John R. “Jack” Douglas
October 27, 1936 – May 6, 2025
John R. (Jack) Douglas, beloved husband, father, grandad, and friend, was welcomed into Heaven on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. It brought Jack great peace and comfort in his last years to know that his devoted wife, Sally, was always by his side, helping him to navigate and enjoy each day. He was grateful for his many years of good health, the love of his family and friends, and the wonderful life he had been given.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, on October 27, 1936, to Leona (Smith) and Donald Douglas, Jack was the oldest of three brothers. Jack was baptized at Blessed Sacrament Church, where he also attended school and worked as a paperboy to help pay tuition costs. His father’s job took the family to Pipestone, Minnesota, and Fort Worth, Texas, before finally settling in Omaha. Jack attended Cathedral High School, Creighton University, and Creighton University School of Law. He worked in packing houses and for the railroads to earn the $240 per semester college tuition.
After his law school graduation, Jack was commissioned as a Captain and JAG Officer in the United States Army, serving at the military base at Fort Meade, Maryland, from 1960-1963. Upon his military discharge, Jack returned to Omaha and accepted a job with Cassem, Tierney & Adams, where he would spend his entire legal career. Jack embraced all aspects of being a trial lawyer, including knowledge of the law, skillful communication, diligent preparation, and hard work. Above all, Jack conducted himself with the utmost integrity, earning the respect of his colleagues. During his career, he served as President of the Omaha Bar Association and was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers where he served as the Nebraska State Chair from 1993-1995.
Jack met Sally Sefcik at a Super Bowl II party, and they were married in 1968. He was loved and cherished by his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren, who were his greatest source of happiness. He especially loved holidays when he knew the whole family would be together. Playing golf with his friends was a lifelong joy that resulted in many great memories and friendships.
Jack understood that we were not all given the same opportunities, so he was slow to judge. He was humble and treated everyone he encountered with respect. Jack worked hard and used his talents to impact the people around him positively. He never stopped fighting, never stopped loving his family and friends, and was grateful for every day. His was a life well lived, and he will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Leona Douglas; brothers, Robert and Richard Douglas.
He is survived by his wife, Sally; children: Michelle (Tom McGill), Dan (Allison), and Br. Pat Douglas, S.J.; grandchildren: John, Leo, Teddy and Annie McGill, and Catherine, Mallory, and Jack Douglas; sisters-in-law: Marlis Douglas, Judy Douglas and Mary Nieland; cousin, Mary Jo Mulcahy; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Jack’s family would like to thank the staff at Brookstone Meadows for taking such extraordinary care of Jack during his extended stay.
VIGIL: Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific St., Omaha.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, May 12, 2025, 10:30AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Creighton Prep or Duchesne Academy.
To view live broadcasts of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
10 Comments
Jack was a great friend, lawyer, and annual golf partner. I will miss him.
I had the privilege to work with Jack as a court reporter in Douglas County District Court in the 1980s and early 1990s. I always held him in the highest regard as a trial attorney. He was a great lawyer. My condolences to Jack’s family. May he rest in peace.
I was a young lawyer, when I met Mr. Douglas. He scared the heck out of me because of his reputation for being such a good lawyer. He was in fact a very good lawyer, but he was a better person, and even though I was a rookie, he treated me with respect. He was one of my mentors, though he never knew it. I hope his family finds peace in knowing what a great life he led.
Sorry for your loss Sally. Enjoyed our times together at ACTL functions.
Jack possessed the best qualities we should all strive for, whether in our profession or private lives. Although neither of us have had any recent professional experiences, the opportunity to recently share some old stories with Jack gave me some priceless memories. My condolences to Sally and the entire family.
Tried cases with Jack and aainst him He was a perfect gentleman and a excellent attorney I always learned something from him especially how to conduct oneself in the courtroom
I tried my first medical malpractice case with Jack. He helped me learn what it is to be a competitive collegial professional. He was one of the best of us. We will miss him.
I also, early in my career, tried my first med-mal case against Jack. Jack was as astute and experienced a trial lawyer as any I’ve faced over the years. I learned so much from watching and listening to him during our 3 days of trial. However, the greatest lesson passed on to me by Jack, occurred much later in the day after our closing arguments when the bailiff called to tell us the jurors’ decision. I was found sitting at my desk back at the office working on the next trial. Jack could not be reached till the next day – because he was on the golf course playing the game he loved with those he loved. Jack inspired me then and there to prioritize the important things in life. To live a more balanced life. Thank you, Jack, and may you rest in peace.
An empathetic condolence, especially to you, Pat and Dan. I hope that gratitude for your dad’s long life serves to assuage at least a little the grief you must be feeling at this time.
I met Mr. Douglas almost 30 years ago working summers on the golf course at Happy Hollow Country Club. He was one of my favorite members – always extremely polite, friendly, and genuinely interested in my college trajectory. When I was close to graduating, he encouraged me to attend Creighton University School of Law, and offered to write me a letter of recommendation. My brother was a cart kid during his high school and college summers and reiterated how many of the late 1990s HHC staff thought highly of Jack (Mr. Douglas, as we called him). Rest in peace.
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