Jackie "Jack" Rush Giffin's Obituary
Jackie Rush Giffin was born on February 6, 1939, in Louisville Mississippi, and died in Tulsa Oklahoma on May 29, 2022.
Jack was raised by his mother Sadie and Father Felix in Louisville Mississippi. At the age of 12, Jack lost his father and was subsequently raised by his mother until he left for college.
After graduating Louisville High School in 1956 at the age of 16, he attended Milsaps College, graduating in 1960. After graduation, he joined the Army Reserves and remained active for 6 years. He moved with his first employer, Grants Retail, to Tulsa Oklahoma in 1961, where he met his wife of 50 years, Barbara Ann Wayburn, marrying her in 1962.
In the following year, their only daughter, Gina Ann was born followed by his first son, Jackie Rush the 2nd, and 10 years later was blessed with his second son, Andrew Patrick.
Jack and Barbara were long-time members of East Tulsa Church, enjoying time spent in Sunday School class with their best friends, Donna and Leroy Jones. Later, joining their new family members, Carl and Bee Cook at Will Roger’s United Methodist Church in the 80’s. Jack was active with the Choir and the Faithbuilders Sunday school class and it was here where Jack and Barbara met several of their longtime friends.
Jack and Barbara loved their church trips to Branson MO, where they enjoyed shopping and attending shows. Jack also had a standing tee time at LaFortune every Wednesday enjoying many pars and spending time with the “old” men out on the course.
Jack was an avid sports fan, having played football and baseball all throughout high school. His devotion to college sports was held with Oklahoma State and Mississippi State, spending as little time as possible paying attention to OU, who he loathed.
In 1976, Jack took a risk and started a joint venture with a business associate opening up Convenient Food Mart in 1977. He spent the next 30 years devoting himself to work, creating a life for his family and putting his kids through college. He transitioned into his retirement job in 2007, working for Ray Francisco, driving limo’s and working funerals. In later years, he admitted that his retirement job was his favorite job because of the people he met and the travel that allowed him to see all of the attraction signs.
In 1984, Jack had his first grandchild, Timothy Joshua, followed by Lindsey Ann, Kimberly Kay, Chandler Ryan, Alexander Rush, Madeline McKinley and Auten Rush.
Jack was a great grandfather to seven, each of which brought their own unique sense of joy to him.
Jack was preceded in death by his Father Russell and Mother Sadie, his siblings Horton Giffin, Alma Jean Younger, Betty Mae Martin, Margarite Giffin and Bonnie Sue Giffin.
Jack lost his precious wife Barbara in 2013.
He is survived by his sister, Yvonne Miller of Louisville Mississippi, Daughter Gina and her spouse Tim Cook of Tulsa, Son Rush and his spouse Christine Giffin of Broken Arrow, and son Andy and his spouse Abby Giffin of Bentonville Arkansas. Seven grandkids; Josh, Lindsey, Kimberly, Chandler, Alex, Maddy, and Auten. As well as seven great grandkids; Cade, Piper, Ethan, Olivia, Grey, Henry and Cohen.
Jack will be forever loved and remembered.
The memorial service will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
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