Jackie D. Stephenson passed away on July 25th, 2021, at the age of 86, in Bulverde, Texas. He passed away peacefully, in his sleep at home, with his loving wife, Mary, by his side. He was known and admired by many as Jack, Jackie, Dr. Stephenson, General Stephenson, Doc, Daddy and Papa. He was born to Albert and Eva Stephenson on May 31, 1935, in Holton, Kansas, where he grew up until his family moved to Alice, Texas, when he was a Senior in High School. Once he arrived in Texas, he never left and considered himself to be a true Texan. He graduated from William Adams High School, in Alice, Texas, in 1953, and spent the next year driving a propane truck and working as a "rough neck" in the oil field, while saving money and deciding his career path. In 1955, he was accepted into Texas A&I University, (now Texas A&M Kingsville), in Kingsville, Texas, where he initially set out to pursue a degree in Engineering, but he changed course a short time later and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology in preparation for Medical School. He met his love of 65 years on a blind date in the summer of 1956 and they married three months later. They enjoyed a beautiful life together, filled with much love and happiness. In June of 1962, he graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In his last year of Medical School, he entered the Army Senior Medical Student Program as a 1st Lieutenant. Upon graduation, already the father of three little girls, he was assigned to Martin Army Hospital, in Fort Benning, Georgia, at the rank of Captain, where he interned and completed his residency training in General Surgery. He then spent the next three years stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he completed his residency training in Urology. While in Hawaii, his fourth child and only boy, was born.
With his specialty training complete, he deployed to the 8th Field Hospital, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1968 and was present during the Tet Offensive. He served a 12 month tour of duty as Staff Urologist, then Chief of Surgery followed by Chief of Professional Services and culminating his tour as Commanding Officer. The six years following Vietnam, saw him assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas, where he served as Chief of Urology; Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., where he served as Assistant Chief of Urology; Madigan Army Medical Center, in Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served as Assistant Chief of Urology. After thirteen years in the military, he separated from the active Army in 1974, to enter into private practice. He continued to serve his country, completing 13 years in the Texas National Guard as Brigade Surgeon, Commanding Officer and Texas State Surgeon and another 5 years in the Ohio National Guard where he initially served as the Ohio State Surgeon and subsequently achieved the rank of Brigadier General, serving as the 112th Medical Brigade Commander. He retired from military service in 1991 and continued his private practice until semi-retiring in the early 2000's. He continued to see patients in the clinic until just five years ago, at the age of 81. His military awards were both extensive and impressive, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal (x4), Vietnam Honor Medal 1st Class, Presidential Unit Citation 8th Field Hospital, National Defense Medal, Texas Faithful Service Medal, Armed Forces Honor Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Texas Adjutant General's Individual Award and Army Medal Medical Achievement.
While serving his country and caring for his patients as a gifted surgeon, he also had a very rich and full family life alongside his loving wife, Mary, and four children. He was Papa to seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and best buddy to his sweet furry girl, Fiona. He was a faithful Catholic and Parishioner of St. Padre Pio Catholic Church, where he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a strong military leader, highly skilled surgeon, expert target shooter, avid gun collector, accomplished wood worker, talented polka dancer (winning several trophies) and owner of an extensive collection of exotic cowboy boots. Among his favorite pursuits were Caribbean cruises, single malt scotch, Chinese buffets, classic country music, war movies, western movies, M*A*S*H, The Three Stooges and the daily comics. He is survived by his wife, Mary, four children and spouses, Cindi Evans, Lindi (Rick) Roberts, Donna (Pat) Debner and John Stephenson; seven grandchildren and spouses, Amy (Fernando) Perez , Alec (Jen) Stephenson, Erin Stephenson, MaryJo (Cody) Witzany, Ellis Roberts, Jared Debner, Meredith Debner; and eight great grand children Ethan, Jack, Sean, Adam, Eric, Emily, Casper and Millie. Over the past few years, he was blessed to have amazing caregivers who cared for his needs so genuinely and compassionately and allowed him to remain in the comfort of his home. The family is deeply grateful to MaryLou, Mary Joy "MJ", Mimi, Gloria and Tracey for the heart felt care they provided to our beloved Papa.
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