

Jose R. Reyes (Retired SGM)

Pat,
I am sorry for your loss.  I had the privilege of working for your husband at 1st Cav when he was Blackjack 6.  He was a great officer and leader.

Dear Pat,
So very sorry for your loss, Jackie influenced my life in so many ways during our many hours together, he was an amazing man. It was an Honor to serve under him & to know you and the children.

Our first statewide conference call was held this month. Very somber, but in the high traditions Jack held. I kept waiting for that command voice to reach out and say "operator operator" He was a mentor for me in my career path and the example for all Texans to follow. To my SOC family we will make that happen. We will carry on.
Sheriff Jeffrey T Lyon, Hill County Texas

Col. Jack Colley was the best boss I ever worked for (at G3, 8th Infantry Division in Germany). I liked his style and had great respect for him. I was just talking about him today, expressing my great confidence in his ability to handle and resolve threats to Texas (and our nation)from the oil tragedy. I decided to Google to see what he was up to in this regard, and I'm so sad and shocked to learn of his death. His passing is a loss to our nation. Sincere condolences to the Colley family.

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever!

We at the Heart of Texas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross would like to express our condolences to the family of Chief Colley on behalf of our Board, our Volunteers, and our Staff. Many opportunities were shared and united through the support of our Texas Leadership and it allowed our volunteer experiences to be champions among them.

I had the opportunity to work under Chief Colley at the SOC during Hurricane Ike.  His compassion and concern for those who were affected by Ike will stay with me for a long time.  It was an honor.

I knew Jack for many years and worked many Texas disasters with him. He was larger than life and the best Emergency Manager ever!
One of Jack's most memorable sayings was "Let's see how big is big, and how bad is bad!"
There will never be another as big as Jack.

From miles away, on the end of the phone on a SOC call, when Chief Colley was on the line, I sat up straighter. Texas will miss you.

A great man leads by example is strong, steadfast and faithful.  Chief Jack Colley was that kind of a man and will be missed very much by all. Thank you Colonel for your steadfast service to our great nation and state. God bless you and your family.

Chief Colley was a great leader who gave it his all and inspired those around him to do the same.  You just couldn't be in his presence and not be a better person for it!  He was not only brillant but compassionate as well.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief's family and also with everyone at TDEM.  We will miss you so much, Chief.

I had the privilege of working for, and later with, Jack for over almost 14 years in Texas emergency management.  His contributions toward bringing the plight of animals, both livestock and household pets, to the forefront during disaster events will be a legacy for years to come for both Texas and the Nation.   My sincere condolences go out to his family and close friends during this very sad time.

Jack's calm and steady voice will be missed by the thousands of state and local officials and responders who will be handling the inevitable emergencies that will occur in Texas over the coming months and years.  He left us in better shape than he found us and we have been trained by the best.  On a personal note, he was always kind to me and my family who have experienced several hurricanes, and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers just as we know we have been in his.  Jack was a special person and we will miss him.

Sympathy to Jack's friends in Tyler Texas who have lost a dear friend

On this day we pause and celebrate the life of Jack Colley a great icon in the State of Texas who always found a way in a crisis to "get the job done." I am saddened by the loss of such a true friend. Jack was never afraid to tackle an issue head on, Jack made things happen, That is who he Was. I will miss you my dear friend!!

God places people that share a similiar prayer 

in each others path to resolve those similiar needs 

to help get each other thru those hard times

God places someone that knows their situation 

and can understand and not only to help them but 

help each other thru those difficult times and 

resolve those issues together... so that your never 

alone ... Mr. Jack Colley was one of those people. I had the 
privilege and honor of working under Mr. Colley’s command I admire him for everything he stood for and his dedication in protecting our great state of Texas. “Jack” can never be replaced but will greatly be missed by all of us. We will keep you in our prayers.

