Jack Redhair '58 Joins Chapter Eternal

In Memoriam: Jack Irvin Redhair (1935-2023)

It is with heavy hearts that we remember the life of Jack Irvin Redhair, a remarkable man who passed away just after his 88th birthday on Saturday, August 12th. Jack's journey was one that blended passion, leadership, hard work and a commitment to family and community.

Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming to George and Peg Redhair, Jack and his twin brother George grew up in Helena, Montana. During his summer breaks, Jack worked for an outfitter packing mules through the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Prior to his senior year in high school his family moved to Denver, Colorado, where Jack thrived as a star quarterback for East High School. He was an exceptional all-round athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball.

Jack attended the University of Arizona on a football scholarship. He planned to play for two years and then return to the ranch where he had been offered an ownership interest. However, he quickly fell in love with Tucson and decided to make it his home. He joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and eventually graduated as Student Body President of the U of A. After a brief stint in the Army, he continued to law school at the U of A, setting the stage for a legal career that continued the rest of his life.

Jack was a partner at Chandler, Tullar Udall & Redhair for almost 50 years where, along with his treasured legal assistant, Brigitta Carney, he was regarded as one of the top trial lawyers in Arizona. He served as the State Bar President in 1981 and was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, reserved for the top one percent of litigators in the United States. Jack was also involved with the Tucson Conquistadores, serving on the Board of Directors and elected President 1975-1976.

In 1961, Jack found his life's greatest match when he married Diane Vance, a partnership that thrived for nearly six decades until Diane's passing in 2020. Their compatibility and unwavering support for each other were profound. Each a unique and courageous person, the marriage was blend of the pragmatic and the creative, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing them.

While law was his profession, sports were his love, with athletic pursuits ranging from handball, softball, and golf. Jack made five hole in ones during his lifetime and was able to "shoot his age" just three weeks before his passing while playing alongside his son, Mike. He also loved his daily walks with his dog Tita, who never left his side.

Jack was inarguably "one of a kind." His legacy lives on through his loving family. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Diane and brother Richard, he is survived by his brother George A. Redhair, his son Michael Redhair (Jodi), his daughter Banni Bunting (Gordon) of Bend, Oregon, and his six cherished grandchildren.

Details of Jack's Celebration of Life are pending. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Desert Southwest Alzheimer's Association in memory of Jack and Diane Redhair.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Sep. 8 to Sep. 10, 2023.