In November, the IEC family lost one of its brightest stars. Jacquelyn (Jackie) Humphrey passed away on November 20, 2020 in Argyle, Texas. Jackie’s love, influence, and efforts will echo for generations through the lives of her family, the construction industry, and those touched through her life of ministry.
Jackie will be remembered as a follower of Christ, a loving wife to Steve Sr., a cherished and adoring mother and grandmother, and an inspiration to the extended family she lovingly gathered in every circle of her life’s journey.
“Jackie Humphrey was a kind and spirit-filled woman who was always so joyful and gracious. Her smile would light up the room,” said Marcie Funchess, executive director, IEC Ft. Worth/Tarrant County Chapter. “She had a huge loving heart and shared it with everyone she met. I will miss Jackie terribly and the insights she shared with me, especially when she helped me find the answers to the hard questions.
She was one of a kind.”
Jackie was the matriarch of Humphrey & Associates (H&A), the company that she and Steve Sr. built from its start in 1977 to one of the Top 600 Specialty Contractors in the country. She loved and appreciated the employees of H&A, creating a culture of love for people, mutual respect for everyone regardless of position, and a team committed to giving back to the industry and the community.
“Jackie was a true merit shop and IEC champion. Her leadership and determination are aspects of the legacy that she has gifted to us all,” said Spenser Villwock, CEO, IEC. “We mourn with the Humphrey family for this great loss yet celebrate all the blessings that she shared with each one of us along her pathway of purpose and faith.”
Jackie was an inspirational leader, serving locally, regionally, and nationally on many construction industry committees and boards. She helped start the North Texas Construction Industry Awareness Program and Get into Politics or Get out of Business with Associated Builders and Contractors. She served on the original board of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, and was part of the team that established a national image awareness program with the Independent Electrical Contractors PRIDE (Promoting Responsible Independent Dedicated Electricians) in the 1980’s.
“Jackie had a love for apprenticeship. She believed that apprentices were the present and the future of our industry,” said Denny Denier of Denier Electric. “Jackie was instrumental in the development of the National IEC Apprenticeship Pride Program. Today, the program still focuses on the responsibilities of apprentices, thanks to Jackie.”
“Jackie was an awesome modern day pioneer who contributed with enthusiasm to the improvement of our industry, its employees, education, perception, and integrity,” said Jerry Thomas, executive director, IEC Dallas Chapter.
Jackie had the gift of encouragement and always shared inspiring words and phrases with a focus on positive attitudes and actions. “Pray towards heaven, but row towards shore.” “Make the choice to rejoice.” “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
“One of my fondest memories of IEC is of the first IEC National event we attended,” said Candy Branham, immediate past president, IEC. “As Tim and I joined the first night’s festivities, Jackie stood directly inside the door greeting everyone. When we entered, Jackie grabbed our hands, introduced herself, and welcomed us both. She took the time to learn our names, a little about our company, and made us feel comfortable at our first IEC National event. Over the years, whenever Jackie and I saw each other at events, she always wanted me to sit with her for a spell and bring her up to date on what was happening with our family, company, and to make sure we continued to be involved with IEC. Thank you, Jackie, for welcoming me into your IEC family and making me feel so at home!”
Jackie’s positive spirit and dedication to IEC and the electrical industry will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and all who continue to benefit from her inspirational leadership.