The Honorable Judge John Robert Jack, 72, a resident of Lake Lotawana, MO passed away peacefully Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Get in, buckle up, and listen to John’s rules of the road:
Be imaginative and creative in your love
Always choose the higher road
Be kind to those around you
Live every day to the fullest
Find humor in all things (even if it’s not appropriate)
…and never trust a fart.
John Robert Jack knew all these important rules and values in life and followed them with gusto. He was a wise judge, strong attorney, Jeopardy wiz, Law and Order fanatic, author, artist, photographer, and animal lover. John fueled his body with Winsteads and was known for his classic one liners, and now, has beat us all to the Promised Land.
Overwhelmed by her beauty and grace, he married his only love, Vickie Ball in 1974. Bringing home yellow roses almost weekly, leaving love notes sporadically throughout the house, planning vacations, and cooking her gourmet meals were some of the ways he always strived to show his love. John spent his life serving his community, being an entrepreneur, traveling the world, and raising two daughters, Lauren and Annie.
John was always striving to imprint positive values and a good sense of humor on Lauren and Annie. This meant: taking his girls to Meatloaf and Rolling Stones concerts, hunting golf balls in the weeds during high school tournaments, attending and encouraging them in all of their activities while embarrassing them at school events by wearing ridiculous outfits and driving around with a dressed-up mannequin in his convertibles, and officiating both their weddings.
John taught them about fast wits, strange clothing combos with Chuck Taylors, and the importance of having a sensitive soul and positive attitude.
This husband, father, brother and friend will be deeply missed. We know John will be waiting for us with his 5,000 pairs of missing glasses, sheepdogs, a Bloody Mary, and stacks of Wall Street journal’s when we meet again.
He loved his family and friends, a good laugh, and the truth.
John leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Vickie; daughters, Lauren Jack (Paul DeFoe) and Annie Jack (Jason Russell); sister, Barbara Littrell (Lee); brother, Glen Jack (Susan); brothers and sisters in law, Harley and Mary Ball, and Bill and Betty Ball; nieces and nephews, Caine Littrell (Heather), Taylor Ball, Sierra Ball, James Jack, Wilson Jack, Kate Jack, and Emily Jack.
Family will have a private graveside service and a celebration of life to follow. The family asks for memorial contributions to Girls on Fire, as Dad was an advocate for youth programs through the court system. http://bluespringsgov.com/1048/Girls-on-Fire
Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of John and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
My deepest condolences, from reading his story, he sounds a lot like Lauren! your family are in our prayers!!
Love you Lauren and family.
It was such and honor and pleasure knowing John. We’ve known John and Vickie since 1978, when they moved into our new office building on 7 hwy.. We would see him at Winstead’s having his coffee, leaned back with his feet up on the bench seat, reading his paper. Everyone knew John, well of course, he was “the judge”.
Will miss you my friend❣️
JJ was always THERE when needed
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. Prayers of comfort for all that loved John.
John came from a good family and was an honorable man. Sad news.
I ran into John on a beach in Mexico while I was taking a stroll, went to dinner with him and Vicki that night, I think I bought! My pharmacy was just a few doors down from John’s office, and he spent time at my soda fountain having coffee. A great guy, he will be missed.
Our hearts are broken for Vickie, Annie, Lauren and all the family and friends. Reading about his life touched my heart so much and makes one realize how many other hearts he has touched over his wonderful life. He was truly a one of a kind friend with so much wisdom and humor. As we all shed tears for the loss of such a great man, I pray your memories help ease your pain in these difficult times ahead. I know you all will miss him dearly, but oh my – what an amazing angel heaven has gained. He will be watching over his beloved family always. Sending love, hugs and prayers to each of you. May God bless you all.
Brian introduced me to JJ in his Judge’s Robe after court in the hallway while he was riding a bike and having a great time clowning around. He always had a big smile on his face when you saw him. He was one of the first people my husband introduced me to here in Blue Springs. Vickie and JJ you are so loved and we will cherish the love and laughter we have had over 30 plus years. Sending you big hugs.
I’m so sorry for the families loss of a great public servant and a good friend to this community that served honorably. May God bless and comfort the family during this difficult time 🙏🏽
Mayor Carson Ross
Vicki , you and the girls along with the rest of the family are in my prayers . Such a wonderful adventure you and John have had . Lean on your family and friends during this rough time and remember the good times
Love you
Our deepest condolences to Vicki and the girls. Jim and I both worked with Judge Jack and had so much respect for him. He was fun and witty until he put on his robe- then he was all business. Such a fun spirit and a great person. He will be missed.
