Jack Wesley Timmons

Jack Wesley Timmons passed away on March 22, 2024, in Tulsa Oklahoma. Jack was born in Lufkin, Texas, on Nov 21, 1938, to pattern-maker Cecil Timmons and registered nurse Ruby Kilgore Timmons. He moved to Oklahoma with his parents and older brother at the age of two. His respect and love for his parents and upbringing guided his values and actions throughout his life. After graduation from Central High School in 1957 Jack attended Oklahoma State University where he met the love of his life, Verdonna Faye Timmons. In 1962, Jack completed his degree in Horticulture in the College of Agriculture. Immediately after graduation he was drafted into the US Army, where he went on to serve at Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Jack trained as a military policeman (MP), in an experimental squadron of college-educated soldiers. It was during this time, in October, 1962, that Jack underwent a formative experience. James Meredith enrolled at the University of Mississippi, ending segregation there amidst threats of riots. As an MP, Jack was part of the military deployment to keep peace during that time in Oxford, Mississippi, near the university. The events of that Fall reinforced Jack's lifelong belief in equality and civil rights, and his commitment to stand up boldly, but quietly, for what is right. Jack and Verdonna were married on June 5, 1963, in Calvin, Oklahoma. Verdonna taught at Sapulpa high school while Jack continued in the service. Upon Jack's honorary discharge from the Army, together they moved to West Virginia, and then Ohio, where Jack worked for Bartlett Tree Company, managing those who cleared land for the power company. In 1965 and 1966 Verdonna and Jack started their family, adding two daughters. Jack took great delight in his daughters, who were the light of his life. Mentorship by the Bartlett manager and a desire to return home inspired Jack and Verdonna to start their own business, Timmons Tree Co. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Started in 1972 on a shoestring budget of $500, the company grew and thrived for 32 years until Jack retired in 2004. Jack thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his customers and helping them care for their trees, landscape their yards or beautify their gardens. He freely shared his professional knowledge and expertise with friends and neighbors, and he spent many hours teaching his daughters how to create beautiful outdoor spaces. Jack also spent a lot of his free time in his own yard, designing, planting and maintaining a lovely koi pond, sandstone patio and garden with his favorite trees, flowers, and plants. Jack's creativity flowed not just in his work with nature. He also loved turning wood on his lathe to make pens, bowls and containers. He was a man who always had a hobby or two. His love for traveling, hiking and being near the water prompted him to take his family to explore countless lakes, rivers and oceans. He owned boats- from kayaks and motor boats to pontoon and sailboats- most of his adult life. He took great pleasure in sharing things he loved with others: boat rides, plant cuttings, flowers, crafts from his hobbies, or fresh produce from the farmers' markets. People who met Jack, even just once, would often remark that he seemed like a kind and good man. He was not just kind, but a gentle, fair-minded, loving, and patient, father, husband and grandfather. He accented his quiet nature with dry humor and wit, and he was at his happiest when he knew those around him were happy as well. He encouraged his daughters and granddaughter to get to know the world around them by taking calculated risks, whether that meant observing (without harming) a tarantula, climbing a tree, traveling to other countries or snorkeling in the ocean. He didn't seem to worry; he took life as it came to him and enjoyed himself. Jack was a curious adventurer. He loved to drive to the end of an unmarked road, just to see what scenery, people, shops or animals he might find there. Everyone who knew Jack has a story to share about an adventure he took them on, or a plant or tree he gifted or taught them about, a tree swing he set up for them, a fire he built with them or a nature walk he took with them. He loved to share stories about his life and work, and talk with his friends to "solve the world's problems". When someone asked for advice, he would often offer options and let them decide. He let his daughters make their own decisions without judgment and used his strong and quiet love to help them overcome obstacles and mistakes. Preceded in death by his parents, Jack leaves behind many loved ones who called him, Husband, Daddy, Pop, Papa, Brother, Blackjack, Jack, Sweet Jack and Uncle Jack. He is survived by his loving wife Verdonna, brother Bill Timmons (Anita) of Mannford, Oklahoma, daughters Suzanne Timmons (Greg Pottebaum) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Laurie Goswick (Gary), and cherished granddaughter Sophie Goswick, of Park City, Utah. He also leaves behind a host of family and friends who will also miss him immensely. An informal celebration of life will be held in Tulsa, OK, on Saturday, April 6, from 1:30-3:30pm. For more information, please call 918-636-9250. Family and friends wishing to honor Jack's memory can make a donation to St. Jude's Children Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now

Jack Wesley Timmons

November 21, 1938 - March 22, 2024