Jack Babchick

Jack Babchick, 94, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, August 25, 2025. . Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Viola and Ben Babchick, Jack was lovingly nicknamed “Sonny Boy” by his parents and family. He grew up alongside his beloved sister, Dolores Zlotnik. From an early age, Jack had a deep love of sports — a passion he carried throughout his life, proudly holding season tickets to University of Houston football and basketball for decades. Jack served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Japan. While there, he lived in the officer’s hotel and played football for the Air Force, an experience he cherished. After his service, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he attended the University of Houston Law Center. He went on to build a distinguished career as an estate planning attorney, practicing law in Houston for more than 60 years. During his time at the University of Houston, Jack was a member of the Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity and was honored as Man of the Year. He served as Speaker of the House, President of Hillel, and was recognized as one of the university’s Ten Outstanding Students, achievements that reflected both his leadership and his commitment to community. Above all, Jack was a devoted husband and father. He shared a long and loving marriage of over 65 years with his wife, Harriet, and was immensely proud of their three daughters: Barbara, Susan, and Debbie. He was a beloved grandfather to Ellen, Matthew and Michael, who brought him endless joy. Jack was the patriarch of our extended family and the speech maker at every gathering. Friends and relatives would come to him often for advice, and Jack and Harriet’s home was the welcoming hub for family celebrations and gatherings. He will be remembered for his gregarious nature, fun-loving spirit, and the corny jokes that never failed to bring a smile. He had a zest for life that carried him on countless adventures — from overseas vacations, to visiting nearly every U.S. National Park, to whitewater rafting, and competing in chili cook-offs (even winning once with his famous “Black Jack Chili”). A true BBQ lover, he delighted family and friends with his legendary ribs, slow-cooked to perfection and served with his homemade sauce. Welcoming and inclusive, Jack made everyone feel at home, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love. Jack is survived by his wife, Harriet, daughters, Barbara Babchick and partner, Deborah Gitell, Susan Babchick and husband, David White, Debbie Weinstein and partner, Mark Feferman. Grandchildren, Ellen Weinstein, Matthew Weinstein, Michael Haber and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. Jack’s life was honored at a funeral service with military honors on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 in the Sophia and Jack Bender Memorial Chapel at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 7445 Awty School Ln., Houston Texas, 77055 . The service was livestreamed and can be viewed until November 27,2025 at: https://venue.streamspot.com/f8d04b5b In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to donate to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org) or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).

Jack Babchick

January 6, 1931 - August 25, 2025