Jack Booth Jr.

The dictionary defines "generous" as "giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation". What better way to describe Jack Booth, Jr. If someone needed help - friend or stranger - Jack was there. He would rather let himself down (emotionally) than disappoint someone in need. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, Jack never complained about whatever obstacles came his way.

The decade of the Fifties is often thought of as the "birth of the teenager". The term "rock and roll' was used for the first time to describe the new style of music. On January 14, in New York City, Alan Freed produced the first rock and roll concert, literally setting the stage for future rock groups like The Rolling Stones. January 14, 1955 was also the premier of Jack and Lois (Collins) Booth's first production - the birth of their son, Jack, Jr., who would develop a love for classic rock music.

Born in Mt. Carmel Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, Jack later became big brother to sister Debby. Jack was very protective of his little sister and when she went horseback riding, he was always there, making sure nothing happened to her. As a young boy, Jack's family would often take trips up north, where he first started his love of both hunting and fly fishing. He even taught Debbie how to fish. Like typical siblings, however, Jack did like to tease Debby now and then. Putting pepper in her milk was one of his favorites. But Jack and Debby remained close all their lives, and as adults Jack helped his sister paint her house. That's the kind of guy he was.

Jack graduated from Southfield High School in 1973, the year the rock group AC/DC was formed. This group, along with the Rolling Stones, would become one of Jack's favorite rock groups. After graduating from high school, Jack attended the University of Detroit on a 4-year baseball scholarship.

In the late 1970's Jack attended the wedding of a friend and met a lovely young lady named Lynn. After a 4-month courtship, the couple became engaged, and married shortly after. Lynn joked that Jack loved being outdoors so much that they took a fishing trip for their honeymoon. As a family, they enjoyed trips to Florida, visiting Disneyworld and Sea World. His most beloved trips were those he took up north with his family. Although Jack and Lynn divorced after thirteen and a half years of marriage, they still remained friends.

On July 25, 1985, Jack's life was blessed with the birth of his son, John. No one could love a son as much as Jack loved his. Wanting to share the things he loved, Jack taught John how to fish, how to pitch and catch a baseball, and how to hunt. When Jack hunted, all the rules and laws of hunting were to be obeyed and he passed this sense of respect onto John. Father and son loved spending time outdoors together. When they went in search of John's first deer, Jack patiently waited 12 hours before John was successful.

John also inherited his father's love of sports and Jack made it a point to attend each and every one of his son's games. If John ever found himself in trouble, Jack knew that as a father he needed to talk to his son, but didn't like scolding John. He preferred to talk things over. Jack was especially proud when John entered college.

Besides classic rock and outdoor activities, Jack had several interests to keep him busy.. He loved scary movies like "Predator", but also enjoyed baseball films like "Field of Dreams". He was particularly concerned about the appearance of the family cars. They had to be cleaned and polished to look their best. A constant companion was a black lab named "Buck". Buck was the runt of the litter and Jack took an instant liking to the little dog. He became Jack's bird hunting buddy - and life saver. One day while working in the neighbor's yard, Jack suffered a seizure. Buck was the one who sensed trouble and found Jack. This just served to strengthen their love for each other.

Fishing had always been a favorite pastime for Jack. On a fishing trip with many of his friends, they caught over 120 fish, over a period of MANY hours. Jack insisted that all the fish be strung up so he and Lynn could have their picture taken with their catch. When they got home, Jack shared his catch with anyone and everyone.

Jack especially loved to ice fish. No matter how cold it might have been, Jack was on the ice. He had a special fishing buddy named Mr. Otto and he and Jack took several fishing trips to Canada. One day, when the weather was warmer than usual, he ice started breaking up and several men fell through the ice, including his friend, Mr. Otto. Unfortunately, two men drowned but Jack was able to save one life that day immediately pulling his friend from the water.

Jack left his family with many happy memories of his generous soul - mowing neighbors' lawns, shoveling snow, even giving money to those less fortunate. Jack did not want to fail in his life and often said "I'm not here to embarrass myself". He should not have worried. Jack Booth lived a life to be proud of, as a loving son, husband and father. What more could a man ask for.