John Tyler Jacks

Judge John Tyler Jacks passed away Sunday, January 24, 2016 at home with family by his side. John was born February 14, 1946 in Greenwood, MS to Benford Heflin and Ethel Jo Tyler Jacks. He moved with his family to Jackson, MS at an early age and spent most of his childhood and early adulthood in the Jackson area. John was an avid hunter and fisherman for the majority of his life and love being outdoors; his trophy deer,"Hector" (a 33 pt buck) was always a conversation starter when visitors came to see him. As a youngster, John was involved in many extra-curricular activities including Boy Scouts, in which he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, city league baseball where he played for the McRae's team and water skiing. He was also active in DeMolay and was later promoted to Mason. Mr. Jacks also served in the Army National Guard for several years. John graduated from Provine High School in 1964, then went on to attend Hinds Junior College and worked as a plumber's assistant for his father's company, S & J Plumbing, Inc. Continuing his education, John moved to Hattiesburg, MS to become a Golden Eagle at the University of Southern Mississippi. John received his Bachelor of Science Degree from USM in the spring of 1968 and was immediately accepted into Jackson School of Law. In 1970, John met his best friend and life mate, Rebecca Ann Stephenson; they married in February of 1971. After passing the bar exam on his first attempt, Mr. Jacks earned his Juris Doctorate in 1973, and began a nine year private practice, in which he was solo and then partnered with others in a firm. From 1979-1982, Mr. Jacks held the position of Managing Attorney for the Southwest Legal Services office in Natchez, MS. In 1982, John became the newest staff attorney and writer for the Office of Disability, Adjudication and Review; He was promoted to Senior Attorney in 1995 and was an advisor to agency judges and mentor to other attorneys and writing staff. In 2012, John was appointed an Administrative Law Judge in the agency and would remain in that position until his retirement on September 30, 2015 ceasing thirty-three years of service with this agency. Outside of work, John continued his love of sports and the outdoors, coaching his daughter in softball and basketball until she was a teenager. He then decided to take a different position on the field and umpire softball, baseball, basketball and football, finishing his umpire career on the diamond with the Lady Choctaws of Mississippi College. His Honor is predeceased by his parents and wife of 37 years, Rebecca. He is survived by daughter Jennifer "Ginger" Jacks Brownlee, her husband Paul, grandchildren Tristan Brownlee, Stephanie Brownlee and Sarah Campbell, all of Calhoun, LA, and Aaron Brownlee of Madison, MS, four great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family scattered around the country. The Judge also leaves behind his special buddies, Regalita and Doolittle, who have been faithful companions to him throughout his illness. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison from 5:30pm until 8:00pm and one hour prior to services. Services will be Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home Chapel with internment following a Jesamine Cemetery in Ridgeland, MS. www.natcheztracefuneralhome.com