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John “Jack” Raymond Fields, 71, of Kerrville, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which progressed to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Jack was born on January 10, 1955, in Red Bank, New Jersey to Walter George Fields and Joan Barbara Aalbue Fields. From an early age, he possessed a curiosity about the world and a gift for storytelling that would define his life.
He was a devoted husband to Barbara Smith Fields for 29 years and a proud father to John, Bryan, Kerry, and Erin. His family was the center of his life. He was the beloved grandfather of Allison, Kelsie, Kenneth, Jaydin, Kaylee, Shayla, Blake, Paxton, Taylor, and Hannah, and the cherished great-grandfather of Lane, Aubreigh, Ayzlinn, Grayson, KayJay, Ayva, Koen, and CJ. Jack’s joy multiplied with each new generation, and he treasured every opportunity to gather his family together.
Jack graduated from Drew University with a double major in Government and History. He dedicated 36 years of faithful service to the United States Social Security Administration, where he built a career rooted in helping others and serving the public with integrity.
Service extended beyond his profession. Jack volunteered for many years as the assistant leader of local Boy Scouts Troop 111, guiding and mentoring young men, including his sons John and Bryan, both of whom achieved the rank of Eagle Scout under his encouragement and leadership.
Jack’s generous spirit was evident in every part of his life. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer a meal, or share a story. Known for his outgoing personality and infectious laugh, he could light up a room and make strangers feel like lifelong friends.
Music was one of Jack’s great passions. For over a decade, he and Barbara hosted Kerrville House Concerts, opening their home to musicians and friends for intimate evenings filled with live music, good food, and meaningful connection. Jack was a gracious and enthusiastic host, creating spaces where artists and audiences could truly connect.
His love of music also led him to active involvement with the Texas Heritage Music Foundation.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as President of the Quiet Valley Ranch Board of Directors and was deeply involved with the Kerrville Folk Festival. Jack and Barbara were devoted festival participants, spending the full two weeks at the ranch each year, surrounded by friends and the music he loved.
Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children John Fields, Bryan Fields, and Kerry Ferguson and her husband Brett; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and the many friends whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter George Fields and Joan Barbara Aalbue Fields; his beloved son, Erin Gregg; and his Aunt Roberta “Bobbie” Chase.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at Grimes Funeral Chapels, 728 Jefferson St., Kerrville, Texas 78028, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
Jack’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he strengthened, and the music-filled memories he created. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Jack was born on January 10, 1955, in Red Bank, New Jersey to Walter George Fields and Joan Barbara Aalbue Fields. From an early age, he possessed a curiosity about the world and a gift for storytelling that would define his life.
He was a devoted husband to Barbara Smith Fields for 29 years and a proud father to John, Bryan, Kerry, and Erin. His family was the center of his life. He was the beloved grandfather of Allison, Kelsie, Kenneth, Jaydin, Kaylee, Shayla, Blake, Paxton, Taylor, and Hannah, and the cherished great-grandfather of Lane, Aubreigh, Ayzlinn, Grayson, KayJay, Ayva, Koen, and CJ. Jack’s joy multiplied with each new generation, and he treasured every opportunity to gather his family together.
Jack graduated from Drew University with a double major in Government and History. He dedicated 36 years of faithful service to the United States Social Security Administration, where he built a career rooted in helping others and serving the public with integrity.
Service extended beyond his profession. Jack volunteered for many years as the assistant leader of local Boy Scouts Troop 111, guiding and mentoring young men, including his sons John and Bryan, both of whom achieved the rank of Eagle Scout under his encouragement and leadership.
Jack’s generous spirit was evident in every part of his life. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer a meal, or share a story. Known for his outgoing personality and infectious laugh, he could light up a room and make strangers feel like lifelong friends.
Music was one of Jack’s great passions. For over a decade, he and Barbara hosted Kerrville House Concerts, opening their home to musicians and friends for intimate evenings filled with live music, good food, and meaningful connection. Jack was a gracious and enthusiastic host, creating spaces where artists and audiences could truly connect.
His love of music also led him to active involvement with the Texas Heritage Music Foundation.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as President of the Quiet Valley Ranch Board of Directors and was deeply involved with the Kerrville Folk Festival. Jack and Barbara were devoted festival participants, spending the full two weeks at the ranch each year, surrounded by friends and the music he loved.
Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children John Fields, Bryan Fields, and Kerry Ferguson and her husband Brett; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and the many friends whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter George Fields and Joan Barbara Aalbue Fields; his beloved son, Erin Gregg; and his Aunt Roberta “Bobbie” Chase.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at Grimes Funeral Chapels, 728 Jefferson St., Kerrville, Texas 78028, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
Jack’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he strengthened, and the music-filled memories he created. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.