Jack was born on March 26, 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Jack L. Paris Sr. and Elizabeth Sullivan Paris. His family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana where he graduated high school in 1967. He attended college and law school at SMU and graduated with honors. He started working as a lawyer in Dallas, Texas before moving to Greenville, Texas to continue practicing.
He made a great lawyer because he was both compassionate and non-judgmental. For 45 years, he represented his clients with all his ability and heart. He offered hope to people that often had none.
He married Jacqueline Kirkham on July 17, 2006 in Greenville, Texas. He spent his last chapter happily married, enjoying his grandchildren, working on his farm, and staying busy with his law practice. He loved big family dinners and sharing prayers, delicious food, and family stories with the table. He loved tooling around on his farm, from gardening to snake killing. On weekends, he could be found feeding numerous house guests inside the house, and his favorite critters outside. Throughout his life he supported many people with his, love, time, and generosity. He especially loved his grandchildren and attended as many games and school events as possible. He taught them all how to play pool the proper way. He was a true Southern gentleman through and through.
Jack was a former President of the Hunt County Bar Association, a member of the State Bar of Texas and St. Williams Catholic Church.
Jack is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Paris; brother, Richard Paris and wife Candace; sons, Jason Paris and wife, Alexandria, Jason Kirkham and wife, Esther, Justin Kirkham; daughter, Jennifer Kirkham; grandchildren, Hudson Paris, Eleni Paris, Rhett Paris, Kori Kirkham, Triston Kirkham, Julian Kirkham- Mendoza; mother-in-law, Joyce Whitmire and the mother to Jason Paris, Marilyn Paris.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jack L. Paris Sr. and Elizabeth Sullivan and father-in-law, E. M. Whitmire, Jr.
Pallbearers will be Jason Kirkham, Justin Kirkham, David Whitmire, Triston Kirkham, Thad Bartholow, and Andrew Bench.