John "Jack" Livingston died on his 81st birthday, April 23, 2017, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sue Livingston; his children David (and wife Gretchen), Jeff and Katy (and husband Matt); his grandchildren Nathan, Noah and Clara; his brother- and sister-in-law Rick and Denise Jackson; and countless family and friends.

Jack was born in Tulsa to Pauline Zyskowski Livingston and Carl Livingston. He graduated from Central High School in 1954, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma. He attended the University of Michigan Law School, where he was awarded the Order of the Coif and served on the Michigan Law Review.

He practiced law for more than 50 years and achieved the highest AV rating—an honor bestowed upon a lawyer by his peers, signifying the highest level of professional excellence. A generous and gregarious attorney, many of Jack's clients also became his lifelong friends.

Jack served in the U.S. Army at the beginning of the Vietnam War, was a 32-degree Mason and member of the Shrine Oriental Band, and proudly served his beloved Trinity Episcopal Church as chalice bearer and lay reader for many years. He was also an avid golfer and a lover of musical theater. He wrote and composed a legendary musical review, "Damn Sooners," while in college, he once portrayed Thomas the Butler in a production of "The Philadelphia Story," and he led many a "Broadway Night" throughout the years at the Livingston home.

A raconteur who was always the life of the party—and if there was no party he'd start one—Jack never shied away from any subject. He loved any lively discussion of politics, religion or law. But most of all he enjoyed talking about his family, beaming with pride at any mention of his kids or grandkids.

Near the end of his life, a member of his church was praying over him as he slept. "May God bless you," said the church member. Jack, with good humor and a mischievous spirit to the very end, awoke long enough to interject: "Oh, he will."

For all who knew and loved him, there's no doubt that's true. Rest in peace, Jack.

Services for Jack will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Thursday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Friends can honor Jack's memory by making contributions to Iron Gate Tulsa or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, two organizations near to his heart.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151