Jack was like a second father/older brother to me. He introduced me to my true love: journalism.
He helped me get my first newspaper job and I'm still at it. I looked up to him so much that I even bought black wing-tipped shoes, just like he always used to wear.
He called me about a dozen years ago, disguised his voice and mentioned something about Oberlin College, where I had worked for him in the sports information office my freshman year. We probably talked for an hour or so, about sports and what all the kids were up to.
I know he always kept track of where I was, even having his daughter, Kris, befriend me on Facebook to send along a message. Every summer when I'd see somone from the Plain Dealer at the sports editors convention, I'd always ask how Jack was doing.
I'm afraid I never got a chance to tell him how much he influenced my life. But with his reporting skills, my guess is he already knew. And while some think journalism is dying, I'm going to push on in his memory.
Rest in peace, Jack.