One of a kind.Heart of gold.Great uncle ,with great sense of humor.Forever remembered.

My Uncle Jack was a sweet,kind soul,with a great sense of humor.He was so patient and loving to my Aunt Terry.😇Salutations

     In 2005, I was enrolled in a World History class at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. That spring, my history professor, Dr. Leslie Hunter and Cecilia Hunter, the Director of the South Texas Archives were collaborated on a joint venture. Dr. Hunter’s assignment required that students interview and record the stories of surviving war veterans for inclusion in a new special collection titled, “Veterans Oral History Project.”  
     Since my grandfather, a World War II Army Veteran, had passed away 10 years earlier, I had to consider other family elders. I had heard before, that my great uncle Jack had been in the Navy during WWII, so I asked him if he would participate. Fortunately, he granted me an interview. My uncle was 79 years old at the time and I was 19. For almost half an hour, he very patiently and generously answered all my questions. I was both grateful and honored that he revealed that part of his youth and service to me.
    Afterwards, I submitted the required release forms, interview questionnaire, and the cassette recording to my professor. 
The now 17-year-old oral history interview became part of the South Texas Archives special collections. Both Uncle Jack and I signed permission waivers making the interview available to students and patrons to access for research and assignments.
Soon, the oral history interviews will also be available in digital audio form on the Archives webpage.
     The South Texas Archives is located on the third floor of the Jernigan Library. The library is located on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. 

My Uncle Jack was the “Real McCoy.”  He was genuine, dependable, and hard-working.  Not only did he provide for his wife and three daughters, but he also later independently provided for, supported, and raised two fine grandsons.  They could not have had a better male role model, father figure, and grandfather.  I never heard my uncle complain about anything.  He never took advantage of any social programs designed to assist families in need.  I think my uncle felt that public assistance was for those who really needed it.  He on the other hand was able-bodied and capable so he had no problem doing whatever it took to take care of his family.  If that meant taking on more than one job, then so be it.  That’s what he did.  I remember him taking on multiple side jobs to ensure that his family had everything that they needed.  Among the extra side jobs, I remember him holding were Amway salesman, King Ranch gatekeeper, public school bus driver, newspaper delivery guy and others that I’m sure I just didn’t hear about.  
I know that his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law admired him for his good character and work ethic.  
To all the grandkids:  Your Grandpa was not only a fun guy, he was a special guy.  


It's UNANIMOUS!
Everybody agrees, my Uncle Jack was a great guy.
I have many fond childhood memories of our visits to the Kiefling house on Carroll Lane.  I remember playing on their backyard swing set with my cousin Laura.  She, having a blast as she asked him to push us harder so that we could fly higher and higher; Me, devastatingly mute, I was afraid of heights but would never admit it.  
If my uncle didn't make you laugh, he certainly always put a smile on your face.  He was always kind, warm, and patient.  
But wait, there's more!  
Read my other Posts about this gentleman.


When I started working with children Uncle Jack opened up his farm and became Farmer Jack for my young pre-k class.  The children loved it!  He educated them  about his farm animals and their upkeep.  He was so sweet with the children.   My Uncle Jack  was a very kind & gentle man that will be greatly missed.
 
  

My Uncle Jack was a  wonderful human being.He had a good sense of humor.On many occasions ,when  I'm having a bowl of freshly made pinto beans,I would remember  my Uncle Jack .He would say,"Mmm ,nothing like a bowl of Mexican cherries."I was much younger but ,for some reason it just always stayed with me and brings a chuckle.
TIA TERRY AND FAMILY,we will all miss him but,we have our many memories of  a wonderful human being ,husband, father, grandfather, uncle,etc

OBITUARY

Jack J Kiefling

December 15, 1925 – April 15, 2022

Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services