Jim and Cathe Snyder
I’m praying for comfort in your time of loss and grief 🙏🏻
May precious memories carry each of you through difficult days.
I grew up with the Jack family and remember all of the summers swimming on the Blue Springs Country Club Sharks swim team with Lauren and Annie. I also remember thinking my 7 iron probably hit that super nice brick house during junior golf or high school practice. John was always so kind and I can only imagine how many friends he’s making up in heaven! Prayers to your family!
John was one of the first people I met when we moved to Blue Springs and I joined the Kiwanis Club. He was a true leader; a stalwart public servant but also a regular guy, funny, approachable with a heart of gold. The world needs more John Jacks. Condolences to Vickie and family. He will be missed by all.
Thanks for always being there for old friends, new friends family and those who were lucky to share time with you
Vickie, Lauren & Annie & family. Sorry for your loss. Danny & I met John when I started working for Vickie. John loved to laugh. Danny met John when Kingsville & Lone Jack played a basketball game. We got to observe John in night court. Danny had to testify in a car accident, but got settled. Vicke, Lauren & Annie & family, will be praying for you all in the coming days as you navigate life without John. It will be tough.
John Jack was a wonderful man
I was his court clerk in Grain Valley for 10 years and you couldn’t ask for a better working relationship. He was honorable and fair minded. I remember one particular night we lost power and conducted court by flashlights. He had a blast that night. He was so proud when he started painting. He brought in some of his paintings and he was really quite talented. He always had a smile and truly cared about people. He loved to travel. I bought two English bulldogs when I worked for him
They were brothers. I showed him pictures of them. He asked their names and was so proud when I told him John and Jack. He laughed good over that one..but he was so proud. He loved his family very much. So very sorry for your loss. RIP, sir. You were a wonderful person. Truly one of a kind.
My heart is broken. I worked with John for 9 years. John was the most wonderful and interesting person that I have ever known. I know that I’m a better person simply by knowing him. My condolences to his wife and daughters. Love and prayers.
Over the last 22 years that are paths have crossed, I always knew JJ for his sense of humor and kind heart. John rest in peace my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
John definitely loved life and never failed on bringing joy to all. Since I have lived in Eastern Jackson County a very long time I must say that his legal expertise is second to none. Prayers to all. …
Our condolences to Vickie and his family. Will always remember John’s smile, his humor and attitude. We had good times in law school and thereafter. A good man!
Vicki and family, so sorry for your lost he was a good man and I always liked him he will be missed RIP John
Lauren and Annie,
My heart is heavy for you and your family during this time of loss. It is the hardest thing to go thru, losing a parent. May the fun times and memories with your dad carry you thru the hard days. Praying for Gods comfort to surround you. Love you and sending Hugs!!
I was blessed to have worked with Judge Jack at Lake Lotawana for almost 5 years. I would always look forward to what new jokes he had and yes even the art you spoke of! He made everyone laugh and smile! He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
It’s been many years since I’ve seen John and Vickie, but I recall that John always had a fun story to tell, a smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eye. Vickie, please accept my sincere condolences. Wishing you and family strength as you navigate through the grief process.
We were so saddened to hear of John’s passing. We saw him often on Sunday mornings at Winsteads reading the Sunday paper. He always had time to chat with us for a bit and share a laugh or two. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Vicki and girls,
I was saddened to hear about John. Your all are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with his loss.
Marlene Crowley
Vickie, my sincere condolences to you and your families on your loss. John was an exceptional man and will be missed by many. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
RIP old friend its been many years since 4-H brought us together in our youthful teenage years.
Lots of laughs and lots of memories.
A few double dates with your true love (some pretty young girl named Vickie)!!
Hope and pray we meet again!
Wayne
Jack and I are so sad to hear of John’s passing. Even though we have not seen him since our Mizzou days, we still have happy and fun memories ofJohn! We are so sorry, Vicki. Praying for you and your family
It was an honor and privilege to have served as John’s bailiff for over 30years. That turned out to be a very valued friendship. I will always remember our constant jokes and laughs we always shared. John and Vicky and Jan and I cherished our annual Symphony in the Flint Hills concert that that we all enjoyed. Almost had to stay in the bunkhouse on the ranch a couple of times. Our sincere condolences to Vicky and the girls. We shall deeply miss our friend.