Jack Justice (1922 - 2006)

There was a service in thanksgiving for the life of Jack Justice. Jack is survived by Mary, his beloved wife; John and George, his sons; Barbara, Jean, and Anna, his daughters; Jennifer, Nathan, Amy, David, Adam, John, Jason, Eric, Jeff, Rick and Ashton, his grandchildren. Jack was a member of the Pittsboro Baptist Church and will forever rest in their shadows.
He was a great friend and mentor to me and as I came to know him better, he was the same to many others. He was a very understanding and giving person. I am still amazed at how much he helped me and how my life changed because of his graciousness. That was Jack. He was humble and he helped others, but he kept these good deeds to himself. He was not one to brag or boast. What was even more incredible, is how his heart so huge could fit in a town so small. He was truly blessed and he will be sorely missed.
In his own right, Jack was also a poet. In his memory, I felt that now was the time to post some of his works.
Christmas • Christmas and I • Goodbye • Growing Old • Our Bosses • Progress • The Lions Club • T.N.D. • To Mary


My friend Jack,

Sometime ago Jack asked me to make some remarks at his funeral. ... if I could think of something good to say. (Doesn't that sound just like Jack?) I told him that I thought I might be able to think of something ..... and so today I am honoring his request. Jack has touched the lives of many of you in different ways, but these remarks are my thoughts about him.
I never bought a car from Jack. Burnice always told him that anyone could get along with a Chevrolet until they could buy a Ford. Jack always had choice words to answer that.
I never played golf with him, never played cards, never discussed financial affairs with him. I never asked a favor of him when he was mayor of Pittsboro or talked politics. But I was involved with some things concerning Jack that some may not know or remember.
Jack was always interested in this church, holding membership here since 1937. He was a deacon, chairman of the Finance Committee, and served on several other committees. I remember him most as chairman of the Planning and Survey Committee in the 1960s when the church was preparing to enter into the third building phase, the taller three-story educational building. Many hours were spent as Jack brought the committee's information and plans to the church regarding size, membership projections, space and other aspects of building for the future. After the building plans were accepted, the church elected Jack to the Construction Committee and he served there until the building was completed and he saw the fruits of his committee's labors come to life. Jack continued to have a keen interest in the church and attended until his health prevented him from being present.
I knew Jack in another way as he and Mary were introduced to the wonderful world of Modern Western Square Dancing and the joy "city slicker" camping. Through the years each time we visited, we laughed about the good times together and reminisced about the. crazy things we did. Things were not always so funny, though. One camping trip to Zooland Campground proved this when some "mean" camper cut the water off to Jack's camper just when Mary was taking a shower and washing her hair. That day, Jack came out the door and he was "not a happy camper!" Jack had a quick answer to situations. Once on a square dancing trip to Myrtle Beach we found ourselves in Jack's Surban on a cold icy day. As we stopped at a service station, we saw the car completely covered with ice and icicles hanging all around it. Jack's remark when we were back on our way was, "Did you know that there are no fools in Pittsboro? They are all right here in this car!" Some of you here are smiling as you, too, relate to this experience or others.
Jack was gifted in areas that might surprise us. Did you know that he was a poet? Many of us are fortunate to have some of his poetry to treasure.
It's easy to tell about what someone has done, or said. But I want to talk about Jack, the man. (Now, Jack, I'm going to say something good about you.)
Jack Justice was the most humble person I have ever known. He never bragged; he never felt he was better than any else; I never knew him to belittle or look down on anyone regardless of race or color. He was a gentleman, a devout Christian, a compassionate, honest gentle-spirited man who loved life, enjoyed friendships; a patient man in the midst of illness, a man who loved God and trusted Him. Jack's joy of living was evident in his keen wit...a dry comment that often times had more meaning than it seemed on the surface. There was a quick comment at every opportunity, no time to even think! Last week when I visited Jack he had just had his shower and was dressed for the day. I said to him, "Jack you look as though you are ready to go dancing." As quickly as I spoke he came back with, "What time do you want to leave?"
Jack was a man of integrity - not much got by him. He kept up with current affairs around him. On a recent visit he said. "MM, I've got a new hobby and you won't like it." My question was, "What is it, Jack." With a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle, he said, "I'm playing the lottery!" Hello! I asked him how he was doing and he told me he was breaking even, "right now." That's Jack. Looking to the future!
Jack Justice was a devoted family man. He recently told me when we were talking about how God blesses us daily, that he had been blessed since the day he married Mary. He saw her as the love of his life, his partner, the person he could count on to be there when things were good ... or bad. And his children; Johnnie, George, Barbara, Jean and Anna...he thought of you and your families many times when you didn't even know it. You, along with the grandchildren, were extra gifts given by God to enrich and give meaning to life.
We can remember the things that people do, but it's the heart of a person that remains with us, and that is what I will remember about Jack Justice...his giving, loving heart. I love you, my mend. (Eulogy given by Mary Margaret Griffin June 16th, 2006)

Savannah in Summer 2006

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June 8th, 2006
Jean and I were excited about a journey into Georgia. We were invited to a wedding for her neice Amy and her fiance Hank. We decided to spend our first night at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Garden City, just NW of Savannah. They had an excellent pool and hot tub, a fridge, microwave and flat panel TV.

June 9th, 2006
We drove into the downtown section and parked the car at the DeSoto Hilton. Since there is so much history, we decided to take a Trolley Tour which lasted most of the day. When we got back we checked in and spent some time at the pool. There was a family get together in the Lion's Den tavern.

June 10th, 2006
A shuttle bus drove several of us staying at the hotel to the home of a friend of Amy's for brunch. We then took a tour of the salt marshes and the beautiful homes surrounding them. The wedding was held at the church on the campus of the Bethesda Home for Boys. The wedding was beautiful. We returned to a wonderful dinner and reception at the DeSoto. We enjoyed the company of both their families and danced until the band stopped playing.