Jack Joseph Kansas (April 5, 1949) entered heaven’s gates on May 22, 2020. Preceded in death were his father, Isaac (Izzy) Kansas, his adoring mother, Barbara DeGruy Cline, and step-father John G. Cline. Jack leaves behind his sister Susan Cline Slavich (Randy) and 3 brothers: Morris Kansas, Allen Kansas (Daree), John S. Cline. Jack was devoted to his mom and at her beckon call. We always told him he was mom’s favorite. He deserved the title. We didn’t mind! Jack was affectionally known as son, brother, Cracker Jack, Uncle Jack, Jackie, and Cuz.
Jack also leaves behind his nieces: Sabrina Slavich Trusty (Richard), Cheri Kansas Rodriguez Babin (Tommy), Kathleen Kansas, and Leslie Kansas Nixon (Benny); his nephews, Randy L. Slavich, Jr. and Jeffrey Kansas; great nieces and nephew; cousins; longtime cohorts: Kathy Wilkinson, Norma Berniard, Wayne Aucoin and Joyce Aucoin and a multitude of friends.
Jack’s employment began as young teenager when he would wake-up at the crack of dawn in our St. Roch neighborhood basement home to fold the daily newspapers, pack them in his bicycle basket, and deliver them throughout the neighborhood. He was a delivery boy for Marquez Pharmacy and an ice cream server at Melba’s on Franklin Avenue. He also worked at Pontchartrain Beach. As a youth, Jack enjoyed collecting and reading comic books and as a young man, collecting coins. He believed the $2.00 bill was good luck, so he carried one in his wallet and gave them as gifts.
Jack graduated from Nicholls High in 1969 and rarely missed a class reunion. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Studies from Delgado Community College. He shared his cooking talents with several French Quarter restaurants including the Rib Room and Roosevelt Hotel. Eventually, he took his culinary abilities to the high seas for many years, where he cooked on ships that traveled the world. This gave him the opportunity to visit many different countries. One of his biggest concerns was being highjacked by pirates, which he assured us was a real possibility.
Eventually, he retired due to health issues, so he was able to spend more time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed eating out with family and friends. He loved Mardi Gras, Cajun music, and festivals including Jazz Festivals, French Quarter Festivals, and any festival where he could hear and dance to live music. Jack loved to dance. He frequented Tipitina’s, Mid-City Rock n Bowl, and Bronco’s. He was a daily reader of scripture and avid reader of novels. Jack was a Saints and LSU fan.
Jack, a simple man, was known for his honesty and integrity. Jack was a unique character who had a great laugh. In fact, it was very difficult to get him to take a serious picture. Most of the time he had a silly foolish grin. Jack never wanted to disappoint anyone. He avoided confrontation and always tried to keep the peace. Everyone knew Jack was not the best housekeeper, so our only request of Jack was to declutter his house. Unfortunately for us, he never did!
Jack fought a good fight against Myasthenia Gravis, which he battled for most of his adult life. He donated money and volunteered for MG and MDA by walking for a cure.
Jack, we will miss your goofy laugh; your caramel cakes, we couldn’t cut; your king cakes, that you substituted icing with peanut butter; and especially the turkeys you cooked for us for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Our brother Jack, you were loved by anyone, who knew you. You will be missed by the birds and squirrels you fed daily and will be extremely missed by your sister, brothers, and all who knew you. You definitely left us unexpectedly and too soon! A celebration of Jack’s life will be at a later date due to COVID-19.
We welcome any stories about Jack, that his friends and our relatives would like to share at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18