Jack Russell Binion

Born in Lufkin, Jack grew up in the Piney Woods hunting, fishing, exploring, and learning the skills of a true Texan on his horse, Blackie. After attending Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida, he graduated from Spring Branch High School.

Jack’s love of sailing and boating began on Galveston Bay and remained a lifelong fascination. He taught sailing at Houston and Texas Corinthians Yacht Clubs. He raced in countless regattas on the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to Cuba. Sailing determined the direction of Jack’s life – for it was on the water where he met his future wife, Sharon “Nickie” Gamble, while she was sailing her Blue Jay sailboat on Galveston Bay at age 15.

Nickie was the love of Jack’s life and his partner in adventure. They married in 1961, and shortly thereafter Jack graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and then joined the Navy. After completing Officer Candidate School, Jack moved to Seattle where he served as a Weapons Officer on the USS Finch in the Pacific Theater from 1962-1964.

After leaving the military, he moved back to Texas, started a family, and began his 36-year career in maritime transportation. After working 12 years at Kirby (Dixie Carriers), he formed his own inland boat and barge company, Binion Marine Service, in 1976. Binion Marine Service subsequently merged with Hollywood Marine, which was then sold to Kirby in 1999, bringing his career full circle. Throughout his career, Jack was known as a great co-worker and mentor. His customers became true friends, and he was a natural at handling the challenges associated with a 24/7/365 business.

Jack retired in January of 2000 at the age of 60 and took full advantage of his new freedom. He often said he was so busy in retirement, he wondered how he ever had time to work! Jack and Nickie cruised the British Virgin Islands, eastern Seaboard, the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Gulf Coast with friends and family on a series of boats named “Nick Nack”. He taught the people in his life how to embrace the mysteries of the ocean.

Jack and Nickie moved to Medina, Texas in 2007 and embraced the small town’s community. He applied his pragmatism and business experience on the boards of the Medina Methodist Church and Medina Library. On Sundays, Jack went to the Bandera County Jail to do prison ministry. Jack loved everything about living on the Medina River – although as a city boy turned rancher, he did once drive his new tractor into the river!

Trading a hull for wheels, Jack and Nickie bought an RV and spent half of their time traveling the Southwest U.S., meeting up with old friends and making new ones. This past year they could be found in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado driving trails in their Jeep, hiking in God’s creation, or simply enjoying fellowship with friends in camp chairs.

Jack participated in the MS-150 Bike Ride from Houston to Austin over 20 times, accompanied by his children, grandchildren, and many friends. He was a top fund raiser each year, inspiring healthy-living and perseverance to all who rode with him. At the age of 76 years young, Jack rode his last MS-150 with all three generations of family on the course.

In addition to his family, Jack was passionate about AA and the friends he made there. He spent over 30 years of sobriety ministering to and changing lives through his example. He was generous with his experience and love.

He moved on to his Heavenly home while surrounded by family near his cherished Galveston Bay. Resting in peace now, he will always be remembered with respect, love, and gratitude for the lessons he taught to all who had the honor of knowing him.

Jack is survived by his wife 60 years, Sharon “Nickie” Binion; his children, Greg and Jackie Binion; his grandchildren Stephen and Jackson Binion, Vivian “Cami” and Clyde Carrasco; and his siblings, Tommy Binion and Emma Lee Wilson Patterson.

A memorial service will be held at the family ranch in Medina, Texas at 11:30 a.m. on December 11, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lonestar Chapter of the MS-150 by visiting this https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=75182 or calling 855-372-1331.