Jack Leroy Person
Posted By Marlan Gary On October 15, 2020 @ 3:06 pm In Obituaries | 10 Comments
Jack Leroy Person, age 81. Sunrise January 16, 1939 and Sunset October 11, 2020.
Jack Leroy Person passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020 in his son, Brandon’s home following a battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.
Born January 16, 1939 in Columbus, Ohio, Jack was the son of Leviticus J. Person and Mary E. Leftwich (Person). He attended East High School, and later obtained his GED.
Jack lived to work and to learn. This was reflected in him learning various trades over the years to enhance his skillset, providing opportunities for meaningful work. He was a Boiler Operator at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and at the Ohio Penitentiary.
Jack relocated to Somerset, Kentucky in 2004, taking part in Pulaski County’s Experience Works Program. He worked in food pantries and did janitorial work in the Somerset Utility Building. Jack took pride in helping maintain this 18,000 sq. ft. building everyday.
Following his time with Experience Works, dear friend, Dennis Crist, hired Jack as a part-time city worker. Jack handled yard maintenance around City Hall. Crist also called Jack his “right-hand man” on any community project. Jack’s greatest pride and joy was helping to build the Piano Park. He helped maintain its beauty and looked forward to going to hear the
music.
Jack enjoyed doing janitorial work at the Somerset Rocky-Hollow Recreation Center over the past four years. He did whatever needed to get done. “I got to make those pennies,” he would say to work buddy, Scotty Sneed. Jack also encouraged his grand-daughter, Ciara, to put that work in and make that “LONG MONEY.”
Jack had several hobbies and interests. He was an avid reader who enjoyed spending time at his local library. He loved to sing in the choir, especially during Christmas Pageants. Jack loved listening to the Jazz Greats, particularly Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and Nina Simone.Other favorite pastimes included playing tennis, watching basketball and football games, walking around the city, spending time with his sister, and eating. Jack would never shy away from ribs, fish, or a strawberry milkshake!
Jack never met a stranger. He was funny, charming, kind, and compassionate towards everyone he met. Jack knew the power of a kind word and a smile and never denied either to anyone, even when he didn’t feel his best. “PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER AND KEEP ON STEPP’IN!” was the essence of how Jack lived.
Jack was perfectly imperfect. “I haven’t always done the right things and I haven’t made many positive choices in my life-time…but all in all, I feel so blessed,” Jack always said.
Jack is survived by his three children: Brandon (wife, Katie) Person, Andrea (husband, Theo) Calloway, and adopted son, Wayne Person of Columbus, OH; six grandchildren: Ciara Person, Celena Person, Jade Calloway, Jace Calloway, Charles Person, and Theodore Calloway; sister, Barbara Ann Fells; sister-in-law, Gloria Person, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and
dear friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Leviticus and Mary Person; ex-wife, Joann Person; Oneida DeVall (beloved mother of Brandon Person); Nancy Sampsel (beloved mother of Andrea Calloway); grand-daughter, Cianna Person; and brother, Robert H. Person.
Please revisit this page and pray for the Person Family as they write Jack’s obituary
PRIVATE Visitation 1:00 PM and Memorial Service 2:00 PM Saturday, October 24, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave.
Masks and Social Distancing are required.
Condolences for the family of “Jack Leroy Person”
The Perkins family offer our condolences to Jack’s family. We pray that God will bless and keep you in your time of mourning. Jack was an institution in the Somerset community, he was loved and respected. He will be missed, may God bless and keep him and his family.
So sad to hear of the loss of our dear, dear friend. Jack Person, you were so much more than just a friend. You were a teacher who never possessed a degree. You were a counselor to many, yet never charged anybody for your years of wisdom. You were encouragement to those who were downtrodden. You shared all that you had with everyone, even if you had to do without yourself.
You were a much-admired “fixture” in our town of Somerset, Kentucky for many years and your absence has been felt by many folks here. Rest in the peace that you so deserve until we meet again in Heaven, my friend.
Met Jack when he worked at the City of Somerset and was instantly drawn to the man. Great guy and was always a gentlemen. We miss him around around city and I am sure his family will miss. Glad I got to be part of Jack for a little while.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing! He will be missed by so many people, and especially in our community! Jack loved Somerset, and loved his job at The City of Somerset, and he took pride in everything he did! Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, and we pray for The Lord’s hands to be upon every one! Jack, you will be missed!
You was a joy to work with and to be around! I loved hearing about your story’s from when you was younger. You’ll be missed by many jack! City of Somerset will not be the same without you!
Met Mr.Jack at Rocky Hollow in Somerset, Ky. He was a very kind man and always happy. He was an inspiration to all whom he met. I was very sad to hear of his passing. Prayers for his family. RIP MR JACK.
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to experience in our lives. We feel empty without their presence and somedays it just feels like the pain and sadness is preventing you from feeling any joy at all. I lost my grandma’s sister back in 2008 (while I was at college), and I was VERY close to her. When she passed our family pastor reminded me that even though we miss them being here on Earth with us, it is a blessing to know that they’ve joined the ranks of angels in Heaven. They’re still watching us, laugh with us, cry with us, and protect us. That peace is what keeps me going when times get too tough. I hope that same advice gives your family comfort and peace knowing he is good hands now. I personally know how much love and care you all gave Jack and that he was so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family. My family and myself are keeping you all in our prayers! Much love and prayers to you all!!!
Brandon, Katie and Family, we are praying for you in the loss of your Father, Father-in-Law and Grandfather. Love, Grandma, Uncle and your cousins, The Browder-Smith Family!!!
I am so sorry for your family’s loss, sending love and prayers. He has returned home to be with family that has passed before him
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May your memories console you and may God sustain you with his precious promise to someday soon reunite us with our love one. Thinking of you all.