To the Editor:
In the early morning hours of March 4, a man peacefully passed from this world to the better one beyond. It was fitting that it rained heavy that day. It was as if the clouds shed tears over the passing of the man who gave so much of himself to so many.
I knew Jim Stack as a mentor. A master in the sport I still fail to grasp. He was a master who was always willing to share his knowledge to any pupil with an ear, an open mind and the will to learn. He helped so many over the years. I do not know exactly how many years he spent Saturday mornings coaching children in the fine sport of bowling, but he was well established when I came under his tutelage 28 years ago. And, I do not know how much money he helped raise to help pay for the kids' sanctioning fees but he was always looking for a dollar to help young bowlers. These were the tasks he relished, things he did without want of recognition.
Over the years, I stopped asking him about the sport he loved so much. I really don't know why, he still had more to teach me and I had much more to learn. Perhaps it was because he had other lessons to teach, lessons you learn by watching the man and not by listening to him. Important lessons like, rise to the challenge, never give up and help those who cannot help themselves. That was the man I came to admire so deeply.
Those who knew Jim will certainly never forget him. Some will remember Jim Stack for the bowling numbers, the 300 games, the huge series, all the clutch strikes in the 10th frame to win games. I will remember him for another number, one that can't be calculated. That is the number of young lives he touched and enriched by choosing to give time and knowledge to a bunch of kids he barely knew and would come to love. He embraced his role as a coach and mentor and, while he can never be replaced, people will step forward and take up the challenge. These people will rise to the occasion and find within themselves the selflessness to serve in that role. And with that, his legacy will live on.
Pat Kean
Carrollton, OH
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