Jack Leroy Person

Jack Leroy Person, age 81. Sunrise January 16, 1939 and Sunset October 11, 2020.
Jack Leroy Person passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020 in his son, Brandon’s home following a battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.

Born January 16, 1939 in Columbus, Ohio, Jack was the son of Leviticus J. Person and Mary E. Leftwich (Person). He attended East High School, and later obtained his GED.

Jack lived to work and to learn. This was reflected in him learning various trades over the years to enhance his skillset, providing opportunities for meaningful work. He was a Boiler Operator at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and at the Ohio Penitentiary.

Jack relocated to Somerset, Kentucky in 2004, taking part in Pulaski County’s Experience Works Program. He worked in food pantries and did janitorial work in the Somerset Utility Building. Jack took pride in helping maintain this 18,000 sq. ft. building everyday.

Following his time with Experience Works, dear friend, Dennis Crist, hired Jack as a part-time city worker. Jack handled yard maintenance around City Hall. Crist also called Jack his “right-hand man” on any community project. Jack’s greatest pride and joy was helping to build the Piano Park. He helped maintain its beauty and looked forward to going to hear the
music.

Jack enjoyed doing janitorial work at the Somerset Rocky-Hollow Recreation Center over the past four years. He did whatever needed to get done. “I got to make those pennies,” he would say to work buddy, Scotty Sneed. Jack also encouraged his grand-daughter, Ciara, to put that work in and make that “LONG MONEY.”

Jack had several hobbies and interests. He was an avid reader who enjoyed spending time at his local library. He loved to sing in the choir, especially during Christmas Pageants. Jack loved listening to the Jazz Greats, particularly Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and Nina Simone.Other favorite pastimes included playing tennis, watching basketball and football games, walking around the city, spending time with his sister, and eating. Jack would never shy away from ribs, fish, or a strawberry milkshake!

Jack never met a stranger. He was funny, charming, kind, and compassionate towards everyone he met. Jack knew the power of a kind word and a smile and never denied either to anyone, even when he didn’t feel his best. “PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER AND KEEP ON STEPP’IN!” was the essence of how Jack lived.

Jack was perfectly imperfect. “I haven’t always done the right things and I haven’t made many positive choices in my life-time…but all in all, I feel so blessed,” Jack always said.

Jack is survived by his three children: Brandon (wife, Katie) Person, Andrea (husband, Theo) Calloway, and adopted son, Wayne Person of Columbus, OH; six grandchildren: Ciara Person, Celena Person, Jade Calloway, Jace Calloway, Charles Person, and Theodore Calloway; sister, Barbara Ann Fells; sister-in-law, Gloria Person, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and
dear friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Leviticus and Mary Person; ex-wife, Joann Person; Oneida DeVall (beloved mother of Brandon Person); Nancy Sampsel (beloved mother of Andrea Calloway); grand-daughter, Cianna Person; and brother, Robert H. Person.

Please revisit this page and pray for the Person Family as they write Jack’s obituary

PRIVATE Visitation 1:00 PM and Memorial Service 2:00 PM Saturday, October 24, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave.

Masks and Social Distancing are required.