WRITTEN BY MARTHA
In his last moments of this life, he reached out his hand to me.
I realized he needed the touch of someone he loved and who loved him.
In that touch I hope he felt the comfort he needed and felt the compassion
of the person he had shared his life with.
As he slipped from this life to the next, he felt a different hand holding his and realized it was someone else he had shared his life with for many years.
He heard Jesus say, 'Welcome home Jack, I've been waiting for you."
Martha
Monday, May 27, 2013
Jan. 15, 2007
Goodbye, Grandpa, Until We Meet Again
We said our final good-byes to my grandpa today. It was bittersweet. We know he is in heaven, resting at the feet of God. He is healed. He is whole. He is happy. But we miss him so terribly much.
AS I sat in the service, I recalled a dream the Lord gave me a couple months ago. In the dream, we were at his memorial service, at the same place we were today (which I had never been to before) and sitting in the same location. As the pastor spoke, my grandpa leaped out of the casket - much younger, completely healthy and healed, and full of joy. I know that dream was to reassure me that yes, he is in Heaven, and I will see him again.
I mostly feel pain for my grandma now. They were married 64 years. I just realized today that I never really thought of them as separate people. They were truly united as one. And now my grandma is alone. I never thought of her as a wife before today. She was just always Grandma, as part of Grandma and Grandpa. I realized that I really don't know that much about her life, aside from her life as Grandma. Now I want to really get to know her, not as Grandma, but as Godly Woman. I realized today, that my grandma is truly a godly woman. She was an honorable, godly wife, and I want to be a wife like she was.
It was a little over a year ago that they gave Grandpa 3-6 months to live, and as soon as I heard the news, I wrote a tribute to him. Then my grandparents asked that everyone else do the same, and my mom collected them all and put them into a book for everyone to read at the service. I enjoyed reading what everyone else wrote, but it sure did make me cry ... all those memories.
My grandpa was a well-loved man. He was a hero to me and my brothers. He was a real live, genuine Florida cowboy. He MS a WWII hero who went above and beyond the call of duty. His WWII story is amazing, and thank God he wrote it down so it is preserved for future generations. He was a man who loved nature and could identify anything outdoors. He loved to tend his gardens, and he loved flowers, especially orchids. He loved his tools and could build or fix anything. And most importantly, he was a man who loved Jesus. He was a godly man if ever there was one. His name will not be
forgotten, his legacy will be remembered. May he rest in peace.
Jack D. Prescott
November 4, 1923 - January 12, 2007
He leaves behind his wife, 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 3 brothers.
Diane
Into the Sunset
My grandfather, Jack Prescott, cowboy, war hero, and gentleman, has emerged from his last battle in victory. Cancer claimed his mortal body on January 12th, but he has been welcomed into his eternal home.
It seems everyone who knew Jack Prescott thought him a remarkable man. They were invariably awed by hearing of his brave deeds in the Pacific during World War II, but were equally if not even more impressed by his sincerity, his kind, gentle nature, and his good humor (which he maintained to the very end). I was very blessed to have this man for a grandfather. He taught me by example that a true man is not some selfish, uncaring "tough guy", but a courteous, humble, generous, kind-hearted gentleman, courageous and cheerful and good. There was nothing "macho" about Jack Prescott, but no one ever doubted that he was a real man. He was the kind of Grandpa that made a boy proud, wanting to follow in his big footsteps. That is something I still and always want to do.
Jack Prescott was born in 1923 in the cattle-raising country of the Kissimmee River valley, land of the Cracker cowboys. He loved the Florida land and had an extensive knowledge of its flora and fauna, a love which I have inherited from him. In 1942 he married Martha, my Grandma, and their marriage lasted an incredible 64 years. Later he joined the U.S. Army and saw action in the Pacific theatre. In the Phillipines, he WQS wounded when a Japanese soldier tossed a grenade into his foxhole. He lost one of his eyes in that explosion. However, even though he was severely injured and temporarily blinded, he and one of his fellows, who found he could not use his arms, worked together (my Grandpa's arms and the other fellow's eyes) to continue to fight. For his service he WQS highly decorated, and received full military honors at his funeral. It made me truly proud to walk beside his flag- draped casket and to see a Korean War veteran and a military honor guard solemnly salute as he passed by. One of the guard played "Taps" as the flag was lifted from his coffin, then slowly, carefully folded and delivered to my Grandma.
Jack Prescott's heroism did not end with his military service, however. After the war, he and my Grandma started a family. To his three daughters, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, as well as to the many others who knew, admired, and loved him, he has left a tremendous legacy in the form of the life he lived and the example he provided. I find that even his death has blessed me, like a sorrowful yet life-giving rain, with a new inspiration to be a good man like he was. It has also left me with the deepened realization, both painful and beautiful, of how much I loved him and how important a part of my life he was.
On January 15th, while the nation observed MLK Day, and shortly after it mourned a farmer president, a small group of people gathered in Riverview, Florida to mourn and to honor another great man. He was not as famous, but in my heart I felt he deserved to be. My Grandpa, in his passing, has left me with a humbling and profound lesson: It is not indeed fame or glory or wealth or worldly success that makes a man great and his life significant. It is the love he gives to those around him and the example of a good life that he leaves them. That is the greatest inheritance I could ask for.