GOD Bless..
Deborah A. Maldonado 
Austin, TX, TXDPS

Lois and I were so saddened to hear that Jackie Colley passed away. This great leader was one in a million. Having served with him several times over his long military career, I can truly say Colonel Colley was as tactically and technically competent as any officer I knew. Unwaveringly passionate about taking care of Soldiers and their families, intensely focused on accomplishing the mission, and proudly patriotic, I was blessed to have Jack as my friend. He loved his family, his Soldiers, and the great state of Texas with all of his heart. Pat-our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you Jackie, for your selfless service to our nation. We’ll miss you. First Team!

I pray that the peace that passes all understanding go out to Jack's family and friends as they procede through today and the weeks and months ahead.  God is with you, wrapping His loving arms around you, pouring out His healing oil upon you, girding you up.

Rest well faithful servant.  We will keep you and your family in our prayers.   Like many old soldiers and families, we are grateful to have served with you.

You did a great job helping with Disaster Training throughout Texas.
I first met Jack as an adjunct working for TEEX.  May God rest your soul.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Jack Colley. He was a fine gentleman and great leader for the state of Texas with the emergency management teams. He will be missed.

Thank You, Chief, for protecting us all and teaching us how to protect others.  It was a joy to have been lead by you and an honor to "Git To It".

To the Colley Family:  Words can't possibly say how sad we all are for Jack's death and your loss.  There are thousands of us First Responders who have you all in our hearts and prayers.  Always know that.

Chief Colley was our friend, mentor, and Leader.  His leadership moved Emergency Management in Texas to a level of excellence throughout the State.  He was a man who most of us would not say no to and because of that we are far better for it. We have not heard the last from Jack as his legacy will live on for many, many years to come.

Our condolences to the Colley family. Jack was a friend in and out of uniform over the years and I will miss him.

What a great loss for your family and the State of Texas. Jack was an inpiration to us all.
My sincere condolences.

To Pat and her family,
I never knew Jack but always heard great things about him.  I know he has a great wife and family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I am sorry that he has gone so soon.

My condolence to the Colley family, I had the pleasure cut Jack's hair @ Visible Changes. He left his legacy and lead by example. You will be greatly missed. God bless you and your family.. Eric Coronado

Dear Pat and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Jack's passing away, and we extend to all of you our deepest and sinceresty sympathy.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we pray Our Good Lord will give you the strength you need during this difficult time.  With Much Sympathy, GEN (R) & Mrs. Leon J. LaPorte (San Antonio, TX)

Chief Colley was an extraordinary emergency manager, Texan, American, and soldier.  He set the bar for all other states on how to run a program and manage major emergencies.  The Dallas emergency management staff will miss him and we'll continue to walk the path that he blazed.

To the Colley Family,
The entire Billy Graham Evangelistic Association-Rapid Response Team (BGEA-RRT) sends their love and heart felt sympathy to you. Jack understood that Emergency 1st Responders and disaster victims need emotional and spiritual care during major crisis events. To that end, Jack invited the BGEA-RRT, to become a part of the Texas Department of Emergency Management. We are humbled and honored to stand ready to assist in providing that emotional and spiritual care to Texans during their time of greatest need. We thank Jack for allowing BGEA-RRT to serve.

May you be comforted by the ever present love of Jesus Christ during this time of great loss. We pray that you will allow God to heal your broken hearts.

Sincerely,

Everyone passes through life … leaving something behind. Most of us write a last will and testament to divide our material things. But that's not all we leave. We leave a legacy for others to see.   Our legacy is crafted moment-by-moment, day-by-day, as the sum of our life story weaves its biography.
Chief Colley, did just that. He left a legacy for his wife … his children …  his grandchildren - and his friends that will live on through their lives.
Chief Colley's legacy will live on in our hearts and our actions. Chief ... thank you. Thank for all that you stood for, and all that you did. You will be missed greatly!

See you on the other side, Jack.  Regards and best 73,  David Johnson KB5YLG, Azle, Texas,

I remember Uncle Bubba calling him "Chief" many years ago....He left this world with many Texans calling him "Chief"....My prayers are with Pat, his children, brother, and sisters...I Love You Jackie

Pennye Sheridan (Mt. Pleasant,Tx.)
  Cousin

I never met Jack in adult life and only knew him as the little brother of older siblings,Annette, Nancy and David back in Mount Vernon, Texas.  But as a graduating high school senior in 1957 it occurred to me at the time that this little 8 or 9 year old blond, tow-headed lad would some day grow up to be some kind of significant leader in our society. This certainly occured and I am sure Jack will be greatly missed within the entire emergency management community in our State.
  May our gracious God comfort Jack's family, siblings and extended family in this great loss of theirs.

