Thad Johnson (TJ) Jarrett

December 8, 1936 - July 27, 2017

Posted

Thad Johnson (TJ) Jarrett of Del Rio, Texas passed away at home on July 27, 2017 surrounded by his family at age 80. 

TJ, as he has always been known, was born and raised in Del Rio and was proud to grow up and live in Val Verde County. 

He was the middle child and only son born to Edward Virginius and Violet Miers Jarrett. 

His passions were Christ, family and ranching.  He was a dedicated Christian, a loving husband and father and a born rancher. 

In his youth he served in the Air Force Reserve 433rd Troop Carrier Wing, was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and attended both Principia College and the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. 

It was there that he met his wife to be Judith Grace Halsell.  Some of his many accomplishments include serving as a board member for several organizations including the Del Rio Wool and Mohair Company, Del Rio Bank and Trust, Foundation Beefmaster Association and on the Legislative Committee of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. 

He was a Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers past president, was the president of the Devils River Association, served as a President of the Board and Reader for the Christian Science Church in Del Rio and is the  author of Kin, Cowboys Outlaws and Friends a historical  account of his family and friends in Val Verde County. 

He was preceded in death by his younger sister Lourene Jarrett McCrea who is survived by her husband David McCrea and their children. 

TJ is survived by his loving wife, Judy and their family, his son Thad and wife Lawryl Jarrett with grandchildren Henry and Eliza as well as his daughter Virginia (ViVi) with husband Dennis Farris. 

He is also survived by his devoted sister, Cora Jane with husband Norman Farmer and their children.  He was especially close to his cousin, Tuffy Whitehead “Primo” who was one of his dearest friends and is also survived by his cousin, Bobby Lou Mayer and her husband Ralph and their respective families. 

We will miss you, Daddy.

There will be a celebration of his life on August 6th at 2:00 p.m., at the Ramada Inn Del Rio, Ballroom located at 2101 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio.

Please bring your remembrances, your laughter, love and joy to celebrate this dear man’s love, humor and life. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your memories.