Jack "Jackie" Henry Scoggins Jr.

McAllen-Jack "Jackie" Henry Scoggins, 69, one of South Texas's most beloved and respected cattlemen, entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. He will be deeply missed by his family, who admired him in every way, his countless friends, and the employee families of Starr Feedyards. Jackie leaves a lasting legacy as a remarkable man who set the standard for devotion to family, unwavering optimism, strong faith, and a reputation for integrity recognized statewide in the cattle industry.

In 1937, Jackie Scoggins' grandfather, George Scoggins, moved from Louisiana to Hardin Farms north of Harlingen, where he began farming and ranching. His passion for agriculture and his reputation for integrity have been passed down through the generations, leaving a lasting imprint on Jackie's heartfelt legacy. Jack Scoggins Sr. entered the cattle feeding industry with a small feedyard near Harlingen, Texas. In 1974, Jack Sr. and his brother Kenneth, along with their trusted partner Lou Waters, relocated the feedyard to Starr County with the assistance of Lloyd Bentson Sr., settling in this tight-knit Polish farming community. It was here that Starr Feedyards, LLC. was founded.

Jackie attended Texas Tech University, where he majored in Animal Science and became a Delta Tau Delta Fraternity member. Later, he joined his father in managing Starr Feedyards, with his first home at the remote feedyard. Under his father's tutelage, Jackie learned every aspect of the cattle feeding business. Always seeking new growth opportunities, Jackie expanded their operations over the years. As co-manager alongside his father and later as the sole manager, he helped integrate the business with dryland farming in Hidalgo and Starr Counties and trophy deer and wildlife operations. 

Jackie had a deep passion for everything related to land and was constantly researching innovative methods for success. He took great pride in enhancing their ranches, striving to make them beautiful and maximally productive.

After Jackie moved to McAllen, he and his father would leave together at 4:30 a.m. for their 50-mile journey to Rincon. These early morning drives became cherished moments where they discussed the day's challenges, and no doubt, Jackie's father’s deep faith became an integral part of his own legacy. 

Jackie earned recognition as an industry leader statewide, serving two terms on the Texas Cattle Feeders Association's Board of Directors, and was honored as the Young Cattleman of Texas in 1988. When Jack Sr. passed the reins to Jackie, the operations continued to thrive under his leadership. Over the past 10 years, as Jackie has courageously fought cancer, he has shown the same confidence his father placed in him, preparing to pass the management on to his son, Dillon. Under Jackie's guidance, the feedlot has remained one of the state's most enduring models of success in an increasingly challenging industry.

For over 15 years, Jackie collaborated with Seth Johnson and Lamar Smith to produce outdoor hunting TV shows at the ranch. With the support of friends, family, and Starr Feedyard employees, he worked tirelessly to maintain a world-class native deer population and ensure its success and sustainability.

Although his business was demanding, Jackie never allowed it to overshadow his deep love for his family. His beloved wife, Melodye, and his children and grandchildren knew him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. According to his family, Jackie was the greatest family leader—full of love, always the voice of reason, and a source of calm and reassurance. He had a unique way of knowing what to say, offering wise counsel and comforting words at just the right time. 

Jackie was a passionate photographer, capturing the beauty of wildlife, particularly birds and deer. In recent years, he also created a stunning bird sanctuary and butterfly garden on the feedyard property. His adventurous life imparted invaluable lessons, shaping him into an extraordinary storyteller. With his sharp wit and engaging style, Jackie had a rare ability to captivate audiences with his humorous and memorable tales.

Jackie and Melodye shared a beautiful marriage that seemed almost predestined from childhood. They were classmates in third grade, and Melodye once confided to a friend that she had a crush on Jackie. Though their paths diverged for many years, fate brought them back together 22 years ago. In a remarkable twist, Melodye was reminiscing through a grade school autograph book when she came across a message from her best friend: "Melodye + Jackie = LOVE." It’s clear that Jackie's deep love for Melodye and their life together played a significant role in his strength and resilience during his 10-year battle with cancer.

Jackie was deeply devoted to his three children and grandchildren. He cherished spending time with them, creating fun ranch games, and teaching them the value of hard work and how to shoot, reload, drive vehicles, and appreciate the outdoors. His love for family was evident in every moment he shared with them.

Bob Boggus, Jackie's close friend for 55 years, with whom many great experiences were shared, states that Jackie had a unique optimism for life. During their long friendship and through Jackie's courageous battle with cancer, he never once heard Jackie complain. He states that Jackie's life exemplified 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. "

Jack Scoggins Jr. is predeceased by his parents, Jack Sr. and Ernestine "Tina" Scoggins. He is survived by his wife, Melodye Round Scoggins, whom he loved immensely. He is also survived by his three children, Somer Scoggins Neuhaus (Kevin), Jacqueline Scoggins, and Jack "Dillon" Scoggins (Karen), along with their mother (his 1st wife) Celia Thrash, whom Jackie and Melodye share a valued friendship with. Jackie is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he loved greatly: Skipper Vacek, Anne Vacek, Michael Quinten East, Joaquin Kenedy East, Jake Timmons East, Weston Ward Neuhaus, Peyton Grant Neuhaus, Celiamaria Scoggins, and Olivia Scoggins. He is also survived by his sister, Jana Beth Eidson, and her husband, Jim Eidson; nieces, Savannah Eidson Near (Andrew) and Taylor Eidson Wood (Ryan); and nephew, Grant Eidson. 

 A Service of Remembrance will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 28212 FM 2058 McCook, Texas 78541, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 2-4 pm. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Jackie’s honor to The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation in McAllen, TX 78503 (101 W. Expressway 83).