Author: Kevin Gilhooly

We moved here in May 2006 when I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter. Shortly after that, my husband and I attended the baptism class taught by Deacon Jack and liked him very much. My daughter Dorothea, who was born in June 2006 (baptized by Deacon Bill) also has involved in children’s activities at the church, just like Deacon Jack. Deacon Jack read the prayers with Dorothea in last Saturday’s mass. That’s why we were shocked to learn about this sad news. He was very gently, caring, and friendly. We met him a few times at grocery stores with his wife and mother. We also met him almost every week at church and my children loved to talk to him. We will keep him and his family in our prayers. Tran’s family

I was one of the many participants in the FISH camp at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton when we helped out Joplin Missouri after the devastating tornado. Throughout the morning of the first day I wasn’t really too involved and into the entire mission trip. In the evenings we would sit down and have small talk with our specific parish. Along the trip Deacon Jack was with us, and on the first night I met him in one of these small talks. I have never felt so welcome and greeted by anyone so friendly. It was so easy to talk to him and it was just an all around great first impression. Throughout all of the nights talks Deacon Jack would really help move conversations and really shine a great light on what truly matters in the world. After meeting him and hearing some of the things he had to say on the first night, I was extremely motivated and excited to help out with everything on the mission trip. On this mission trip i’d like to think I helped out some of the citizens of Joplin Missouri, but in reality because of some of the conversations with Deacon Jack, the Citizens of Joplin Missouri helped me out. Without Deacon Jack the Mission trip would have had such a smaller meaning and a lesser impact. I remember even when I came home from the mission trip, I exclaimed to my mother specifically how great of a person he really was and how much of a positive impact he had on our mission trip.

Deacon Jack baptised our son William. I didn’t know him well but he was a great guy and I could see the joy he experienced bringing another child into the Church. He will be missed. Godspeed, Deacon Jack. 

 I know Jack since I came to work for Cisco in year 2000 to support WCOM DNE lab. At that time I don’t know Jack too well. 
But after I came back to work for Cisco again in year 2013, I had the honor to work and interface with Jack a whole lot more. 
Jack has been a great mentor to me.  Over the years, he has always treated me as a part of his team and put me under his wings. We can chat almost about everything and anything beside business. We shared family stories, vacation pictures, religion and personal values. 
He is a great friend I will miss dearly.

I had the pleasure of working with Jack for many years at MCI. He was a great guy to work with and I learned many things from him. I wish his family peace and love as they deal with Jack’s passing. He was a good man and will be missed. 

I met Jack in 1995 when I joined MCI here in the Dallas area (after my time with WilTel). When I returned to the company in Dallas in 2005, I recall one of our initial discussions about the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Desperados. I always enjoyed sports talk with Jack, but also enjoyed his sharing and giving of himself in all that he did. He always made everything so simple and helped others see things in that way. I loved how he always kept things in the right perspective. He was a great mentor and friend that will be greatly missed. 

Although I was just getting to know Jack, I will miss his warm and welcoming smile. 

Deacon Jack’s passing is an enormous loss to our entire faith community. Jack always made everyone feel so welcome and had the ability to draw you nearer to God through his sermons, serving as our Deacon, his involvement in so many of our church ministries, and simply by his larger than life presence. He was never afraid to give a hug or to assure you he was praying for your needs. He was an inspiration and a friend to all. I saw Jack the Saturday before his death as he was walking into the church from the parking lot. Ironically, he was there to attend Bill’s service at the columbarium. As we chatted, he said he was so happy that Trish was doing so well and he smiled as he said she was on her way to meet him. His family was doing well and he seemed so much at peace. I’m glad I had that final chat with him to know all was well and he was happy. I appreciate that Jack was able to emulate a peace that assured us that we were not alone-we had a great prayer warrior on our side and that all would be okay. I will miss him greatly as a friend, as a Deacon, prayer warrior and his great welcoming presence. Trish and girls, Jack was always the most happy when he was talking about his family…he loved you very much. Thank your for your sacrifice in sharing Jack with our faith community as he helped so many of us on our faith journey. God Bless you, Jack. thank you for being on my faith journey and for praying for my family. You are dearly missed! I will continue to pray for your family. Please pray and intercede for us!

I met Deacon Jack when I was in RCIA back in 2008-2009. He was always so kind and gentle to me and everyone else. Through the years, whenever I saw Deacon Jack he’d always stop and talk with me. I am grateful to have known Deacon Jack and will miss him dearly.

i knew deacon jack as a youth leader to my confirmation class. Every Sunday he provided us with insight into the catholic faith and made it make sense. he always took the time to answer our questions in detail and make sure we understood just what he was talking about. on top of that, he was an amazing role model and made a huge impact on my life. I will never forget his kindness and willingness to help in a heartbeat. May he rest in peace.