Pirate's Sunset

Well, the last story I have for Jack is his showing up for the Christmas Party. As usual, Jack was early. He got there to help set-up earlier than planned...and about gave me a heart attack! In his very boisterous voice, he hailed me loudly to come to the door. Damn near didn't since I thought he would be there in 30 minutes and he took me breathe away with his pronouncement.

He got the back finished for the night. Brant and Amy had set up the tent, flooring and lights. Jack did the chairs, bar and bar-b-que. You could always count on his help. Ask for it, tell him what ya wanted and you had it.

Jack made the trip to my house in his famous orange Karman Ghia with the 144 Pyrat plates (a play on his name.) After an afternoon helping with the Port of New Providence encampment stage and other props, Jack set off for his trip home. Shortly after he left, I discovered he had forgotten his fanny pack on my kitchen counter. After opening it briefly to find out who it belonged to, I tried to call him so he could return (his house keys were inside!) The earthy soul that he is, Jack carried no cell phone. After leaving messages and e-mails, I decided to take it to my work, since I work only a few miles from Jack's apartment. I received a call the next day from Jack, telling me he'd like to come pick it up from me at my work. Luckily, Jack had decided to spend the night at a friend's and did not need his house keys to go home yet. Jack showed up in his glorious modern pirate casual wear--earrings, bracelets, rings, head-scarf, t-shirt and sandals. He sure got some stares from people at my work and created quite a stir. Several people came up to ask me "who was that pirate you were talking to?!" after he left !

From Mike:

Every time we got together we would always have a cigar for one another. We'd then exchange stories and have conversations about what's going on in our lives since we last met. He'd talk about his job, and how he enjoyed sailing. I always enjoyed his company from the first time I met him in Long Beach coming ashore from crewing a tallship. I will miss my smoking buddy.

Ratty Mike

From Claudette:

Jack had a way about him, that was unique.
In many ways we saw life thru the same spyglass. We were very familiar with each other, and perhaps we spent lifetimes together before, and maybe it was because we were just from the same port of New York.

Sometimes it would be long periods of time since we last saw each other or spoke. That didn't seem to make a difference, as we'd pick up from where we left off and continue our friendship. We aired our differences with respect, accepted complaints as a way of life, and agreed for the most part about everything.

We laughed alot about life. I told him many times how I loved him and envied his life for being true to himself and having the time of his life. We both knew that we loved each as family.

Although Jack was fast and talkative, he also had a calmness about him that made me feel peaceful and happy.

Our time spent together was always treated as if it could be our last time.

I will miss your compliments Jack, and most of all, the peace of friendship that you gave me Bronx Boy.

Your Bayside Girl,,
Jew'l