Mike Jacks

JAMESTOWN — The pater familias of the Jacks family unexpectedly "slipped the surly bonds of earth" on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Mike Jacks was our rock, our encourager, and our example. As a lifelong farmer, he had a love of the land, that never left him even as his ability to farm slipped away. Mike was an encourager. Friends would often find handwritten notes in their mailboxes. He loved his family fiercely. He was a great listener, had a wry sense of humor, strong in adversity, and had amazing wisdom. In his own quiet way, he served as a role model and example to all who knew him. He dealt with his infirmities with quiet grace and dignity and he worried more about others than he did himself. He taught us what love was. He taught us what kindness was. Although you saw the wheelchair, when you talked to him, you forgot that it was there. The people who will miss him most are these, whom he referred to as his "sweet little mother," Betty, his "l'il sis" Elaine (Jim) Corbin, his "beautiful daughter," Lindsay, his beloved son, "cool guy", Kirk and daughter in law "Piqua spitfire" Katie, his "sainted mother in law" Beverly Carter, and his loving wife of 36 years, Zane. He also leaves behind two nieces and aunts and uncles who love him. He was especially close to his cousin, David Jacks, his "baby sister" Virginia Stan, and all his Transformation Christian Church Family. He leaves behind his faithful "canine friends" Kapo, Karmen, Bella, Matthew, and the one who started it all, Kambree. He was an avid bibliophile, with eclectic tastes. His huge collection of books included comics, space exploration, superheroes, biographies, and airplanes, especially B-17s. He was a voracious reader of non-fiction. Every time he read something, he learned, and wanted to share it. He had a love of words, both printed and spoken, and was quite the wordsmith himself. He loved oldies music, Sherlock, Star Trek, the Cowboys, and The Rifleman. He often said the Rifleman episodes always turned out in the end. From our perspective, this one hasn't turned out the way we would have liked; he is gone too soon. But, because we have Hope, we know he "dances the skies on laughter-silvered wings." Friends are invited to call at Powers-Kell funeral home on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 from 6-8pm. There will be a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Lifeline Christian Mission in Westerville, Ohio. www.lifeline.org. Online condolences may be left at www.powerskell.com.