To all those that knew Jack as I did you will certainly feel his loss as I do today hearing the news of his passing. Jack and I go back to junior high track, sharing a competitive drive and a close friendship all the way through our high school graduation in 1977. He was an absolute powerhouse. As a pole vaulter, Jack possessed a unique fearlessness—watching him fly was always a highlight for everyone who saw him compete. The absolute pinnacle of our track days was qualifying and traveling to the Florida Relays together in 1977. That trip, and the years of sweating through practices together, gave me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Jack brought that same high-bar ambition, dedication, and energy to everything he did.
To Jack’s family, please accept my deepest condolences. He was a foundational part of some of the best years of my youth, and I am incredibly grateful for the time we shared. Rest in peace, Jack. You will always be missed, teammate.
Marc, I shared your post with his wife, daughter and son, and they said to let you know how much they appreciate your kind words. Do you, by chance, remember what his pole vaulting record was? I could not remember the exact height.
Thank you so much for your kind words about Jack’s family. I truly wish them the absolute best as they move forward from this deeply sad loss. Since I know how close you two were, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as well.
I am sure I used to know Jack's pole vaulting height, but it escapes me right now, so please accept my apologies! I actually went back and checked the old Florida Relays records—first place was 14'0" and last place was 13'0". My guess is that Jack was right in the middle of that range, but truly, nobody did it better than him. Please let his family know that while he was an incredible athlete on the field, he was an even more amazing person off it.
I was lucky enough to share quite a few classes with Jack at Deltona Junior High. I can't even tell you how many times he had us all rolling in the aisles with his frog noises. It was the best, most realistic impression I’ve ever heard, and it used to drive our teachers crazy! Jack made me laugh every single day, and I will be forever grateful for that.
Marc Folsom
Tammy Todd (Patitucci)
Marc, I shared your post with his wife, daughter and son, and they said to let you know how much they appreciate your kind words. Do you, by chance, remember what his pole vaulting record was? I could not remember the exact height.
Marc Folsom
Hi Tammy,
Thank you so much for your kind words about Jack’s family. I truly wish them the absolute best as they move forward from this deeply sad loss. Since I know how close you two were, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as well.
I am sure I used to know Jack's pole vaulting height, but it escapes me right now, so please accept my apologies! I actually went back and checked the old Florida Relays records—first place was 14'0" and last place was 13'0". My guess is that Jack was right in the middle of that range, but truly, nobody did it better than him. Please let his family know that while he was an incredible athlete on the field, he was an even more amazing person off it.
I was lucky enough to share quite a few classes with Jack at Deltona Junior High. I can't even tell you how many times he had us all rolling in the aisles with his frog noises. It was the best, most realistic impression I’ve ever heard, and it used to drive our teachers crazy! Jack made me laugh every single day, and I will be forever grateful for that.
Best,
Marc A. Folsom