I never met Jack in adult life and only knew him as the little brother of older siblings, Annette, Nancy and David back in Mount Vernon, Texas.  But as a graduating high school senior in 1957 it occurred to me at the time that this little 8 or 9 year old blond, tow-headed lad would some day grow up to be some kind of significant leader in our society. This certainly occurred and I am sure Jack will be greatly missed within the entire emergency management community in our State.
  May our gracious God comfort Jack's family, siblings and extended family in this great loss of theirs.

My heart overflows with sympathy for the Colley family. Yet, it is also filled with joy for your beloved... For how lucky is he to be in the presence of the One true God - and among so many others who have gone on before us. May you all find peace and comfort in this time of loss - and remember the beauty of life and legacy and love he left behind. Someday, you'll meet again...

To the Colley Family:  I am one of many who has had the distinct honor and pleasure to know, train, and work with Chief Colley.  I will never forget how as an intern in Emergency Management, he made me feel like one of the most important people in the room.  He has helped to save hundreds of thousands of lives, started many careers, and lives on in the hearts of people throughout Texas, across America, and around the world.  I pray God will be with you all as you say goodbye to him.  His passion, kindness, and caring were overflowing and contagious.  I thank God and your family for loaning him to us.

Chief Colley-you are my hero. Thank you for protecting all Texans and all people beyond the borders of Texas. No-one can ever fill your boots. We will never forget you and we will love you forever. You make us proud to be Texans and to have worked with you. God bless you Sir.

Dear Chris, Marcy and the Entire Colley Family, 

Our deepest sympathy for your loss.  Even though we only met Jack one time at your wedding, we understand that he was very distinguished, highly respected and totally devoted to his work, his family and by all who knew him.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  We wish we could be there.  We love and miss ya'all!  Bobby and Donna and entire Howard Family from Connecticut.

I DIDN'T KNOW JACK PERSONALLY BUT MY SISTER WORKS FOR HOMELAND SECURITY IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND THOUGHT THE WORLD OF MR COLLEY. SHE WAS HEART BROKEN HEARING ABOUT HIS PASSING STATING SHE HAD SO MUCH MORE TO LEARN FROM HIM. NOTHING BUT TOTAL RESPECT FOR THE MAN. TO HIS FAMILY, I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND TEXAS HAS LOST A BELOVED SON.

To the Colley family, I began working with Jack in 2002 as part of the State’s disaster behavioral health team.  Jack had a way with words and getting his point across.  He also had a tremendous heart and endless compassion for people.  He did a lot for Texas and for survivors.  He will be greatly missed.

Chief Colley helped all citizens of Texas and many from neighboring states. He will be deeply missed. It was an honor to have worked with him. God bless his family. The prayers of Texas are with you.

Robert Doucet, Uvalde County Emergency Management & Police Chief Southwest Texas Junior College.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Jack Colley. We will never forget the leadership of Chief Colley during Hurricanes Rita to Ike. He coordinated a massive state disaster relief effort and engaged the entire VOAD and other community partners. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-South Central Region is most grateful for his service to the State of Texas and the Nation.

There are many active and retired military officers and noncommisioned officers who, when they hear of Colonel Colley's passing, will take a moment and remember well their time served with him. He was a part of what I consider the best years of my career, serving with 1st Cavalry Division. Although his leadership style was unique, he loved his Nation, the Army, and always his soldiers. He should be remembered as a selfless, dedicated citizen who protected his nation and the state he loved. I, like many, will miss him greatly.

Over the past few years I have been in several meetings with Jack. He wore his proud Texas heritage on his sleeve. He was a great advocate for Texas and the Texas emergency management community. Just as I know he will be missed in Texas I know he will also be missed by many of us outside of Texas. He was a mentor to many and a great example to follow for many of us across the nation. My prayers are with Jack's family and I offer my sincere condonences. Godspeed Jack Colley!

