The Jack White Interview – Part One

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Famed humanitarian Jack White passed away recently, having provided decades of service to help the less fortunate. 

“His leadership was instrumental in establishing programs that continue to serve as a beacon of hope for many,” said Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville. 

White was a volunteer director at Good Neighbor for many years. 

One of White’s last major interviews was with the Rio Grande Guardian’s media partner, Non-Profit TV. The interview was so lengthy it has been split in two. 

Here is Part One, which focuses on White’s career before he arrived in Brownsville:

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Obituary

Here is the official obituary for Jack White, courtesy of Legacy.com:

Jack Moore White, Jr.

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May 22, 1940 – May 22, 2025

Jack Moore White, Jr., passed away on his 85th birthday, May 22, 2025, in Brownsville, Texas. Born in Austin, Texas, on May 22, 1940, Jack lived a life defined by service-to his country, to his community, and to those most in need.

A proud Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Jack served three tours as a multi-engine aircraft mechanic and combat firefighter team leader. His military service laid the foundation for a lifetime of resilience and dedication to others.

Jack earned a Bachelor of Education from Southwest Texas State University and went on to receive a Master of Social Work from Washington University. These academic achievements were the springboard for a remarkable career that spanned decades and touched countless lives across the United States.

His professional journey began with United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast in Houston as Assistant Director. From there, he held leadership roles with United Way organizations in Des Moines, Iowa (Associate Executive Director), and Alexandria, Virginia (Project Director). His commitment to social justice and public welfare led him to serve as Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless in Washington D.C., and later as Director of Planning and Evaluation, Director of Operations, and Executive Director at H.E.L.P. Homeless Service Corporation in New York.

Jack’s expertise in program development and evaluation made him a sought-after leader. He served as Principal at Johnson, Bassin & Shaw in Maryland and later directed the South Carolina Recovering Professional Program. In his later years, he continued to serve his community in Brownsville, Texas-as an Alzheimer caregiver; Executive Director of both the Infant & Family Nutrition Agency and the local Coalition for the Homeless; Research Development Associate at the University of Texas Brownsville; Instructor at the University of Texas Pan American; and Difficult Discharge Case Manager at Valley Baptist Medical Center.

Throughout his life, Jack was deeply committed to uplifting marginalized populations-addicts, women and children, veterans, and the homeless. He developed programs that provided essential services designed to elevate quality of life. His work was not just professional-it was personal. Having faced his own struggles with addiction and found sobriety, Jack brought authenticity and empathy to every endeavor. He was known for “walking the walk” with no pretense-real, approachable, and unflinchingly honest.

Jack was also a man of many passions. He found joy in scuba diving and running marathons. He had a deep appreciation for classic cars and fine arts. A lover of real rock and roll and the blues, he surrounded himself with music that spoke to his soul. He also had a tender heart for animals and often rescued those in need.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Elizabeth Becker White; sister Rosemary White Hefley; daughters Sarah Bernal and Claarissa McKone; niece Frankie Hefley; grandchildren Amanda Sabrsula, Vincent Torres, Jack McKone, Samantha McKone, and Matthew McKone; along with twelve great-grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his father Jack White Sr. and mother Mary White.

A man of humility and faith-described by many as “a true pusher for the Lord”-Jack White leaves behind a legacy rooted in compassion, courage, and unwavering service. His life’s work continues through the lives he touched and the programs he built.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who continue his mission. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 7, 2025, at 02:00 PM at First United Methodist Church 1225 Boca Chica Blvd. . Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church for the Childrens work in memory of Jack White.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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