JOHN "Jack" VALDES

Joanne: I just wanted to reach out and tell you that I think of Jack often. Although I knew him primarily through work, we became pretty close. I continue to miss him and the way he carried himself. I hope you are doing well and the best in the new year! Mark Leader

I first met Jack and Joanne (J & J) in 1991, on a week-long, late-summer, Chesapeake Bay sailing adventure with three boats. Our neighbors, Ken & Lynn Page had the advantage of having met J & J earlier and had planned our travels from Annapolis to several way-points in the Southern Bay. J & J berthed their boar farther down the Bay, thus we planned to all raft-up mid-way for all boats. It was a windy evening when we two Annapolis boats arrived at our destination and rafted-up together. We...

I went to school with Jack in Granville. He was the most friendly and sincere person I've ever met. We played on the offensive and defensive line together my junior year. We spoke often and what I remember most are my encounters in junior high,in high school,playing sports and lunch time in downtown Granville by the water fountain near Taylor's Drugs. He made me as well as others a better person with his thoughts. My thanks for his presence. Dick Collins

I had the privilege of meeting Jack in the mid 80's through the Washington, DC commercial real estate business. I was a real estate developer and Jack was a broker. On several occasions, he came in to see me to present land deals for sale. I remember thinking what a smart, nice guy he was so why was he in the real estate business!

We never ended up doing a deal back then, but our paths would cross again in the early 90's after the infamous savings and loan crash of the late 80's. ...

Jack, I am going to leave you with an Irish Sailor's Blessing ...

"May the seas lie smooth before you.
May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails.
May sunshine warm your face.
May kindness warm your soul.
And until we meet again, may God bless you and you safe."

And finally, "May your jib never luff."