Jackson Kilgore 1936-2008

Alan Gardner March 18, 2008 1 minute 4 comments

I would like to take a moment to thank all those who posted their condolences and sympathies on the blog or took the time to e-mail me. My wife and I were genuinely touched by the outreach of so many people whom we’ve never met, yet somehow I can call friends.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law laid to rest her second husband in 10 years. Not long after her first husband died, she was blessed to meet a wonderful guy named Jack, also a widower. They were an example of complete devotion and selfless love for one another. I never heard them argue or say anything mean about each other one time. They adapted the best they could to each other and overlook anything that couldn’t be changed.

Despite knowing that Jack’s health was declining, news last week that he was dying was sobering. He was a rock-steady guy. He never got overly-excited over life’s ups and downs. He smiled a lot when things were great, frowned when they weren’t but that was the extent of it. When he shared with me his diagnoses last year, he said (I’m paraphrasing), “Yup, this is what’s going to get me in the end. That’s okay. I’ve lived a good life.” And that was it. In the nine months or so since that day, I never heard him once complain, express anger or show fear over his failing health or his impending death. He was at complete peace with his life.

I knew Jack only briefly, but he left a large impression on me.

Again, thank you all for your support.

Comments ⁴

Tom Heintjes

I just got back into town after attending my uncle’s memorial service. My deepest condolences to you, Alan.

Lucas Turnbloom

Thank you for sharing that Alan. He sounded like a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with you and your family. You too, Tom.

Mike Rhode

A similar thing happened to my Dad and his friend Laura. It’s rough.

Kenneth Gregory

Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing.We were raised up in the same small village in Va. My sister went through school with Jack and they graduated together.She had emailed him some.I was 3-4 years older but I served in The Air Force 5 years in the early 50’s.I probably got out of the Air Force about the time Jack was starting his career in the Air Force.I have a picture of Jack and your Mother in law when they were married on one of my computers that my sister e-mailed me .Several of his friends still around the area .If you don’ mind I will pass your articile on to my sister and she can share it with them. Our High School reunion will be in July so she will see a lot of Jack’s class mates.I think she said ther were 32 in their class.Thanks for sharing your tribute to Jack with us.

Comments are closed.