So sad to have lost a true enthusiast of our hobby. We were blessed by his company when he did an over night stop here, in Washington, on his 48 state tour. A true gentleman and a man out to squeeze every ounce of adventure and fun into his life. Thanks Jack for the example you set for each of us. Blessings and condolences to Jack's wife and family. We'll miss you in the Corvette community. Rest in Peace friend.

 

Such sad news
I had the pleasure to meet Jack at the beginning of his 48 state trip as he passed through Long Island. Took him to the local cruise night, then back to the house for BBQ & Beers with some of my Corvette buddies. We enjoyed Jack's stories and plans for his continuing trip. Wished him well the next morning and sent him on his way. I met him again in Carlisle. Jack was the type of guy that after you met him for a minute you felt like you knew him forever.
R.I.P. my friend, you lived your life well. Lets all take our Vettes out for a ride in Jack's honor

 

I haven't been logged on in a few days and just saw this news. I'm very sad to hear this and send my condolences to his family and many friends. Although we never met personally, I felt like I knew him well from his many Corvette adventures that he shared with us here.

RIP Jackfit.

 

Been reading the posts since the shock and sadness on hearing of Jack's final departure. Do hope his son Adam finds presence of his Dad and some pleasure too while creating his own experiences in that super well-used and also super well-cared for '66. Jack was a one-of-a-kind, a raconteur of the highest order. Jack was also one of the most level-headed and direct people I've ever met. He also knew how to create and follow through with opportunities to everyone's best outcome, and that's quite a skill. You'd do anything for Jack, and feel better for it - knowing he'd do the same for you.

Having done several cross-US road trips ourselves in our '65, over the years we'd shared plenty of notes on places to drive, things to see, and tips for doing it. Packing with sealed vacuum bags was one of ours, Jack's biggest tip was for adding this center roof clip to stay dry and airtight even at triple digit speeds. I've had mine on and trouble-free since 2010 and also recommended it to others many times.




Seems it was for years Jack had been talking about a trip through Canada, and in 2011 when he was able to stay with us a few days, we had our own Corvette party on our property. Was much fun giving Jack a tour of Toronto, and into the evening lots of local Corvette and other fine folks joining in. I took this pic of his car as the smoke from the BBQ wafted over I could hear his laughter above all the others by the lake. He remembered names, he engaged, he challenged, he was the perfect guest. But in this moment of collection I paused for this pic thinking how wonderful these cars are to bring us all together.




To me these pics are just timeless. In fact, that's a real 1970 ZR1 that had been purchased by the guy leaning against the fender, and bought from my friend Eric (tall guy at right.) They hadn't seen each other in years, not since the purchase and weren't expecting each other, that night. There were plenty of reunions that night, and more later...



Emptying plenty of bottles, including Jack's requisite SKYY, the rest of the evening was a blur.


Jack did take this picture of the Toronto skyline from my yard. We should have gone up the CN Tower but with so little time for just enjoying each other, he said "next time."


In the morning Jack needed to sort out some noise he was hearing in his front end. Yes, he did also use "Jack" stands (other than his legs.)




Jack took and sent us this pic of Jennie and I. We don't actually have that many of the two of us, so this was cherished.


A friend came by to take this one of the three of us. We'd planned to visit Jack in Cape Elizabeth this spring, but with Covid shutting down the borders it was just not to be. We've never done the eastern seaboard, but we will, and we will try to stop by his house just the same, but of course it won't be. We'll miss you Jack, but we'll be thinking of you always.

Till we meet again...


On his departure, we swapped cars to fill up. I got this pic of Jack driving my '65. I see now there's more than just the sun reflecting back.
You were a bright light Jack. Shine on.

 

So sorry to read this... R.I.P. Jackfit.... his posts of his travels were an inspiration for me to make mine a driver and go enjoy it. My condolences to his family and friends, and all of the enthusiasts here.

 

Is anyone in touch with Jack's son Adam?
Would be awesome if he could join us for a personal memorial at Corvettes at Carlisle this August.

 

Hi Paul . . . yes, I am! I've traded emails with Adam over the past few days and we'll be talking later today or tomorrow. I plan to talk to Adam about setting up a Memorial @ the National Corvette Museum in Jack's honor and will post those details here on the Forum after we speak. Adam says that it's been very "uplifting to see all of the support" the community has already shown. More to come . . .

Tom

 

That's awesome Tom. Tell him we're expecting him at Carlisle!
He should also be checking this thread, including the pics and story I just posted (three up) from his visit to us in Toronto back in 2011.

 

Paul,

I forwarded the post a few days ago . . . I thinks Adam is checking in!!!

Tom

 

I never met Jack. I followed along on many of his posts. Now I'll remember him every time I drive my GTO and when my 61 is finished because I'll be looking at one of these. I just found out on my last road trip this was where my top was leaking. I was going to try and adjust the pull down force on either side but now I'll just add the Jack clip. Thanks for posting the pic PaulUptime. RIP Jack.