John Martin "Jack" Fox

John Martin “Jack” Fox

John Martin “Jack” Fox died peacefully in his sleep on January 5, 2022 at the age of 70. He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, son of John Fordyce Martin and Betty Owens Martin. After the death of his father, Jack was adopted and lovingly raised by Gerald Renner Fox and Betty Owens Fox, enjoying the company of his sister, Barb Fox McConnell.

The principles of steadfastness, service, and hard work shaped Jack's life from an early age. He was proud of his years as a paperboy, conscientiously delivering the daily newspaper by bicycle. These dimensions of his character remained evident as he rose to the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, as a student at Amherst College, during his advanced studies at M.I.T., and throughout his years working in Information Technology.

Jack was a true lover of music who sang throughout his life. He loved attending live performances and listening to classic Motown, contemporary jazz, and complex organ music.

Family and faith were central to Jack’s life. He happily shared both amazing adventures and quiet day-to-day life with Jan, his wife of 47 years. Jack delighted in telling friends about the escapades of his son, Jeff, and his daughter, Julia. He found deep, sustaining joy in the antics of his wonderful “grand-boys”: Bennett Fox, age 6 and Asher Brewer, age 2.

Jack's faith deepened through his years as an active participant in the life of St. Philip Presbyterian Church. Connections made while serving as Deacon, Elder, Sunday School teacher, and choir member enriched Jack's life. Jack steadily sought to follow Christ. He genuinely accepted and welcomed all he met. A person's race, status, gender, or sexual orientation did not matter: Jack saw the presence of Christ in all. His legacy of kindness endures.

Jack was preceded in death by his fathers John Fordyce Martin, Gerald Renner Fox and mother, Betty Owens Fox. He is survived by his wife, Janet Thistle Fox, sister Barb Fox McConnell, brother-in-law Doug McConnell, son Jeffery Martin Fox (Zoë McCoy), daughter Julia Elaine Fox (Alex Brewer), and grand boys Bennett Fox & Asher Brewer.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 11:00AM in the sanctuary of St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77056.