A day for Jack

The auctioneer at Jack's benefit
The shelter house used for the fish fry

One of the many teams in the kick ball tournament. This was Team Kick Ass, and each team member had their nickname on the back-- Dumb Ass, Smart Ass, Silly Ass, Wise Ass etc.

Other teams included The O-zone Is All Jack'd Up, Screwballs and my personal favorite -a co-ed team called The Balled and The Beautiful! There were 16 teams or more in a double elimination tournament that took all day 'til 11:15 PM.
Jack's benefit had been planned for two months. He had to be talked into it, because he felt it wasn't "necessary". He really didn't want to be the center of attention, but everyone pressured him until he agreed to it. He'd told my husband John he wanted a flag on his electric wheel chair when he rode it down to the festivities.

Sadly, Jack died 10 days before the benefit; changed now to a tribute; could happen. The t-shirts that were to have said "It's all about you Jack" were changed to "In loving memory of Jack".

Jack lived in Otterville, Mo his entire life, and he truly loved his home town. He'd been a Deputy Sheriff, a City Councilman and a member of the Board of Directors for the town swimming pool. He wanted a town that was safe, with good streets and a clean pool for kids to play in. His town was important to him, and he never thought of moving away. Once a man asked him why he stayed in such a small town with bitterly cold winters and miserably hot summers. "Because it's my HOME!" he'd replied; and he was still insulted when he told me the story days later.

Jack lived in a house that has been in the family for over 100 years. My father-in-law was born in that house and my husband's Great-grandfather built it.

Small towns are hard for outsiders to understand. I grew up in one about the same size, and I can assure you that everything you've heard is true. Everyone knows your business, good and bad. There are no secrets and news travels fast, especially bad news. There are minor tiffs and major feuds, and grudges are held for generations.

That's just the way it is in a small town, but when something tragic happens wonderful things occur. People show up at your home with food, tons of food. Somebody else mows your lawn, and another person shows up with paper plates and napkins. Jack's benefit was manned by volunteers, from the auctioneer to the men who brought their cooking equipment and fish (they ran out of fish and had to raid their home freezers) to the women who baked and sold their homemade cinnamon rolls for the early morning games. People and businesses donated items for the auction and a raffle. The only expenses were for an inflatable castle (greatly reduced) and portable lights for the Ball field.

The population of Otterville is 512. About 800 people showed up. They raised just under $23,000. I guess the town that Jack loved, loved Jack.