JL Has Lost An ICON!
Up until two years ago, the Baby Boomer seemingly was always on the phone with someone about something as one call would lead to yet another call. I even think I may have been on the phone far too much. La Bear definitely knew I was and certainly let me know how she felt and not in a very nice way I might add!!
Today, my phone seldom rings. In fact, it rings so little I often check it to see if it’s even on. Unfortunately, when it does ring today, the person on the other end is usually relaying some sad news–very sad news!! This past Friday morning, Steve from JL called and when I answered I told him I hoped he wasn’t calling to pass on any bad news as, we all know, bad news travels fast. Unfortunately, he told me the shocking news of Jack’s passing. All I can say is JL and all of us have lost an ICON!! Jack was a tremendous human being and he lived a life well-lived!!
The Baby Boomer, like I’m sure many of you, has been reflecting on this tremendous loss–Jack was one of a kind!! He spent his career at Wilson Sporting Goods as a territory manager and executive for nearly forty years. No doubt a lover of sports, Jack had been a VHSL football official since 1995 and a “white cap” for twenty of those years. Jack also umpired girl’s high school softball for many years, as well as, work the sidelines for U of R home football games.
Jack came to JL in 2015 and immediately became the “best of the best”!! Folks, that’s just the way Jack was in being the perfect colleague. I would always say how much better JL would be if we could’ve just been able to “clone” Jack. One of our sayings at JL was “we strive for perfection, but excellence is accepted”. Jack wouldn’t accept just excellence as he was a perfectionist–if we could just do it “Jack’s way”!! Jack was the consummate preplanner, he provided proactive communication, and was an excellent time manager never “pushing”. He was always early and never late, he was professional in every way, he was SAFE, he followed the dress code, he was friendly and polite exceeding his customer’s service expectations, and he was discreet. Jack was an early “AM-er” or as we liked to say our “zero dark thirty” guy. Jack would often come to the garage, after he was given permission, late in the afternoon the day prior to his early AM run the next morning to get his vehicle–something that was rather customary. But what set Jack apart from all the rest is if his vehicle was not clean, he would wash it. I’ve even witnessed him dumping the trash when the cans were full, unloading a clean dishwasher, and restocking the fridge with drinks!!
Please allow me to digress. Jack went to Tazewell High School and was an All-State lineman for the Tazewell Bulldogs football team before attending and playing football for Marshall University. On November 14th, 1970, a Southern Airways aircraft carrying the Marshall football team crashed a mile short of the Tri-State Airport killing all 75 people on board–37 football players, 5 coaches, 7 staff members, 21 boosters, and 5 crew members. Jack was a sophomore at the time and ineligible to make the trip. Marshall decided to continue their football program and Jack secured their first win the following year throwing a key block allowing a teammate to score a last second TD beating Xavier 15-13 in 1971. In 2006, a movie named, “We Are Marshall”, was released recounting the tragedy and how the Marshall football program was resurrected and persevered.
Jack was very private and, I found, rather quiet; however, he perked right up when the conversation was all about sports. Several of us knew about Jack’s Marshall experience, but, of course, it was something we never talked about with Jack. You gotta know, though, not being on that plane in 1970 had to have a tremendous impact on Jack and the way he led his life. The Baby Boomer is almost certain Jack reflected on it each and every day. Jack was such a kind man!! I never ever heard him say anything and, I mean, anything negative about anyone. He always saw the good in people and was always very positive with a big smile on his face.
Jack’s demeanor was exactly the same way while at JL. He always said “yes” and never said “no”. His availability was always open and he was willing to help out when and where needed. How he was able to get up so early each and every day and accomplish what he accomplished is still a mystery to me. I never heard a single “peep” that one would think of as a complaint. He refused to spread rumor or gossip and was a true gentleman. He always accepted responsibility and his honesty and integrity could never be questioned by anyone. As I said earlier, Jack was one of a kind!! No wonder he was honored to be our first JL Most Valuable Team Member of the Year in 2019 and recognized once again in 2024!!
Noting something I saw on social media: “Such a great man. I had the honor of working with Jack at Wilson Sporting Goods for almost 20 years. He was a friend and mentor for a long time. One of the best moments I was ever associated with was when he retired from Wilson they secretly invited Coach Jack Lengyel (Marshall head coach post tragedy) there to speak and I can tell you there were very few dry eyes in the room as he spoke about Jack and his impact in rebuilding the program. RIP my great friend! You will be remembered forever and greatly missed.”
Personally, the Baby Boomer thinks this says it all!! RIP, Jack!!