Uncle Jack was an icon when I was young. Everyone said I was just like him, that I should have been his daughter. When my mom told me I was as ornery as Jack, I took that as a compliment, given the fact I didn't know exactly what she meant. I was too young to understand it was not a good thing.
Uncle Jack was one of my favorite uncles. My dad was the 12th child and so there were many to choose from. But somehow, I connected with Uncle Jack. I remember when he lost his youngest son. I hurt for him. I remember the day he was at our house and I spilled a whole container of sugar on the floor. He was astounded that my mom didn't yell at me! We just cleaned it up. I thought it was odd that he was so astounded, but he only had boys. Maybe he yelled at them for everything! I remember going to his place of work and asking him to buy something I was selling for the high school band. He bought two! I remember when he asked me to speak at his Bible Class at his church. This was a great honor for me as it was speaking on Mother's Day about mothers. (This was also such an honor in that I would never have been allowed to speak to an adult class at my own church, but I could go to his! Strange thinking, but never the less the way it was.) He was so proud to have me there and I was proud to be there!
I tried to go see my Uncle Jack everytime I was in Lubbock. The last time I was there, remember the snow and ice storm?, I was only able to call him as I had a plane to catch. He was in the hospital and my dad thought it perked him up to talk with me. I had planned to see him in a couple of weeks when we go to Lubbock to move my parents.
This is good, as now there is nothing in Lubbock, no immediate family to hold mother and dad there.
Uncle Jack has given me some special things of his wife's; a scarf, a bottle of perfume, a promised watch when he found it. He also gave me some stories for my genealogy search of the Christian family. Uncle Jack promised me his plates on the wall. These were plates I remember as a child of him and his wife, Nola. Someone made these for them, gluing fabric and painting a face on the plate. One visit, Jack had me put my name on the back of the plates to designate that I wanted them. I hope to see them again. But I will always have my memories.
Uncle Jack went home on Wednesday. I'm glad for him, but I long to hear his raspy voice say one more time, "hello there."
Thank you for your love Uncle Jack. I always felt special and that maybe somehow I was the daughter you never had. Blessings on you and yours. I love you Uncle Jack!
Obituary from the Lubbock Avalanche Journal Newspaper:
John (Jack) Berlin Christian
John (Jack) Berlin Christian passed away on Feb. 28, 2007. He was born on Nov. 2, 1913 in Weatherford. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Nola Sanders, and a son, Richard Lynn Christian.
He is survived by two sons, Ronnie Christian of Stanton, Jerry Christian of Lubbock, and a brother, George Christian of Lubbock. He is also survived by five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Jack was employed by South Plains Electric Coop for 40 years and known as Mr. South Plains Electric Coop. He was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church for 47 years, and a resident of Grand Court of Lubbock for the past six years.
A private graveside service is scheduled on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Pastor Bracken Christian, Jack's grandson, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church in Midland and Family Harvest Church in Lubbock.
The family will receive visitors at Sanders Funeral Home, 1420 Main Street in Lubbock, between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, March 2.
