|
[ home ]
Jack Tompkins turns
65!!!
    [ click on photos throughout for
larger size ]
* Tompkins Family *
  For a poem by Maureen, click here.   Jack visited when I lived in Long Beach, CA. He was turning 50 at the time so I bought a cake to celebrate his and Jolene's birthday together. Jolene was born on the 16th of July also. I always thought it was great that my first, and only, child was born the same day that my mom gave birth to her first child. --Kathy Memories of Jack, from Marilyn:  July 21st, 1991 - on the ship "Queen Mary" docked in Long Beach, California. My brother's appearance at our wedding was priceless! Jack took Dad's place (on Dad's birthday) and gave my hand in marriage.  We tried to make a Cowboy out of Jack when he visited our ranch in June of 2002.  He also helped in the barn. This picture is of him and a baby miniature horse. "It's a Colt!" Memories of Jack from Mick:  Jack used to call me "Mickel The All-American Pickle." When I was 10 traveling to this far away place called Cincinnati in the back of Tom's Chevy II (Are we there yet? ) to Jack's wedding. The trip was well worth it for me because the beds at the motel vibrated. Trying to decipher what was written by him on birthday cards/letters to me. Jack beating me at golf using his antique clubs. If that wasn't bad enough he probably hadn't played in 20 years! Jack's undying love for his beloved Cubbies. It looks like another "wait till next year." Happy 65th Jack! Love, Mick, Gina, John, Tony, Jessie, and Megan Memories of Jack from Tom: One summer, Mom packed up all the kids and we drove up to see Aunt Jean and Uncle Jim at their cottage in Antioch. I was about 5 or 6 years old. One of the first things Jack, Jim and I did when we got there was to grab the bamboo fishing poles and go to our favorite fishing spot on one of the channels that supplied Channel Lake. We would fish for hours, catching bluegills and sunfish and we thought a 6 inch fish was a big deal. I remember that Jack had to run back to the cottage for something. As Jim and I sat there with our lines still in the water, a boat passed through the channel close to where we were fishing. One of the men on the boat asked us if we would like a fish. Our eyes lit up as the man held up a fish which we figured was at least 2 or 3 feet long! As the boat neared the shoreline, one man handed Jim the fish. We couldn’t believe how big this fish was and this fish had a mouthful of fierce looking teeth. (We later found out it was a Gar fish and not very tasty, which is probably why the fisherman was happy to give it up.) As we both stood there looking at this fish Jim was holding, Jim turned and looked at me and we both smiled. Ah, yes, with simultaneous twinkles in our eyes, we conjured up what we thought to be the perfect scenario to hoodwink Jack! With a little finagling (those teeth were nasty), Jim put the fish on the hook of his line and threw it back into the water. We were going to keep straight faces and really put on a show for Jack. When Jack returned from the cottage and as he sat down and threw his line back in the water, Jim yelled that he had something big on his line! He stood up and yelled and yanked (what an actor!) as he struggled to reel it in! Our excitement on “the catch” broke the silence in the air! The memory I hold is that look on Jack’s face when Jim reeled this fish in and held it up for us to see. Jack looked completely and totally dumbstruck as his jaw dropped down to his knees. Now this look on Jack’s face was so priceless and still so memorable even today. Years later, every now and then, Jim and I would talk about this great prank we pulled on Jack and we’d have a good laugh about it! Happy 65th Birthday, Jack! Here’s to all the good old days and great memories, and for great times yet to come for you and yours. Love, Your brother, Tom  Memories
of Jack from Pam:Well, we were out in the front yard and this car pulls up and this guy gets out totally decked out in military uniform and almost passed out! I was in teen-heaven! What a hunk!! What a babe! Red hair. Freckles. Physique. Now, what a crying shame he was too old for me! Well, down the line I married Jack's brother, Tom, who was just as cute as Jack but was way-way younger. Hahahahaha! There's no moral to this story (if someone thinks of one, share!) but I would like Jack to know that I am very blessed to have been a part of the Tompkins family all of these years! Hey, Jack - Happy 65th! (ohmigod...now THAT's old!!!) hahaha! Just kidding, Jack! You look mah-vah-lus, dahlink! You've "seasoned" with age, is all. Hey, what's with these Tompkins' genes, anyway?? Nobody looks their age! Enjoy your birthday and may you stay healthy and happy! Love ya, Pam (For a poem by Pam in Jack's honor, click here).  When I think of Uncle Jack, I remember the times over at Grandpa Jack's house. The cousins would put on performances for the family. I remember the big ole smile Uncle Jack had while we were performing. He would clap at the end and then he would tell us how good we did. I guess it was just the way he said it to us...just makes me remember it like it was yesterday. Uncle Jack is indeed a special man. Happy Birthday! -- Stacey [ home ]
|
