Jack Jones remembered most for being a friend

TO THE EDITOR:

It has happened once again. We have lost another one of our hometown heroes. This has happened quite regularly of late. Thurman ‘Jack’ Jones passed away Aug. 24.

During his lifetime, he served on many boards and held positions in both local government and service organizations. Jack achieved much success in many careers and was still employed at the time of his death at age 76.

As important as Jack’s contributions are to the community as a whole, he will be remembered more for his one-on-one relationships with so many of our town’s citizens.

During his sickness and his passing, it was spoken over and over again ‘ ‘He was my best friend;’ ‘ ‘It’s like I’ve lost a brother;’ ‘ ‘We’d go fishing together;’ ‘ ‘He was the best neighbor I ever had;’ ‘ ‘We drank coffee together;’ ‘We discussed the Bible;’ ‘ ‘He always brought me vegetables from his garden;’ ‘ ‘We worshiped at the same church;’ ‘ ‘He fixed my lawnmower;’ ‘ ‘I borrowed his boat;’ ‘ ‘He was my buddy.’

Jack always seemed to have time for everyone and never knew the meaning of the word ‘no’ when asked for a favor. In his humble, gentle, soft-spoken way, Jack impacted so many lives. This was shown dramatically as some 1,500 people came to the funeral home to pay their respects to Jack’s family on Sunday and Monday.

And let us not forget to pay homage to Jack’s family and the old adage, ‘Behind every successful man is a good woman.’

One of the reasons Jack could tirelessly do so much for others is because of the helpmate he had in his wife of 55 years, Betty. They were a wonderful team devoted to their sons, Jim and Jerry, and to their grandchildren.

County Executive John Pelham said we have lost one of the community’s giants. He’s right. Though lanky in stature, Jack Jones had a giant heart, along with a quick smile and a wink, that touched all of us who knew him. So many townspeople will miss him greatly.

Submitted from
Gloria Dodson
Faulkner Springs Road
and the friends of Jack Jones