I would like to tell you how special Jack (and Norita) is to me. In Dec 1979 I was looking for a church . And so being raised in the church of Christ I set out to find the nearest church of Christ to where I lived. Which happened to be Garnett Road Church of Christ. On several occasions I drove thru the parking lot trying to find my way in the door, but because it was so big and I am pretty phobic about large crowds I couldn't bring myself to go in. (Now I believe the Lord was directing me differently) So on the way home from work one day I noticed 11th street (funny I had passed by many times before and never seen it) and I told Eric I would like to go and if he would go with me the first time then he wouldn't have to go again. So we went, and as most first time visitors do we rushed out the back door without hardly shaking a hand. So the next Sunday came around and we went again, but this time Jack beat us to the back door and we couldn't escape. He asked a few questions and before we knew it he had landed a bible study. Which now after 30 years of knowing him I realize that is his expertise. And am I glad, so the rest is history. He baptized me, and Eric and eventually Jeremy. Jack has always been my spiritual mentor, not that I follow Jack but I have always gone to him with bible issues or questions, seeking his advice and wisdom. And even though my worldly outlook shocked him a time or two he was very patient with me and helped me in my walk with Christ. I can still see him pointing that finger at me and hear the OH! Ho-Ho! laugh he gave me when I asked strange questions like â??? if this was a startup church and maybe I could be its first Sunday school teacher.â? We laughed together many times He has been more like family than anything. And I canâ??t think of Jack that I donâ??t think of Norita, we have seen some pretty fun days… get-togethers, bible studies, and once we even kidnapped Norita in her pajamas to play Sequence with us. They have kept my kids and I have kept theirs. We have played together, prayed together, laughed together, cried together, and growled at one another… you all are like home away from home I truly appreciate all the encouragement and direction given but most of all I appreciate the deep heart felt friendship extended to me and my family. I have missed Jack for a long time but I will always be thankful and never forget this special person who reached out and wouldnâ??t give up to show me there was a better way. I love him dearly..Susan Johannesen