John Frederick Lubben III (Jack), 80, of Austin, TX, passed away on January 24, 2023 at his home in the loving arms of his wife, Ann, and his children, Shanna Alexandra Lubben and Mark Andrew Lubben.
Jack was born in Houston, Texas, but lived in McAllen, Texas, during his formative years through high school. His father was John F, Lubben, II, a Urologist and his mother was the daughter of an oil operator in Humble, TX, who helped open up the exploration of oil fields in and around Houston, TX. The Lubben family settled early in Galveston, Texas, his ship captain ancestor becoming the second ship chandler of the port of Galveston when Texas became a Republic. Captain Lubben was responsible for transporting a great many of the settlers of central Texas, sailing out of Bremerhaven, Germany.
Jack went to McAllen High School and graduated in 1960.
He went on to earn a double major in Political Science and History at the University of Texas in 1965. From there he then graduated from St.
Mary’s Law School in May of 1968 and was subsequently admitted to the Texas State Bar on September 16, 1968.
The majority of his practice for 40 years was Criminal Defense in Dallas. He was a tireless defender of the poor and down-trodden and believed devoutly that everyone deserved justice and mercy.
His deep and mesmerizing bass voice, although welcomed in his church choirs, also greatly contributed to his win-loss record in court. So many people were drawn to him and his ability to inspire and encourage them to be better people in their lives. He was a tireless volunteer, and he never met a stranger, including the homeless he encountered in his volunteer work. While in Dallas, his volunteer work sometimes involved flying his Cessna 182 to take people to their destinations for medical help. His volunteer work toward the end of his career in Dallas with the Public Defender’s Office finally inspired him to get a degree in Theology from the University of Dallas. Although he planned to teach, his wife persuaded him that volunteer work and travel with her was the better way to go. He was also a big hunting and fishing fan, flying his son and friends with him to Canada once a year. In 2013, he and his wife, Ann, moved to Austin to be closer to family. In Austin, he was again a tireless volunteer for Rotarian projects, and during the pandemic became the most prolific volunteer for Meals on Wheels in South Austin Rotary Club.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann Catherine Logan-Lubben, his son, Mark Andrew Lubben, Mark’s wife Linda Lubben and his daughter, Shanna Alexandra Lubben, as well as his grandchildren, Jennifer and Jordan Lubben, and Isabella, Liam, and Katrianna Edwards, as well as his greatgrandchild, Isabel Lubben.
A funeral mass at 10:00AM, February 6, 2023, will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church on 4800 Convict Hill Road, Austin, Texas 78749, with Rev. Lou Brusatti presiding. A small reception in honor of his life will be held at noon at Jack Allen’s Kitchen, 7720 W. Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Loaves and Fishes, Austin Meals on Wheels, Austin; or the Central Texas Food Bank.
