For the love of Jack…………

Jack graduated from this earth on May 13th, 2017. His family will always treasure the young platinum blonde haired boy whose infectious energy and smile changed the lives of everyone he knew.

For Jack, a young man who preferred movement and activity, school was something that had to be endured in order to achieve his goals. Jack spent a lot of time working later in high school to get the credits needed to finish. He completed that task ahead of schedule in March of 2017 and for two months had been working for friends on a farm. He loved his job, being outside and working with his hands. Jack and his family were excited knowing that he had accomplished the coursework required to receive his diploma from Woodford County on Saturday, May 27th 2017. His goal was completed and his family is so proud.

While in school, Jack tried his hand at multiple activities including: Lacrosse, Golf, Baseball, Football, Drums, Guitar, Musical Composition, Archery, Civil Air Patrol, MMA, and anything to do with cars. No one activity became his passion, because to Jack it wasn’t about what he was doing; it was about the people who surrounded him. Above all else, Jack had a passion for people, being a friend to anyone regardless of their background, and being there for those in need. He also had a devotion to a McDonalds #2 with a large Coke, and no matter where he went; he was always ready for a cheeseburger.

Ultimately, Jack wanted to spend his future doing what he did best, serving others. When asked about his goals Jack would say that one day he planned to be an EMT, or Firefighter, or a soldier. Whatever he could do to make a difference and help people. Mostly he looked forward to having a wonderful wife, kids and a home of his own.

All of those who became Jacks friends and family knew him to be a constant and ferocious defender. In the words of his little sister Olivia, he always made her feel safe and she will remember him as her protector. Jack had the biggest heart, and the largest desire to love others no matter who they were or where they came from.
Jack lived life to the fullest and had a lot of wonderful adventures for an 18-year-old boy. As busy and fast moving as he was, Jack always made sure that his family knew how he felt about them. He was always quick to offer a hug, a smile and an “I love you”!
Following Jack’s death his family discovered the true extent of Jack’s life, helping those who could not help themselves, giving of his time and money, providing a place to sleep for friends who needed it, and generally affecting others with his smile, laugh and goodhearted nature.

A recent FB post from Jack’s Mom:
Monday afternoon. I really wanted my hair colored before you arrived. I couldn’t fathom bad roots showing in the birth pictures. I didn’t have to worry. You see I didn’t get pictures because you were in so big a hurry the camera was still in the car! You arrived like a cork screw football pass at 6:25. The doctor said he had never seen it. What an entry into the world! You never stopped being in a hurry. The first years were a test. How much crying could I take and how fast could you accomplish the physical goals of walking, running, jumping, and generally taking risks. You couldn’t be contained by a seat, a carpet square, or a bed. Soon we were faced with the ADHD and ODD diagnosis- we were certain you would be the next Michael Phelps or Steve Jobs. They fought these “labels” and persevered. Through elementary school you fooled us all by “reading” your way to AR reward after AR reward… how smart you were to make it to 7th grade before we had any idea you were dyslexic and challenged by learning processing disorders. You couldn’t get those points/rewards by reading so you were using your other resources- pictures, common sense fitting into the story- survival instinct. Now you have these labels and we still need you to fit into a box for the school district and …well, what society says you should be and do. But you don’t fit. You know it. You start looking to fit…which again challenges us. Sneaking out of the house, rule breaking, driving fast, stealing, lying …we pushed you to be part of something- a team, a group and then you wouldn’t feel different. Silly us, the team- the group…they broke the rules too and you followed. All we could see was the rule breaking, the jogger pants, the music full of cuss words and lude behavior… what do we do to make you fit in the box? Months of therapy and advice- hard work by you and us…compromises on both sides. Military school, you might want to join the military so why not? The regimen and accountability are good for you so, yes, the military is good. But…once again, your ADHD prevents that life choice. You see this as the military not wanting you either. 18. High School complete. We are learning to live together and figure this out… and then a curve in the road- literally. Now we see… you created a new box. You helped so many fit in this flexible box of yours. The ones that have shared that you talked them into living, or not cutting, or not running way. You smiled and spoke when nobody else did that day. It didn’t matter that the person you smiled and spoke too wasn’t wearing the right clothes, listening to the right music, or fitting in the rigid box. Now we find the marked Bible. The notes of verses- Job…Deuteronomy…Isaiah- in your barely legible script. You lived a full life in your 18 years here with us- social battles, emotional battles, academic battles…driving fast, taking risks, loving hard. You messed up, you challenged, you wore us out. Now we see… you loved unconditionally. You shared money you didn’t have. You gave time. You listened. You did so much right. You are teaching me lessons 8 months after that wicked curve took your life and so today I celebrate your birth.
Jack Paris- 01/18/1999-05/13/2017
#loveBIG
#noonelovedharder