Thomas “Hippie” Jason Jacks, 62, of Silsbee, died Friday, May 20, 2011, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.

A native of Jasper, Tommy was a lifelong resident of the Southeast Texas area and was a welder. He was a graduate of Jasper High School and attended Lamar University. Tommy taught welding at Jasper High School, and was a member of the Buna Masonic Lodge, and president of the Boat Lake Hunting Club for many years. He coached Buna Little League baseball and was a proud Buna Band Booster and enjoyed watching his children march. Tommy proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Morgan Jacks of Silsbee; children, Amy Shaeffer and her fiancé, James Comer of Lumberton, Joshua Jacks and Justin Jacks both of Silsbee; sister, Martha Stephens and her husband, Keith; and step sister, Donna Robinson all of Jasper; and a special nephew that Tommy and Mary raised, Ricky Hendon and his children who called Tommy “Pop”, Zachary and Ryan Hendon; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Tommy is preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Dowden Jacks; and his father, Leo Jacks.

A gathering of his family and friends will be Sunday, May 22, 2011, 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road in Silsbee.  A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to give special thanks to Kaye Farr and Stacy Collins for being such great caregivers to Tommy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M Beaumont, Texas 77701; Buckner Children and Family Services, 9055 Manion Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706; or to Harbor Hospice, 2450 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.