Absolute Player Bios

Rememberance of Jack who passed away in 1985, by Joan DuBois.

Little did I know that the man who hired me back in 1969 would become such a dear friend as well as my respected boss. Jack was indeed a remarkable fellow. He was not only talented in chess but also gifted in music, literature and science. He had the patience of a saint but at time, yes, he could also be stubborn as a mule! He stood firm on his ideas, which perhaps at times gave many the wrong impression.

In my years of working with Jack, I learned that being patient is an important key to working with people. At times he had every right to be furious with me, but he never made it obvious. He would calmly show be the correct way it should be done. He seemed to be grooming me for the future when he knew he wouldn't be overseeing postal chess... Jack always enjoyed working, especially appreciating working around females in the office. He showered all of us with chocolate treats everyday at 4pm and never forgot us on our birthdays and holidays. Jack also never forgot the anniversary of our being hired! Every month, when the monthly cycle of work was complete for the magazine, he took us across the street to the soda fountain and everyone celebrated!

Back in 1978 when Jack announced that he was resigning/retiring as Postal Chess Director, I wasn't quite sure if I'd be able to carry on...working without him would never be the same. After Jack retired we continued to meet for lunch at his favorite restaurant. Yes, we'd discuss a little about work but mostly just chat about life in general and yes, what was happening in the world of chess. Jack wasn't one to give me the answer to a problem but rather discuss it with me and let me learn to make the right decision...most times it worked!

October 1985 I was notified by the hospital that Jack had a heart attack. I realized then that things were going to change. It was extemely difficult for me to see such an energetic, intelligent, and delightful person become more and more weak. Around Newburgh, everyone knew Jack as they watched him walk to and from work everyday, in all kinds of weather. On rare occasions he would accept a ride but walking was his passion. Jack was funny, no matter how many favors I did for him I noticed he never spoke the words, "Thank you". For years it was always on my mind but I thought well he does so many nice things...it really doesn't matter. I was with Jack the moment he passed on...his last words to me were, "Thank you."

Jack, I'm still doing the best I can to keep postal/correspondence chess alive. Your event, Absolute Championshp, will live on and I will do whatever I can to ensure these players get the recognition they deserve.

Jack was a pioneer in American postal chess play. He was born August 25, 1909, and he joined the Correspondence Chess League of America (CCLA) in 1935. He became the Postal Director of the USCF in 1969 and wrote for both Chess Life and Chess Correspondent, and was a co-editor of the now-defunct Chess Review.

In April 1946 Jack became the highest-rated member of the CCLA, and he won the 35th Grant National Championship of CCLA. He died on November 3, 1985.