Captain Ben Jack Kinney, USN (retired) died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 in New Braunfels ending his long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Austin on Feb. 27, 1932, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. William George Kinney. He grew up dividing his time between home in Austin and the. Kinney ranch in Johnson City, Texas.
Following graduation from Austin High School, Ben Jack attended the University of Texas for three years before accepting his congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. He received his officer's commission June 1, 1956, and July 3, 1956 married Kathleen Karbach in New Braunfels. Following their brief honeymoon in Ruidoso, N.M., the couple began their long and happy life as a navy family. Ben Jack loved his country, the great state of Texas, his family and a host of special friendships formed along the way.
Naval aviation was Ben Jack's primary military duty. However, in 1960 he developed a sub-specialty training as a computer specialist. He later earned his Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Management. In addition to serving in four flight squadrons, Ben Jack enjoyed duties utilizing his computer expertise on the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff at Offutt Air Force Base Nebraska; Headquarters European Command in Stuttgart, Germany; and Deputy to the Director Wide World Military Command and Control Systems in the greater Washington, D.C. area. It was here in WWMCCS that the communication system known as the Internet was developed. Although these experiences were exciting and challenging, he remembers duty in Hawaii as Aide and Flag Lt. to the Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet, Adm. Roy Johnson, as the most gratifying. Ben Jack’s formidable career pattern led the Kinney family to reside in numerous cities in eight states and two foreign countries.
Retiring from 30 years of active duty in Washington, D.C. in 1982 Ben Jack jumped out of the navy frying pan into corporate fire. Partnering with two navy friends, he founded a small computer company, Xebec Corporation, and began a wild roller coaster ride in the “Beltway bandit” world. By 1987, however, tired of corporate and government bureacracy, he returned to his native Texas where he began restoring his wife’s historic family home in New Braunfels. Here at the Karbach Haus, Ben Jack and Kathy happily operated a bed and breakfast for 15 years.
Music was a major influence throughout Ben Jack’s life. Blessed with unusual musical talent and perfect vocal pitch, Ben Jack led his UT fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, to first-place recognition in the 1952 annual singsong competition. Beginning in high school and continuing at UT, Ben Jack had his own band, the Forty Acre Ramblers. He played the piano, guitar, violin, and bass fiddle. While at the Naval Academy Ben Jack wrote and directed the annual Musical Club theatrical production and sang with the “N- A Ten” a cappella choir. At the Academy Ben Jack was Head Cheer Leader, Brigade Activities Chairman and captain of the handball team. In addition to anything having to do with music, Ben Jack loved flying, skiing, tennis, dancing, travel and taking an active part in activities involving his children. His grandchildren remember “Daddy Pop” as always smiling, singing or patiently teaching them a new way to problem-solve.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, the former Kathleen Karbach of New Braunfels; son, John Kinney and wife Jill of Tiburon, Calif.; daughters Karen Gregory and husband David of Portola Valley, Calif.; Kathryn Harris and husband John of Bellevue, WA; and brother William G. Kinney, Jr. and wife Patricia of Houston. He also leaves nine adoring grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, beloved members of the extended Kinney and Karbach families and friends too numerous to mention but nonetheless valued. Preceding Ben Jack in death was his youngest son, Roy Taylor Kinney.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the many friends who have been so supportive to Kathy and to Ben Jack’s children throughout his illness. Special thanks go the caring staff of the Plaza Memory Support facility at Querencia Barton Creek in Austin, and to the generous nurses and aides at McKenna Village, New Braunfels who welcomed him with love and respect during the final months of his life. A special debt is owed the staff and volunteers of Hope Hospice in New Braunfels who graciously provided gentle care and support to Ben Jack and his family in the weeks preceding his death.
Ben Jack’s wishes throughout his life were to help others in any way possible. In keeping with these venerable goals, Ben Jack's body has been donated to science. A celebration of the life of Ben Jack Kinney will take place at The Karbach Haus, 487 W. San Antonio St. in New Braunfels on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. Memorial notes or messages of condolence may be sent to beniack56@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130 or to the charity of one’s choice.