I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to know your father, he most certainly was a man who made the most of the opportunities God gave him.  I have been remembering you and your family in prayer.  I know God will be faithful and sustain you all during this most saddest of times.  I will keep you all in my heart and prayers.  Becky Shipp (Austin TX)

To a fellow soldier, long time neighbor, class mate, and great friend. Thank you for protecting Texas. Texas has lost it's best soldier. My deepest sympathies to your family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

To a fellow soldier, long time neighbor, class mate, and great friend. Thank you for protecting Texas. Texas has lost it's best soldier. My deepest sympathies to 
your family.

To a fellow soldier, long time neighbor, class mate, and great friend. Thank you for protecting Texas.
Texas has lost it's best soldier. My deepest sympathies to your family.

Mr. Colley touched, impacted, and saved many lives.  On behalf of the Board, Staff, and Volunteers of the American Red Cross, Smith County Chapter, please accept our sincere condolences.

To the Colley Family,

While working at DPS as the Victim Services Director from 1997 - 2008, I had many opportunities to work with Jack at disaster sites. No matter how busy and overwhelmed he might have been with the logistics of coordinating the disaster response, he was always concerned about the impact of the disaster on responders, their families and on the public. It was not unusual for him to ask me to check on one of his staff or a responder that he was concerned about. He was passionate about his service to Texas and he had a big heart for everyone impacted by a disaster. I know he will be missed by us all. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Our prayers go to the family of Mr. Colley.  My husband and I were so fortunate to have known Mr. Colley.  During our years in Emergency Management, we had the priviledge to learn so much from this man.  His strength and leadership will be missed in Texas. The citizens of Texas were blessed to have had Mr. Colley.

I had the honor of working with Mr. Colley at the State Operations Center in Austin during an agency emergency and he was truly an amazing leader.  May he rest in peace.  My prayers and condolences to his family.

I had the great honor and privilege of serving with Colonel Colley when he was Chief of Staff of the 1st Cavalry Division. As others have said, he was a soldier who loved soldiers. Tough, demanding, with a heart of a lion.  I learned a lot from him and still know when "that dog don't hunt" and that you need to "run that rabbit into the hole."  First Team Sir!

To the Colley Family, 

I am one of a legion of men and women who knew and worked for Chief Colley. Over these last days, more thoughtful words than mine have captured the love, admiration and pride we all felt being associated with and working for Chief Colley. Please know that our love for him extends to your family and will always exist for each of you. You can be sure there have been and are today, thousands of people who have you and the Chief in their prayers. God Bless you all. May Chief Colley rest in the arms of Christ until you're with him again.

Very respectfully,

Bill Campbell
Former RLO

To the family of Jack Colley.  I am  sadden by the loss of Jack Colley.  He will be missed by me for my reasons and I am sure by others who were personally and professionally associated with him. The citizens of Texas has lost a friend who without hesitation put the welfare of all Texas first. He will be the model professional for others to immolate as the Emergency Management systems moves forward.  It was good to know him.

Jack, rest now in heaven.  You have certainly earned it.  You were truly an amazing leader and friend.  Working with you since your start at DEM our programs have certainly advanced.  We have all learned to work "Quicker - Faster - Smarter" and be a "Team of Teams".  RIP now Jack, we'll miss you.

I was the secretary to Colonel Jack Colley when he was the Chief of Staff of the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.  What a great man - bigger than life and a true Texan.  Although he was an officer, he was truely a soldier in his heart.  I was stunned to hear of his passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.  I will remember him fondly.

I have worked for Jack for over 11 years at TDEM and he was a awesome boss and will always be remembered.  He will be missed by the staff and all of Texas. My sympathy goes out the Jack's family and friends.  God has Bless all who knew and worked with Jack.

We did not know Jack but we are friends of Richard, Pat's brother.  I know they grieve his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time.   He will be missed bu you and the great state of Texas!  Dennis and Barbara Kirtland, Grand Junction, CO.

