I've only known Jack for the last 9 years, so I'm probably not the most qualified person to offer up any more insight than anybody else. But, what I'm left with just a day and a half after the news that he had passed is this...what a great life he had. Unless someone told you about what he had done, you wouldn't know it. Not because he was any less professional or outstanding at what he did. Only because he didn't need to name drop (or call-letter drop). You could talk to him and just know that this guy knew the business. And, he commanded respect only by being in the room. He was partly responsible for giving me the opportunity to move from part to full-time some 8 years ago. But his life wasn't great just because of his enviable radio career. It was great because of his warm way he treated everyone in the building...his love of travel and history...and, most importantly...his Christian faith that we had in common. I guess what I'm getting at is...he had a life outside the building. He took his work seriously, but then he left it there. My heart goes out to his family, and his friends and colleagues who loved him dearly. I will miss his laughter...his great big smile when I saw him...and his big, booming voice that betrayed the pain he was going through. I'll also miss his love of Al's Hamburgers...and his apparent inability to do much on a computer except check email. But, most of all, I'll miss a friend who just happened to be a highly respected radio production pro. I carry the guilt of not having talked with him enough during his time away that we always hoped would be short. But, I'm comforted to know that he doesn't suffer anymore. Jack, thank you for believing in me...thank you for sharing a part of your life with me...and thank you for showing me how one conducts himself with dignity and professionalism. God bless you...and rest well, my friend.
Todd Chambless
WBAP
