If you want to know how likable person someone is, ask someone that was in elementary and middle school what they thought of the 60ish year old man that drove carpool for them. If they had fond memories - that was a win! For a time we lived in the same neighborhood as the Hausmanns, our kids and Kate went to the same school, and at times Jack shared carpool duties. Here are their comments:

Lindsey: I always thought we were riding in a government/FBI vehicle in that blacked out suburban with wires and antennas on it. And I feel like we went fast because we wouldn’t get pulled over?

Taylor: I definitely remember him telling us about getting pulled over for speeding through an intersection one time and the cop told him “yellow light means slow down, not drive like hell”

Evan:

I believe the line was…

“A yellow light doesn’t mean speed up like hell, it means slow down like hell!" He would drive on the shoulder - that was his FBI move!

Lindsey: He made that shoulder a real lane 25 years before it’s time!

Evan: I also noticed they’ve blocked off the gravel back road between Parsons and Medlock Bridge which he can probably take some credit for.

I also remember that he had an orange Volkswagen thing.

The orange Thing actually led to a turning point in my relationship and respect for Jack. One year he invited me and Jim Olsen to come with him to the Concours d’Elegance on HHI to help him get his 3 collector VWs into the club show. I got to drive the ”thing” into the show - in the cold with a non-functioning driver’s window stuck in the down position. We had a great time and at dinner Jack related to us about his childhood and how he got to America. - and ultimately I heard one of the more profound statements I’ve ever heard - Jack said the war ended and Publix did not open the next day!

He went from just being my friend Jack, whom I enjoyed being around, to someone that I had a new appreciation for the depth of his person. Jack went from having so little to becoming a person that to me, defined the word generous. He and Beth were always so gracious. Our family benefitted from renting from them several of their Hilton Head properties…at least if it wasn’t sold before our reservation time. I told Jack once he could double his income if he simply got a brokers license and handled his own transactions!

Jack so obviously loved his family. He was so intentional. I couldn’t keep track of the trips and places they went on, or the Great Race trips he did. A few years back Jack started taking painting classes - in part because I think it was a way for him to spend more time with Peter. I intentionally tried to sign up for the same classes as them and positioned myself to be close to Jack. He had a lot of gifts and talents, but he seemed to be frustrated with his painting. I tried to encourage him - Jack…it doesn’t matter whether you are good as you want to be, it is about enjoying it. Are you having fun? I got the grin…yes he did!

One night we were painting and I was working on a sunrise picture from Hilton Head and jack wandered over and told me he liked it and wanted to buy it. I was puzzled and asked why? He stated he thought it would look good in the latest house they were renovating on the Island. I asked…don’t you think you should clear it with Beth? He tried his best to bluster how he didn’t need her permission, but I knew who the designer was. So I said…Jack, clear it with Beth, and if she agrees, then ask her what size would work best and I’ll paint one for you. But, I won’t sell it, I’l swap it for a week at the house. He agreed, so did Beth, and about a year later I had the finished painting all boxed up for the trip to HH and at my office for Jack to pick up at his next appointment.

In true Hausmann fashion, he proceeded to tell me they had sold the house. But being ever so generous, he and Beth had us use their other island “home”, and I’m quite sure we got the better end of the deal on that. I have a smaller copy of the painting and it is hanging in my office, where I walk by it a hundred times a day.  Every time I do I think of Jack - his smile, his laugh, his generosity, and how much we will all miss him.

Jack… an amazing friend! So happy to have had the opportunity to know you. You were truly an inspiration to me and so many others! We miss you very much. My sincere condolences to your family. 

Bill Schaude

My condolences to Jack's family and all who loved him the way I do.

I was very proud of you my son.

Always, Dad