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BORN

1932

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2021

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Jackie Tackett Obituary

Jackie Tackett

Piketon - The family lost its hero after a brief battle with the Coronavirus (Covid 19).

Jackie Joe Jeremiah Edward Tackett, 88, of Big Run Road, Piketon, Ohio passed 4:45 p.m. Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Adena Regional Medical Center, Chillicothe, Ohio.

He was born June 18, 1932 in South Shore, Kentucky, the son of the late Albert Tackett and Rose (Craycraft) Tackett. In May of 1983, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen (Howard) Tackett, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Lynn Wilber, granddaughter, Bonnie Lynn (Daniel) Lombardi, two great-grandchildren, Brookelyn and Kelsey Lombardi, brother, Ben Tackett, sister-in-law, Vilma Tackett, and special son-in-law, Wayne Wilber.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Carol Ann Tackett, two brothers, James and Raymond Tackett and a sister, Louise Burchett-Simmons. Also deceased, mother of Lynn and Carol, Edna Esham Tackett.

Jack is most widely known for his years as Principal at Southeastern High School. He loved the students and truly felt responsible for each and every student, doing what he could to make sure they were in school and spent extra time with those who tended to stray from the straight and narrow path to graduation. One memory of Lynn's is going to school one morning in the old black Chevy truck and seeing a small group of high school boys heading to the creek, 'skipping' school. He stopped the truck, hollered at the boys, ran through the woods in his fancy dress shoes and suit, talking with them, then all of them hopping in the back of the truck to come to school. Since he had strayed from the school path himself, he had a way of relating to those kids who might be heading that direction. He also had a big wooden paddle that he used to help keep us on the right track.

He quit school in the 8th grade and went to Detroit to work in a steel mill. He did come back to South Portsmouth High School in Greenup County to finish his high school years, becoming a local basketball star. Jumpin' Jack as he was dubbed by the local sportswriters was known for his rebound prowess and shooting skills. He continued to be a force on the Naval Base team at Pearl Harbor during his 4 years there, and later at Pikeville College in Pikeville, Kentucky, while working on his Bachelor's

degree. After receiving his Master's degree at Eastern College in Richmond, Ky, he found his way back to his beloved Greenup County

teaching and coaching basketball at South Portsmouth High School.

He was an avid storyteller and his love for South Portsmouth and his life there was evident in the many stories he told to anyone who had a minute to listen. His father died when he was 9 years old, so life was hard for the Tackett family in the 1940's. His stories of survival and moving from house to house to avoid the flood waters of the Ohio River made you feel like you lived it too. Stories usually ended with 'and that's the truth!'. He had a great appreciation for the 'finer' things in life like plenty of food, heat and money. It was important to him that his children, grandchild and great-grandchildren appreciate all we have now and know what life was like 'back in the day'. Story telling was a big part of each Tackett family reunion, the younger generation gathered around to hear Jack and his siblings talk of the days in South Portsmouth and Portsmouth; these are treasures we will carry on throughout our lives.

His love for the outdoors was a common theme throughout his life. He spent countless hours hunting, from his days attempting to earn the title of Grouse King in the 80s to his later years, deer and turkey hunting from his old camper 'stand'. He enjoyed fishing from the dock of the pond in the last few years with his buddies from his youth. He loved sharing the love of animals, birds and trees with his family and friends.

He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and nothing made him happier than spending time with his girls. He was always in a teaching mode, to him every activity or event was an opportunity to learn. Jack was a member of the Chillicothe Masons Scioto Lodge #6 and Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

His sense of humor was at the forefront of every conversation and his goal was to make someone smile even in the worst of times. This was evident in the last hours of his life at the hospital when he was still making those around him smile.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2021 at the Calvary Baptist Church, Piketon, Ohio with Pastor Jon Black officiating. Burial will follow in Bailey Chapel Cemetery, Piketon, Ohio. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #142.

The family will receive friends at the church 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, people wishing to honor Jack's lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the Calvary Baptist Building Fund, 212 Indian Ridge Drive, Piketon, OH 45661.

www.boyerfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chillicothe Gazette from Jan. 12 to Jan. 13, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Jackie Tackett

Sponsored by Howe Wheeler Boyer Hornback Funeral Home - Piketon.

Not sure what to say?





Linda Love

January 18, 2021

Mary Ellen, I always remember you and Jack with fond memories when you attended TBC in Chillicothe. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Betty S. Harris

January 16, 2021

I met Jack on the front steps at Southeastern HighSchool in 1973. As I approached the building he introduced himself and said to me, "I don't know you...you must have good kids." We had just move to the area from Columbus. Anyway that was a memorable encounter for me. Rest In Peace.

Pamela Davis

January 14, 2021

Mary Ellen, we were so sorry to hear about Jack. We love you. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Terry and Pam Davis

Allen McCoy

January 14, 2021

At our 1968 class graduation he said "this class is taking my heart " he was the best.

Tom Glatting

January 13, 2021

My children went to Southeastern and I was fortunate to work with Jack .
Jack's life story is one for any one to be proud of. Thanks Jack for being
a plus in this crazy world we live in!!!

Sherry Crose

January 13, 2021

On behalf of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the Order offers its deepest condolences and is proud of a life well lived and loved by Colonel Tackett.

Sherry Crose, Executive Director
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

Stacy Carroll

January 12, 2021

Mary, I am so sorry for your lost. I remember him being so loving and comforting. Prayers for your family.

Tony and Charlotte Schumann

January 12, 2021

Mary Ellen and family: Thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this difficult time. Jack was such a wonderful (Kentucky) guy. I enjoyed working with him at Southeastern. He and all the other Kentucky Teachers made me feel like family. Tony and I enjoyed our trip to Hawaii with you both. He will be missed.

Tommy Saerd

January 12, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Ron Howard

January 12, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Paul

January 12, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Harold Franlin

January 12, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Terry

January 12, 2021

Wonderful Principal!!!!!!!!

Galyle

January 12, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Polly

January 12, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ron

January 12, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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Memorial Events
for Jackie Tackett

Jan

18

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church

Piketon, OH

Jan

18

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church

Piketon, OH

Funeral services provided by:

Howe Wheeler Boyer Hornback Funeral Home - Piketon

724 E. Main Street, Piketon, OH 45661

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