Roger Jack "Batch" Shadix

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Roger Jack "Batch" Shadix on Monday, December 16, 2024. He was 82 years old.

Jack began and ended his life on the land he loved - his home on Pleasant Ridge. He was born on February 1, 1942, in Leon County, the son of Merritt Fields "Jack" Shadix and Fannie Lorene (Lamb) Shadix. Throughout his life, he demonstrated unwavering strength, love, and devotion to his family and friends. His kind heart and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. He was known for his quiet nature, strong intellect, and sharp sense of humor and will be remembered for his ability to do anything he put his mind to. 

Jack was a teacher all his life - regardless of his profession. In 1960, he graduated from Centerville High School and entered Sam Houston State University on scholarship. Deferring completion of his studies, he enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam war, serving in Okinawa. Upon his return home and the completion of studies, he received a degree in Chemistry from Sam Houston State University. Jack spent more than twenty-five years living in Diboll, Texas and working in the East Texas Forest Industry, where he earned the respect of colleagues and made a lasting impact on the community. Later he returned to Leon County where we worked as science teacher at Leon ISD. He greatly enjoyed his time working with students and sharing his love of learning.

Beyond his professional life, he was an avid outdoorsman - passionate about hunting, gunsmithing, farming and woodworking. He found great joy in being outdoors, often spending hours exploring the land and watching the creatures that lived there. When Jack was in his seventies, he decided to build a log cabin. With a little help from friends and family he completed the project by hand - from cutting down the trees and milling the lumber, to laying the stone for the fireplace - his cabin was a work of art. An amazing example of the tenacity and craftsmanship of this extraordinary man.

Jack was also committed to his belief in God and his responsibility to help others in his community - whether this was through his local church, food bank or as a member of Centerville Masonic Lodge #1291. Jack's first calling after retirement was to join the Peace Corps, spending several years living and working in countries like Suriname and Malawi. His entire life he found ways - large and small to make the world a better place. 

Above all, Jack was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by three of his children - daughter, Jenny Cochran (Bill); son, Roger Shadix (Kelly); and daughter, Kim Gregory (Guy). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Emily Kim-Cochran (Melanie), Matthew Harbin (Monica), Ryan Cochran, Ben Cochran, and Delaney Harbin; and four great-grandchildren, Mckinley Jones, Reagan Jones, Mason Harbin, and Maverick Harbin. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joan Cagle; his son, Daniel Shadix; and his grandson, Drew Jones. 

A celebration of Jack's life will be held at Evans Chapel Methodist Church in Leona, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with visitation immediately prior from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. and memorial service beginning at 1:30 P.M., where we will honor and remember his legacy. Rev. John Burchell will officiate the service. 

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to Pleasant Grove Cemetery, P.O. Box 975, Centerville, Texas, 75833 or Evans Chapel Methodist Church, 6800 CR 410, Normangee, Texas 77871. 

Jack Shadix will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.