Jackie Lamonde Babbitt was born on March 10, 1935 near Coryell, Texas to John Augustus and Tinnie Angeline Babbitt (Young). He later moved to Hamilton, Texas. Jack was the youngest in his family following three brothers and a sister. His nickname was "Cowboy," but we do not know if that was the impetus for his later enthusiasm for the Dallas Cowboys football team. As a youngster Jack worked at area golf courses earning him a bit of money and the opportunity to play golf, instilling his life-long love of the game.

Jack followed his brothers into military service and joined the US Navy in 1954. He served on at least two different ships, the USS Thuban out of Norfolk, VA, and the "oiler" USS Neches, out of San Francisco, CA. Over his 19 years of service, Jack rose from the lowest rank sailor recruit (SR), to become a Chief Petty Officer (HTC). During that time he visited much of the world and received multiple awards. In April 1972, he became an instructor for sailors becoming fabricators and welders serving the United States Navy. In 1974, he transferred out of active duty to Fleet Reserve.

While stationed for a time in Southern California, he met Ethel Gastelum Stewart at a dance at the Chief's club. When Jack was on his final cruise as a bachelor, he wrote lovely letters to Ethel. After he returned, they were married in 1969. This wedding provided Jack with an instant family: Stepsons Mario, Mike and Herb; as well as Mario's wife Jean, and their sons Douglas and David; Mike's wife Maria and daughter Mary Ethel.

Following his naval career Jack worked as a pipe fitter for the US Marine Corps, putting his excellent craftsmanship to good use. He and Ethel moved from National City near the Navy Base, to North San Diego County, near Camp Pendleton.

Retirement from his civilian job at Camp Pendleton brought Jack and Ethel to a home on the golf course at Rancho Monserate near Fallbrook in about 1986. Jack lovingly pampered and nursed Ethel through several years of dementia from about 2003, until she passed away in October 2011. Since her death, he kept reminders of her with him every day, and teared up when he spoke of her, recalling that her final years were when he became fully aware of how deeply he loved her.

More recently, Jack spent his time with his many friends and acquaintances, in some of his favorite places, and called visiting them daily his "routine." At one, his name was on a brass plate at the bar and the bartender sent drinks to him on a little matchbox size truck. At other establishments on his routine, he enjoyed reserved seats. He was loved. In those places, he sat quietly taking in the scene rarely speaking until spoken to. But, once one gained friend status, he was a warm, loving, funny, smart, kind and caring friend. A great listener and empathetic soul (unless one made the mistake of criticizing the Cowboys, of course).

Jack was justifiably very proud of his Navy service and loved speaking of it. As he shared photos and stories, he spoke with pride and joy. He often carried a boatswain pipe (naval ship whistle) he said was used to announce General MacArthur onto the USS Missouri for the surrender of Japan. His friends believed him. He would often use the boatswain pipe to call the wild turkeys at his favorite cantina in Fallbrook.

He had some carcinomas on his face but hated going to the doctor whom he called "Dr. Frankenstein."  He said the doctor knew his moniker.

At 85 years old Jack learned to skillfully use a smart phone. He even learned and used GIFs and memes to keep in touch with family and friends.

Jackie L. Babbitt passed away peacefully at his home, on July 29, 2023. He is survived by Mario, Douglas and Sandra, David and Renee, as well as countless friends and memories.