Thank you Chief Colley for all you did for the State of Texas and for Concho Valley. 
Prayers go out to the Colley Family from Concho Valley.

Chief Colley was a great person and a true Texan who cared deeply about the citizens of Texas.  He will be greatly missed.  My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends, and co-workers.  God bless.  Rest in Peace Chief Colley.

Our most sincere condolence's to Jack Family, Friends and Co-workers. Jack no nonsense approach should have been mandatory through out all DPS, he was unique in wanting to get the job done correctly no matter how large or time involving it was.

I, too, am one of the thousands of people who benefited from Jack's leadership.  Jack was a soldier all of his life.  He served the nation and our state with passion and dedication.  Thank you, Jack, thank you.

Our sympathy, prayers and thoughts are with the Colley family and the emergency management team.  Jack was a great leader.  He will be missed greatly.

It was an honor to work with you these past years Chief. You will be sorely missed by Texas. My condolences to your family and to the people at TDEM.

Chief Colley, "So it be said, so it be done!" 

Via Con Dios Chief

My thoughts and prayers are with the Colley family as Texas and the emergency management community across the nation mourn the loss of a larger than life leader.

Jennie and I extend our sympathy to the Colley family, and to all of our former colleagues who also grieve this big loss for Texas.  Jack's dedication, concern and care for the citizens of Texas commanded our respect.  We feel fortunate to have known and worked closely with Jack, but more so for having had the opportunity of recently seeing him where we briefly shared some laughs, a big Jack hug, and a “well don’t be a stranger, come see me!”  We will both miss Jack, his work, his care, and that well-known booming voice.

Mary & I extend our deepest sympathy to the Colley family.  Jack was an extraordinary person.  His commitment & dedication were unequaled.  His love of Texas was demonstrated daily in his actions & words.  We shall mourn his death but celebrate his life.  His contributions to the State of Texas will have a lastly impact upon on the lives of all Texans.  God bless Jack Colley.

I knew Jack when he was just a small boy as his sister, Nancy, and I were close friends.  I will always see a little blonde haired boy with a big smile on his face.  God bless his family in their grief.  Linda Stinson (Mt. Vernon, Texas)

I send my best to the family and friends of "Jack Colley”, Jack was and is my friend, my working and professional relationship with him was an extraordinary time...we shared many military stories during this time, as well as learning from him...you are missed and as life continues, positions filled, we know that your shoes will never be filled... you are and continue to be an inspiration to all those whom know you, God Bless your family, friends, and associates...with deepest regards…

Jack it has been a pleasure to work with you.  You were such an asset to the emergency management organization.  You will be deeply missed by all that you came in contact with.  Carson County thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time.

Chief you will be missed by all of us who worked with you. Thank you for being there, and showing us how to do our job's better,to help you take care of Texas.God bless you and your family.

To Mr. Colley's family and friends,

The only comfort in this time of grief is knowing Jack is now in Heaven, helping God keep us safe.  What a wonderful, wonderful man.

Thank you Jack for your service to the citizens of the wonderful state of Texas. You will be greatly missed. I am so glad I had the priviledge to meet you when you were in Lubbock in October. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and your family. May you rest in peace.

I never met the man in person but his voice in time of need is something that I will never forget.

God took another good one home!  Jack: may you rest in peace knowing that you gave your heart and soul to help the people of Texas. You will be greatly missed.  To Jack's family and friends: My deepest sympathies.  Know that God has you wrapped forever tight in His circle of light and love.

The State of Texas will deeply miss you.  Please know we will love and guide your family through this difficult time. May you rest in peace as we all hang on and try to move forward with this terrible loss.

With love,

Sher

Thank you for protecting the State of Texas Jack.  You will be missed.  God bless you and your family.

Chief may not be here today, but he lives on. The works and ideas of "Texans helping Texans" has inspired people and Gov. at all levels. Thanks for all that you have given.

You were a great man and will leave a wonderful legacy to the State of Texas.  My deepest sympathies to your family and friends.

OBITUARY

Col. Mr. Jackie Wayne Colley

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services