John Travis "Jacko" Garrett Jr.

John Travis ''Jacko'' Garrett Jr, peacefully left this earth on May 30, 2023 to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life of 80 years was one that was lived joyfully serving his God and his fellow man, and enjoying his beloved family. His home, except for the four years he spent earning his degree from Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, was Danbury, Texas. Because the closest neighbors were four miles away, his brother Bob and his sisters Susan and Klinka became his best buddies, close playmates and friends. His Father Jack ''Pappy'' Garrett kept the children very busy working on the family's Bar Cross ranch, while his wonderful mother Mary showered them with love and affection. Always a hard worker Jacko also managed to discover a fun world - at the rodeo! In his rodeo days he and his brother Bob rode bulls and broncos at county fairs until they decided to take a safer route by using a bucking model T Ford to save the riders who were thrown off their bulls! Jacko and Bob loved flying, and Jacko even built his own Baby Great Lakes airplane. When Jacko married Nancy Dollar he and Nancy ran the rice and cattle operation with the help of the wonderful crew on the ranch. As an adult Jacko distinguished himself stateside and nationally as a progressive, modern rice farmer, but his passion was loving his neighbors and trying to make the world a better place. He was very involved in his home church, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, but also with the Community Baptist Church and the Friends Church. He took the words of St. Francis to heart, ''Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words when necessary." Over the years Jacko helped countless individuals in significant ways, most of the time anonymously. He had a special place in his heart for older ladies in the community who were alone. He took great delight in brightening their days with flowers and eggs from his ''chicken palace'' on holidays and other special occasions. In 1999 Jacko became aware that many people were suffering from a food shortage so he started an organization called Share the Harvest. He and other farming neighbors and friends were able to bring together donations of seed rice as well as discounts from fertilizer and herbicide suppliers, and donations of aerial spraying. Many farmers also set aside a portion of their harvest. Their generosity helped generate tremendous success for Share the Harvest Program. Others helped by donating the processing, hauling and storing the rice. Today Share the Harvest is a major supplier to the Houston Food Bank which serves an 18 county area, as well as to other area food banks. It is estimated that 10 to 11 million servings of rice are distributed through this program annually. In his later years, Jacko cherished his time with his grandchildren and greatgrand children as he taught them about God's love, ranching and life. The way Jacko lived reflected his joy in all aspects of life, as well as his passionate faith: ''Love each other as I have loved you'' John 15:12-17......Six years ago he was blessed with love once more and married Barbara Oxsheer. She was a wonderful wife and they enjoyed many travels together. Throughout Jacko's life he was recognized and presented with many accolades and awards, which he appreciated. But these achievements were not what defined him. It was his faith and love of God for which he wanted to be remembered. Jacko was welcomed in Heaven by his parents, Mary and Jack Garrett and his wife Nancy Dollar Garrett and his brother in law John H. Lollar as well as his special mentors Son and Willie Cooper and Will Shook who helped him become the wonderful man he was. He is survived by his wife Barbara Oxsheer, his daughters Traci Garrett Lachance and husband Paul Lachance, Christy Garrett Jennings and husband Webb Jennings. Grandchildren Garrett Harvey and wife Kara Harvey, Meagan Harvey (Kevin Segers), Mary Band Lila Jennings, Alex Fraser and husband Deane Fraser and Leslie Lachance and his great grandchildren Hayes, Robbie, Parker, Garrett ''Hank'', Cohen, Brennan and Jaden. He is also survived by his siblings, Bob Garrett and wife Janet, Klinka Lollar, Susan Baker and husband James A. Baker, Ill. The family is also very grateful to Dr. Robert Jackson his primary care doctor, as well as the many caring doctors and nurses who took wonderful care of him in this long journey. Visitation will be 1-3pm Saturday, June 3, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Danbury, Texas with the Rosary to follow at 3 pm. The Funeral Mass will be 1pm Sunday, June 4, 2023 also at St. Anthony Catholic Church with a meal to follow. Jacko's closest friend and employees will honor him as pallbearers. A private graveside will be held and Jacko will be laid to rest in the Garrett Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Share the Harvest Foundation, PO Box 603, Danbury, Texas 77534, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School, 1600 FM 2004, Richwood, Texas 77531 or St. Anthony's Catholic Church, PO Box 299, Danbury, Texas 77534. Service Details. Visitation When Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location St. Anthony's Catholic Church Address 1523 Main Street DANBURY, TX 77534 Service When Sunday, June 4th, 2023 1:00pm Location St. Anthony's Catholic Church Address 1523 Main Street DANBURY, TX 77534 Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book