My brother Jack pass away on July 30, 2010. He was only 67 years old. I will miss him! I will remember Jack for his quick wit. He loved to tease his sisters and often pulled pranks on his friends and family. I will also remember him for being such a great grandpa to his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them and taking the family boating and fishing.
This is a picture of Jack shortly after high school graduation. This is how he looked before his accident. He was very handsome! While in the Navy Jack was in a terrible accident and was not expected to live. His head had been crushed. A plate was inserted above his eyebrows about half way back on his head. He had a scar that went from ear to ear across the top of his head. It as a miracle that he survived. Sadly this was not his last brush with death. He also survived colon cancer, a five bi-pass,a pacemaker, and injuries too numerous to list.
Jack earned his Eagle Scout award when he was around 14 years old. My dad earned his Eagle Scout at the same time. Jack loved to hunt and shot his first deer when he was 12. Later in life he belonged to the Mountain Man's Association. He won many trophies, awards, and ribbons for his skill at hatchet throwing, black powder shooting and other skills. This is a picture of a painting that an artist did of Jack in his Mountain Man clothing. The painting hung in an Albuquerque Bank for many years. Unfortunately, the family lost track of where it ended up.
Jack and JoAnne also loved motorcycles and belonged to many riding clubs over the years. They traveled all across the United States with their biker friends.
This was the last family picture taken of us before he died. We all went to visit him in March near his birthday. He had developed gangrene in his legs and we knew that he would not survive. We asked all his family and friends to write a favorite memory of Jack and we compiled them in a binder. It was very emotional to read all of the stories. Goodbye, Jack. I love you!
