Third-generation ALTA President Jack Rattikin III Leaves Industry Legacy

February 11, 2026

The land title insurance community mourns the loss of Jack Rattikin III, a respected leader whose decades of service helped shape both his company and the broader industry.

Rattikin’s passing on Feb. 9 is a moment for the title insurance community to reflect not only on his leadership and service, but also on the profound legacy that defined his life and career. For Rattikin, legacy was more than a family tradition. It was a commitment he carried forward every day as a leader, mentor and steward of a multi-generation title business that helped shape the industry.

As president and CEO of Rattikin Title Co. in Fort Worth, Texas, and a past president of ALTA, Rattikin’s contributions extended across generations of title professionals.

Rattikin was a third-generation title professional whose life and work were deeply rooted in family legacy. His grandfather, Jack Rattikin Sr., founded Rattikin Title in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1944, laying the foundation for decades of continuity and service that would include both his son and grandson. This tradition of leadership continued when Rattikin himself was installed as ALTA’s president for the 2022-2023 term. This followed his father’s 1984-85 ALTA presidency and his grandfather’s 1939-40 tenure. In addition, his uncle, Bill Thurman, also served as ALTA president in 1991.

“As the title insurance industry remembers Jack Rattikin III, it is fitting to reflect on the continuity he embodied,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “The unbroken thread from Rattikin Sr. to Rattikin Jr., and then to Jack Rattikin III will endure in the values and traditions he championed throughout his life. Jack’s legacy, however, was not defined by lineage alone. He was a trusted friend, a generous mentor and a principled leader whose integrity shaped every room he entered. He believed deeply in the core values that define the title insurance industry. Those of us who had the privilege to work alongside him saw firsthand his humility, his quiet strength and his unwavering dedication to doing what was right. His example will continue to guide our industry for generations to come.”

For Rattikin, legacy wasn’t a passive inheritance, but a responsibility to build and strengthen what came before. While in high school, Rattikin started working at the title company at the age of 15. He earned a business management degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from Texas Tech University. Rattikin officially joined Rattikin Title in 1983 after graduating. He worked through virtually every aspect of the company before becoming president in 1999 and then president and CEO in 2004. His more than 40 years of title industry experience informed his service on the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) board and his leadership within ALTA’s Board of Governors, where he became known for thoughtful advocacy and a collaborative approach.

Rattikin’s career exemplified service, professionalism and deep commitment to his community. Under his leadership, Rattikin Title grew and thrived, building on a legacy of excellence rooted in integrity and service. He served as TLTA president from 2002–2003, and in 2005 was recognized as TLTA Title Man of the Year, reflecting his enduring impact on the profession.

Leslie Midgley CAE, TLTA’s executive vice president and CEO, said the loss of Rattikin is profound for the TLTA family, of which he was an integral part his entire life.

“The importance of legacy was never lost on him,” Midgely said. “Family, tradition and loyalty were always his sources of inspiration and purpose. Those north stars led him to excel both in business and as an extraordinary servant leader for the title industry, following in the family footsteps to serve with great distinction as both TLTA and ALTA president.  Equally as important as his many accomplishments, though, Jack was just a great guy—caring, humble and fun to be around. His presence will be deeply missed, but as we grieve his loss, we will also celebrate the legacy of his leadership, and most of all, his treasured friendship.”

As ALTA president, Rattikin embraced the unique opportunity to honor his family’s history while advancing the association’s mission. He often spoke about the privilege of following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and acknowledged the weight of their contributions. Serving as ALTA president gave him a platform to champion strategic priorities ranging from promoting homeownership opportunities and helping members navigate a changing market, to strengthening relationships with regulators and policymakers.

Rattikin led ALTA at a pivotal time for the industry. He used the position to advocate for the value of title insurance and the importance of homeownership protection nationwide. His leadership was noted for strengthening relationships across the industry and with policymakers.

In addition, during his year as ALTA president, Rattikin helped guide the development of a new logo and branding for the association. It was the first redesign of Thaddeus the eagle in nearly 60 years. At the time, Rattikin noted the importance of retaining the history of the association, but that it was time to update the branding to reflect the industry’s evolution.

But Rattikin’s legacy extended beyond professional accomplishments. Those who knew him describe him as someone who lived the values of service, integrity and commitment in both his business and personal life. Much like the family tradition that preceded him, he balanced his devotion to title insurance with a commitment to community and to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

ALTA Past President Richard Welshons MTP, NTP, Twin Cities manager for The Title Team and DCA Title, served on the association’s Board of Governors for many years with Rattkin.

“Jack was passionate about the title industry and he cared deeply for people in this industry,” Welshons said. “To me, he was a leader, a mentor and most of all, a friend. His passing leaves a big hole in ALTA, TLTA and the lives of everyone he touched.”

ALTA Past President Anne Anastasi CLTP, NTP, first vice president for Old Republic Title, described Rattikin as someone who instantly commanded every person's attention when he walked into a room.

“He always had a kind word to say and a warm hug that indicated you mattered to him,” Anastasi said. “Conversations with Jack were never about him. He always steered your time together to be about you, your family, your business and your life. I do not think there was an ALTA president who wanted to represent the industry more than Jack, and represent it he did proudly, boldly and with great determination. My husband John and I loved Jack and Laura. The world is less bright today because his smile is missing.”

The strength of that legacy is evident not just in titles or positions held, but in the continuity of a family business that has endured through decades of industry evolution. Rattikin himself once observed that working in title was something he had known since childhood. Partly because of the family dinners where discussions about the business were as common as conversations about life.

Rattikin is survived by his wife, Laura, two children, Cameron Rattikin and Courtney Rattikin Johnsen, and son-in-law Ian Johnsen, and many other family members and professionals he mentored throughout his career. As the industry reflects on his life and contributions, his legacy of leadership, service and commitment to title insurance will continue to inspire members of ALTA and the wider title community for years to come.

Service Information
  • Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Thompson Harveson Cole, Fort Worth
  • Celebration of Life: 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19 at Christ Chapel Bible Church, Fort Worth

 


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].