​​​​​Jack Kibblehouse, 84, Passes Away

Kibblehouse was known for his firm business focus and peaceful demeanor when co-founding Haines & Kibblehouse along with childhood friend John B. Haines IV and partners Lee Detwiler, Harry Budenz and Terry Koch in 1969. Over 50 years, he played an essential part in setting the foundations of Haines & Kibblehouse while steadily leading growth and expansion.

Early Life and Education

Skippack Township, Pa — It is with great sadness that Jack Kibblehouse’s family announces his passing on November 2, 2022. He will be dearly missed by his friends, colleagues and the industry at large.

Jack Kibblehouse was well known for his steady business acumen and pleasant demeanor. Joining forces with childhood friend John B. Haines IV as well as Terry Koch (deceased), Harry Budenz and Lee Detwiler to form Haines & Kibblehouse Inc in 1968 was no small feat, as its founding members included Terry Koch (deceased), Harry Budenz and Lee Detwiler as partners – together establishing Haines & Kibblehouse’s foundation while gradually overseeing its growth over 50-plus years.

His influence can be felt across H&K and its partners and affiliate operations as well as throughout the industry as a whole. Anyone fortunate enough to work alongside him will recognize its effect over his long career.

Professional Career

H&K Group Inc was built around his firm yet nurturing nature; one that provided direction and instilled values over five decades of business operations. His influence cannot be overstated on all facets of operation at H&K, its partner companies, affiliate operations and industry as a whole; his legacy will live on eternally.

Skippack, PA – November 2, 2022 – It is with deep sadness that Jack Kibblehouse’s family announces his passing this morning at age 84.

Kibblehouse joined forces with childhood friend John Haines IV and business partners Terry Koch (deceased), Lee Detwiler and Harry Budenz to form Haines & Kibblehouse Inc in 1968, which today is recognized as one of the region’s premier heavy civil contracting and construction materials providers.

Achievement and Honors

Jack Kibblehouse was known for his unfaltering business focus and calm demeanor, joining forces with childhood friend John B. Haines IV as well as partners Terry Koch (deceased), Harry R. “Butch” Budenz and Lee Detwiler to form Haines & Kibblehouse Inc in 1968. Over its fifty-plus year lifespan, under Jack’s leadership and entrepreneurial talents H&K Group Inc quickly evolved into one of the region’s leading family-owned construction, site development, demolition, paving and infrastructure businesses.

In 2007, Jack Kibblehouse was appointed Co-Chairman of the Board with John B. Haines IV as part of their current ownership structure within the corporation. From that moment until illness took over his life in early 2022, Jack tirelessly guided, directed, mentored, directed, directed and advised all aspects of H&K Group Inc, partnership companies, affiliate operations and the industry overall.

Personal Life

John Raymond Kibblehouse, more commonly known by his nickname Jack, passed away peacefully at home in Skippack Township, PA on November 2, 2022 at age 84 surrounded by family.

Kibblehouse and his partners John B. Haines IV, Lee Detwiler and Harry Budenz established H&K Group Inc in 1968 as an excavating company. Over four decades, this small excavating firm grew into one of the region’s premier heavy construction and materials companies.

Jack made an outstanding contribution to H&K Group and its partnerships, affiliate operations and The Mid-Atlantic Region during his long and distinguished career. His impactful legacy will live on in our industry and community for years to come; we mourn his passing as an icon of industry.