Jack Forrest Ruffing Jr.

Dr. Jack Forrest Ruffing, Jr. passed away on October 14, 2026 at the age of 77 with his loving family by his side.

Jack was born in Houston, Texas on October 8, 1949 and lived there his whole life. He attended Spring Woods High School and Baylor University before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. Before retiring, he owned his own dental practice for 46 years where he was known by his patients for his exceptional dental care as well as the kindness, patience, and personal attention he showed them. He was loved by his patients whom he built meaningful relationships with that often lasted for decades and spanned generations.

Jack was an athlete and had a lifelong passion for sports, especially baseball. He was an avid Astros fan and loved collecting baseball cards and visiting different Major League Baseball stadiums. He was also active in his church and served as an Usher for many years.

Above all, Jack was a wonderful, loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he treasured his family more than anything. He loved sharing life with his wife, Linda, growing a family, and making memories together. His children, Jack, Ryan, and Sara, brought him immense joy, and he cherished being their dad. He loved coaching their sports teams, having family game nights, going on family adventures, and having a house full of laughter. He was very active in their educational and extracurricular activities, encouraged them in all of their endeavors, and never missed a single one of their events.

Jack was thrilled to welcome his daughter-in-law, Amy, and son-in-law, Chris, to the family in 2015 and 2016, respectively. He loved them dearly and always felt blessed for the warmth, humor, and fun they brought to his life. Jack also absolutely adored his granddaughters, Scarlett and Audrey, and was an incredible, doting grandfather to them. He always lit up when he was around them and loved reading books to them, playing T-ball in the backyard, and cheering from the sidelines at soccer games. They loved their “Papa" and never passed up an opportunity to climb up in his lap for a talk or to play a game.

He also deeply valued the special bond he had with his parents-in-law and the close relationships he had with his extended family. He thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with each of them and always looked forward to the fun of big family gatherings.

Jack was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered as a man of integrity and kindness and for his sense of humor, intelligence, generosity, and devotion to his family.

Jack is survived by his wife Linda; son Jack Ruffing III and wife Amy; son Ryan Ruffing; daughter Sara Sandland and husband Chris; granddaughters Scarlett Sandland and Audrey Sandland; and numerous other devoted family members and caring friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents Jack and Jean Ruffing and dear sister Rujean Ruffing.

A funeral service and reception will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, located at 1656 Blalock Rd., Houston, TX 77080. Following the funeral service and reception, there will be a procession to the graveside burial which will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, located 13001 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77079.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Jack F. Ruffing, Jr. to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org .