Time For Memory

Jack Checketts Rathert the love of my life at the age of 79 passed away on Friday, January 01, 2010 at his home in Kerrville Texas. He was born on May 07, 1930 in Ogden, Utah to John Heber Checketts and Margurite Siebold Checketts.. Lifes' circuitous route, took him many places, from an orphanage at two and a half (after his father died of an enlarged heart), to a prestigious boarding school in San Mateo, California, then graduating from San Mateo High School. He later attended Stevens Institute in Hoboken, New Jersey, graduating 6th in his class, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jack continually sought the upper road in everything he did. His work ethic started very young when he began delivering newspapers when he was 7, so he could get a horn and light for his bike. It continued on through his job with IBM, and even into retirement. He was always active and loved being involved. upon graduation from Stevens, IBM immediately selected Jack to become part of their corporate team. he still had military duty to complete so they released him to fulfill his obligation understanding that he would return after it was complete. Jack was initiated into the Arnold Air Society (an affiliate of the Air Force Association ) remaining with the organization through college. Upon entering the Air Force in 1954, he was accepted in the pilot training program. Flying was the real wonder of his live. At 14 he went to work at local airfield, winding props, cleaning planes, doing just about anything they would let him do so he could be around airplanes. There were a couple of the pilots that were teaching him how to fly if he would buy the gas. You know where all his money went. He finally soloed at 16, and was hooked on flying for the rest of his life. Fulfilling his active duty in the Air Force in 1957, he remained in the reserves until 1970. Upon discharge from the Air Force he had attained the rank of Captain. Jack then returned to IBM in 1957. He continued with IBM until retirement in 1987. During this time he was awarded several commendations. One of the better-known projects he was involved with was the BART System (Bay Area Rapid Transit System) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jack was called in from Rochester, Minnesota where he was working at the time to head the project. His overall aptitude and sense of completion made him sought out on difficult projects. When Jack was a young adult, his mother remarried Alvin Rathert. Alvin was always proud of Jack's accomplishments, and since he had no children, Alvin legally adopted Jack. At the age of 31, Jack Heber Checketts became Jack Checketts Rathert. There was a special bond between Jack and Alvin and they remained close until Alvin's death. Jacks mother followed Alvin in death in 1993. Jack married Betty Lou Gano in 1993, living for some years in Reno, Nevada. They moved to Kerrville in 1999 where they have remained. Jack is survived by his wife Betty Rathert of Kerrville Texas; son Jack Rathert II; daughter Loretta Rathert; stepchildren Raymond Gano and wife Tracye and their children Emma and Spencer, and the delight of Jack's heart, was great grandson Travis, stepdaughter Loree' De Jong and her children Kees and Autumn and stepson Seth Gano and many other family members and friends. Jacks' devotion to family will be sorely missed. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives. Memorial services will be held 3pm, Sunday, January 10, 2010 at his home in Kerrville, Texas.