Jack’s Story
Jack was well loved by his family and friends, and his passing has created a void that can never be filled. That’s why Jack’s Legacy is so important to them – so that in Jack’s name people struggling with addiction can find some reason for hope
Jack was an amazing person. He was a natural born leader and a fiercely loyal friend. Even from a young age, his hard-charging personality filled the room. When reminiscing about his tenacity, Pam recalls taking him to a fast food restaurant play land and hoping he would be brave enough to go in.
Rather than being frightened, Jack was loud and proud in approaching the entrance and announcing, “My name is Jack Benson. I’m four years old, and I am here to PLAY!!!” Within minutes, he was leading a group of older and younger kids in and around the tubes in game he had just concocted.
This spirit stuck with him through the years, as he went through soccer, being voted Captain by his teammates, and pursued his education and goals for the future. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Marketing degree and was in the process of becoming a realtor. Jack was extremely personable and could engage with anyone. There are countless stories from friends that speak to his character.
he was fiercely loyal to them, and they to him.
At his funeral, we had numerous young men approach us and tell us stories of Jack protecting them when they were being bullied or incorporating them into the “cool group” when they had been outsiders.
Bill thinks about this loving attribute of his son when he remembers a time they received a call from the mother of Jack’s friend. She spoke of her other son being severely developmentally disabled and wheelchair-bound. Whereas most people would normally look right past him, through tears she said that Jack went right up and immediately befriended him and had him playing, joking and laughing within seconds. This is Jack — honest, sincere, and loving, with the most genuine heart.
More than anything, Jack loved his family.
Even though he was known as the “instigator," his brothers were his closest allies. He admitted that, though he was the oldest, he looked up to his younger siblings, admired their accomplishments, and always valued their advice.
He loved making space for closeness with his family. Whether it was volunteering at Dreams on Horseback to share in it with his sister, doing woodworking and farm projects with his father, or teasing his mom and making her laugh with his silliness, Jack valued each moment with them as something special.
We, the Benson family, want to carry on the loving, inclusive, and bold spirit of our son through this work at Jack’s Legacy.
We believe in connection and healing. We believe that there is always hope to be had and that our farm and animals can be a bridge to understanding. Most of all, we believe that this is what Jack would want — to help others be seen and embolden them to begin their journey towards feeling whole.