Jack (John Leroy) Sell

1929 ∼ 2024

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Jack (John Leroy) Sell, 95, of Port Arthur, Texas, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Oak Grove Nursing Home in Groves, Texas. Born on October 6, 1929, in Seward, Nebraska to the late Gertrude and Albert Sell. Jack lived in Seward until he was 8 years old when his family moved to Alamo, Texas.

Jack’s educational journey began at Alamo Grammar School in Alamo, Texas, followed by his graduation from Pharr San Juan Alamo High School in 1946. He pursued higher education at Pan American University in Edinberg, Texas, before graduating from Texas State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry. Furthering his studies, he received a Master of Arts degree in Cellular Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960.

Jack was devoted to the field of education, teaching Chemistry and Physiology at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, from 1954 until his retirement in 1991. His teaching career was preceded by a brief tenure at Port Lavaca High School in 1952. After retirement, Jack continued to make an impact in his community by volunteering at the United Board of Missions in Port Arthur until 2023.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jack proudly served in the United States Navy. He was a navy corpsman stationed at Naval Hospitals in San Diego, California, and Bremerton, Washington. He was recalled into service during the Korean War, where he contributed his skills for an additional two years at the US Naval Hospital in San Diego.

An explorer at heart, Jack loved traveling all over the world, forming cherished memories along the way. His spirituality was also a cornerstone of his life; he was baptized on November 3, 1929, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alamo, Texas in 1944. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Arthur and Peace Lutheran Church in Groves since 1954.

Jack is survived by his nieces and nephews, Roberta Winchester and her husband John of Fallbrook, California; William Sell and his wife Cynthia of Spring Branch, Texas; Patricia Sell-Ramsey and her husband Bobby of Spring Branch, Texas; as well as his great nieces and great nephews, Regina Winchester, John Winchester, Sarah Ramsey, and Robert Ramsey, and a great-great nephew, Landon Winchester.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude (Neuman) Sell and Albert Sell, and his brother, Robert Sell.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in honor of Jack (John Leroy) Sells to Peace Lutheran Church in Groves or to the United Board of Missions at: www.unitedmissions.org

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with at service to begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church, located at 5801 W. Jefferson St., Groves, Texas 77619. Interment will be held at 10:15 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Houston National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veteran Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77038.

Condolences

Felicia Hiatt Oetit January 10, 2025

So sorry to hear Mr. Sell has passed away. Had him for chemistry at TJ and was also a lab assistant. Met my husband of 54 years in Mr. Sell's class. Rest in Peace

Karen LaBorde December 2, 2024

I didn’t have Mr.Sell as a teacher, but I know he was a great teacher and well respected by his students. He lived across the street from my aunt for many years, as did Ms.Smith. It was a delight to visit with them both. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will be missed by all who has the pleasure of knowing him.

Edward Richey November 27, 2024

What a wonderful life! He was absolutely devoted to us, his students; and all of you who were blessed to be in his classroom join me in celebration of his accomplishments. We explored so many special things, many no longer permitted in today's classrooms; and we learned so much more. I thank Jack Sell more than anyone for the inspiration leading me to forty eight years in the chemical engineering field. I will never forget being at the blackboard and his immense patience while helping me balance a chemical equation. Rest in peace my friend.

Fred w loeb jr November 26, 2024

I was in Mr. Sell’s Biology II class in 1964. He was a great teacher, made us take an exam the day JFK was killed in Dallas, and told us the President would want us to take exam. His class convinced me I was not a future medical professional. As a CPA , I always ask, looking back , why I took Bio II vs. Bookkeeping from my home room teach, Mr Reynolds. Enjoyed his class, but it was much tougher than Bookkeeping would have been. May he Rest in Peace.

Jesse DeLee November 26, 2024

We have all lost a great mentor, teacher and friend. I was in Mr Sell’s biology and chemistry classes in the early 1960’s. He was an exemplary professional He gave me a sound basis in biology and chemistry that carried me through medical school and post graduate training. More importantly he taught me the scientific method and the joy of intellectual pursuit . His example affected many students. I will miss him and thank him for all he did for me. Jesse DeLee TJ 1964

Deanne Wilson Gonzalez November 24, 2024

I was in Mr. Sell’s chemistry class at Thomas Jefferson High many years ago. He was an amazing teacher.

Brian Laird November 24, 2024

Sad to hear this news. My deepest condolences to his family. He was a star among teachers and part of an amazing group of STEM teachers at TJ in the 70s. I owe him a tremendous debt for his guidance - his impact on my career as a chemist is significant. His dry sense of humor was also legendary! Thank you, Mr. Sell!!!!!

Jody (Treu) Quartoroli November 23, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. Hold all those memories close to your heart. My mom, Shirley (Bangert) Treu, spoke of Jack with such fond memories. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

Scot Sappington November 23, 2024

It’s very hard to say goodbye to a good teacher and a good friend. Mr. Sell, who we affectionately referred to as “Sir“, set high expectations for his students. We didn’t understand it at the time, but later in life we realized that’s what people need to reach their full potential. I enjoyed our visits and phone conversations. He always had another funny story to tell. His sense of humor was off the charts. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.