Jack Rene Charrin

Jack Rene Charrin was born September 19, 1938, in Paris, France to Paul and Gilberte Charrin. Jack’s Dad, Paul, had just graduated from the Paris School of Mines and was offered a position to open a Schlumberger Oil Well Service Office, in Houston, Texas their first office in the United States. Jack’s parents came to the United States in 1939 aboard the S/S NORMANDY, the world’s largest passenger ship at that time. Jack was the youngest passenger, being only 9 months old. Jack grew up in Houston, Texas with his brother, Pierre, and sister, Monique, who were both were born in the United States. Jack attended St. Mary’s Catholic School for a few years. Then he attended Moye Military Academy in Castroville, Texas. He graduated from the eighth grade with many scholastic honors and medals. In 1950, both Jack and his mother became Naturalized Citizens of the United States of America at the same time. After graduating from Moye Military Academy, Jack attended Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He Graduated in 1957 and returned to Houston and attended the University of Houston. While going to college there, Jack was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta, a Catholic Fraternity. Jack also joined in the Army ROTC. During this time, Dick Armer, Jack’s best friend from 2nd grade and who also attended Moye Military Academy and Cascia Hall with him, introduced him to Judy Stanley, who became the love of his life, and they were married in 1962. After graduation from the University of Houston, Jack was commissioned a Second Lt. as an Artillery Officer. He attended Nike Missal Air Defense Training School. Jack’s first assignment was in Murnau, Germany, as a Hawk Air Defense Platoon Leader, where he and Judy lived for 4 years. While living in Germany for four years, their son, Steve, was born. In 1964, Jack and Judy returned to the United States. Jack, again, returned to the University of Houston, where he earned his master’s degree in Business on the G.I. Bill. During this time, their daughter, Suzanne, was born. Jack then went to work for Continental Oil Company (Conoco) in Ponca City, Oklahoma. This job also took him and his family to Colorado. After settling in Denver, Colorado, Jack left Conoco and became an owner of a Conoco Service Station in Pueblo, Colorado. Later he became a real estate broker in Bromfield, Colorado. In 1991, Jack and Judy moved back to Houston. Shortly after being in Houston for a few years, Judy was diagnosed with throat cancer. She passed away in July of 1997. After returning to Houston, Jack’s grandsons, Dylan, and Kevin Charrin were born, his greatest joy was being with his grandsons. After Judy’s death, Jack was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and noticed that the church was starting a new bereavement group and decided to attend the meetings. It was there that he met Nita Wells, who had lost her husband a couple weeks before Judy passed away. At each meeting thereafter, Jack would ask the facilitator for Nita’s telephone number. However, it took another opportunity for Jack and Nita to finally connect. Nita formed a “The 50+ Group” at church. One Sunday while reading the church bulletin, Jack saw that the singles group was forming and if you were interested in joining to contact Nita Wells. At a Halloween party Jack helped Nita take all her things to her to her car. She “thanked him” and said, “PERHAPS WE COULD MEET FOR LUCH SOMETIME”. So, when people ask Jack or Nita how they met, they responded with “which version do you want? The one where Jack asked Nita out first time or the one where Nita asked him out first. Either version of their beginning, has a very happy ending. Jack and Nita were married on December 18, 1999. While we think we know what path we will be following in life, there are times that someone higher up has certain plans for us. Now, Jack had met the “second love of his life” and always felt that he was so lucky (being “twice blessed”) because not everyone gets this opportunity. From 1998 to 2004, Jack was an owner of a Cottman transmission franchise. He later became active in the Knights of Columbus and became an insurance field agent for the Knights. Prior to moving to Austin in 2012, Jack retired as an insurance agent for the Knights of Columbus. Upon arriving in Austin, Jack joined the Knights of Columbus at St. Theresa Catholic Church. This was a new start for him and Nita to make new friends and develop great friendships that are still cherished today. During the summers, he and his grandson, Danny Ladd, would have a field day each Wednesday. They did a lot of things together but the most important and most fun was when they would go to Dave and Buster’s and play pool. In addition to treasuring his family, Jack’s constant companion was his Jack Russell Terrier, Ricco. Taking their many daily walks, Jack met his new neighbors and connected with other dog lovers. Ricco went to Dog Heaven on Memorial Day of 2018, and Jack was heartbroken over this loss. Shortly thereafter, Jack offered to dog sit his grand dog, Buddy, a maltipoo. This turned into a permanent arrangement. Buddy belonged to Jack and jack belonged to Buddy. Jack’s family even made sure Buddy made a visit to the hospital before Jack passed. Prior to his death, Jack said he lived a full life. He loved his family, and he drew particular strength from his faith and his deep love for Nita. He did a lot of traveling, met so many people and had a lifetime of great experiences and friendships with people all over the country. He was loved and will be greatly missed. Jack is survived by his loving wife of over 22 years Juanita “Nita” Charrin whom he called his “Angel” and “Rock”. Son, Stephen Charrin and wife, Lisa, of Pearland, Texas. Daughter, Suzanne Charrin, of Denver, Colorado. Grandsons: Dylan Charrin and partner, Matt Nguyen, of San Francisco, California; Kevin Charrin of Pearland, Texas. Brother, Pierre Charrin, of Rosharon, Texas. Nephews and Niece: Louis Charrin, Christopher Charrin and Lacey Charrin Pena and husband, Junior, of Rosharon, Texas.

Jack Rene Charrin

September 19, 1938 - August 14, 2022