A moving memorial service at the Ft. Meyer Old Chapel where the family asked me to do a reading and say a few words.
Nehemiah 6:15-16
So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Remarks
Good morning. I've been asked me to say a few words on behalf of Capt. Jack’s many shipmates.
I’m a former shipmate of Capt. Jack and a friend for the nearly 40 years since we served together on active duty. My Navy career was only a few short years, but the leadership lessons he taught to me have stayed with me throughout my life.
There are individuals in the chapel today, and many who couldn’t be here today, who continued on to long and distinguished Naval careers. I know their admiration for Capt. Jack and his special leadership is undimmed over the years since they served with him.
For many of these officers who served under Capt. Jack, he was the Tipping Point in their careers. A Tipping Point that led them to promotions, commands and their ability to pass on the lessons they learned from his quiet lead-by-example style. Also for me, Capt. Jack and his dear Peggy, epitomized the perfection of the social graces.
Capt. Jack knew how to lead-by-example, develop and mentor better than any other leader I have met in my life.
He was our personal Tipping Point.
All images of the dinner and service
Selected images follow
