Jack S. Blanton
Jack S. Blanton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 28, 2013 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Oil executive, philanthropist, civic leader |
| Known for | CEO and chairman of Scurlock Oil Company; chairman of Houston Endowment Inc.; Regent and chairman of the University of Texas System |
Jack Sawtelle Blanton (December 7, 1927 – December 28, 2013) was a prominent figure in the American oil sector, recognized also for his philanthropic efforts and contributions to civic leadership.
Biography
Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Blanton grew up in Houston, Texas, where his father held the position of chamber of commerce manager. He completed his secondary education at Lamar High School before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and history in 1947, followed by a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) in 1950, both from the University of Texas at Austin.
Blanton launched his professional journey in 1950 with Scurlock Oil Company. He rose through the ranks to become president by 1958, and later assumed the roles of CEO and chairman in 1983 after Ashland Oil acquired the firm. He stepped down in 1988 to take the helm at Eddy Refining Company.
His personal life included three marriages: initially to Laura Lee Scurlock, daughter of Eddy C. Scurlock; following her passing, he wed Lucinda B. Bailey; and subsequently married Virginia "Ginger" Nelson. He fathered three children with Laura Lee.
In Houston’s civic arena, Blanton served as chairman of Houston Endowment Inc. and held board memberships with several institutions such as The Methodist Hospital Healthcare System, the Texas Medical Center, Houston Zoo, and Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management. Governor Mark White appointed him as a Regent for the University of Texas System from 1985 to 1991, during which he was chairman between 1987 and 1989, playing a key role in securing enhanced state funding for the university system.
Amidst the oil and real estate downturns of the 1980s, Blanton led the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce as chairman, facilitating resolution of disputes through strategic dialogue.
In recognition of a $12 million donation from Houston Endowment Inc., the University of Texas at Austin renamed its art museum the Blanton Museum of Art in 1997.