Jack Prescott's body has been returned to the soil of his beloved Florida, and his soul to the God who sent him our way. This humble, heroic man has ridden off into the sunset, and until we meet again, he sure will be missed in these parts.
In loving memory
JACK DEMPSEY PRESCOTT
1923-2007
Steven
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you love. I have done it twice. My father passed away when I was 15; my grandmother when I was 30. Sadly, I am doing it again. Jack Prescott is the father of Peggy, who is the mother of my wife. My youngest son is named after Jack; an honor Diane and I felt was fitting.
From humble beginnings, to helping save the world from tyranny - as well as being a faithful husband, father, and grandfather - Jack left a legacy of faith and honesty that lives on in his great-grandchildren today. My mother-in-law has shown me great compassion and love throughout my life, most of it probably undeserved. There is no doubt in my mind where she learned it from. Jack also influenced my wife to be the quiet, humble servant of the Lord that she is; for this, words of thanks seem meager at best. Meeting my wife is the best thing that ever happened to me. Without her, I don't know if I would know the Lord the way I do. So it is easy to see just how influential one man of God can be.
Even though Jack and I spent very little time together, I will miss him. As so many of his generation leave this earth every day, I am reminded of the sacrifice and dedication they had, to leave this world better than they found it. For Jack, ifs easy to see just how much better it is just by looking at his family.
Thank you Mr. Prescott for your enduring example of everything a man should be. Please tell my father and grandmother I love them, and save a place in the Lord's Army in Heaven, for I would be honored to serve with you.
Billy
From humble beginnings, to helping save the world from tyranny - as well as being a faithful husband, father, and grandfather - Jack left a legacy of faith and honesty that lives on in his great-grandchildren today. My mother-in-law has shown me great compassion and love throughout my life, most of it probably undeserved. There is no doubt in my mind where she learned it from. Jack also influenced my wife to be the quiet, humble servant of the Lord that she is; for this, words of thanks seem meager at best. Meeting my wife is the best thing that ever happened to me. Without her, I don't know if I would know the Lord the way I do. So it is easy to see just how influential one man of God can be.
Even though Jack and I spent very little time together, I will miss him. As so many of his generation leave this earth every day, I am reminded of the sacrifice and dedication they had, to leave this world better than they found it. For Jack, ifs easy to see just how much better it is just by looking at his family.
Thank you Mr. Prescott for your enduring example of everything a man should be. Please tell my father and grandmother I love them, and save a place in the Lord's Army in Heaven, for I would be honored to serve with you.
Billy
Dear Grandpa,
For my entire life you have been the biggest hero in this world to me, the man I look up to the most, and my role model. I have always wanted an opportunity to show my valor in the way you were able to for the United States of America, but because of your bravery, courage, and actions on far shores, I never have to. You will always have my gratitude for this, and I will tell my children and grandchildren about you and the hero that you are to all of us. You have always been the best example a man could have of what it means to be a man, a gentleman, a Godly man, and a hard worker. I am always proud to tell anyone I meet about you, and I will always be. Because of your example, I will always try to be someone my own grandchildren can be proud of as well.
Your loving grandson,
Samuel
P.S. If our Lord ever grants me a son, he will be named after you.
For my entire life you have been the biggest hero in this world to me, the man I look up to the most, and my role model. I have always wanted an opportunity to show my valor in the way you were able to for the United States of America, but because of your bravery, courage, and actions on far shores, I never have to. You will always have my gratitude for this, and I will tell my children and grandchildren about you and the hero that you are to all of us. You have always been the best example a man could have of what it means to be a man, a gentleman, a Godly man, and a hard worker. I am always proud to tell anyone I meet about you, and I will always be. Because of your example, I will always try to be someone my own grandchildren can be proud of as well.
Your loving grandson,
Samuel
P.S. If our Lord ever grants me a son, he will be named after you.
I am not articulate enough to write what fills my heart when I think of my Daddy.
I have so many wonderful memories of daddy. Memories that are unique for my Daddy. Memories that only my sisters and I would have. I don't think many children would have their daddy lasso them as they ran by. Not many would watch their daddy crack a bullwhip.
Daddy would call me over after he sharpened his pocketknife to carefully shave off some of my arm hair. Daddy would take us to the cattle auction and tell us to not move our arms or else we would have to buy a cow.
I am so thankful Daddy taught me to fish. He first took me to the phosphate pits and gave me a cane pole with a bobber. I caught bluegills while he fished for bass. One day he cast his lure and it caught me in the back of the neck. I remember that afternoon! I have so many memories of fishing over the years. I especially loved fishing at Uncle Jimmy's camp on the river.
That brings up that Daddy taught me about camping and nature. From a very young age, I remember Daddy teaching me about plants, trees, birds, animals. We went camping every Thanksgiving weekend on the bombing range at the start of deer season. My sisters and I were always on the lookout for parachutes and wreckage we could look over and scavenge.
Daddy taught me how to identify animal tracks...he tried to teach me how to use a turkey caller. He taught me how to shoot and I watched him clean his guns. Daddy sitting and cleaning his guns always seemed like a peaceful time.
When Daddy taught me about plants he gave me a great gift. I enjoy my garden so much and it is because he taught me how to garden. Daddy's gardens and plants have always been so beautiful. Speaking of gardens...We would go to gardens like Cypress Gardens around Tampa. Daddy would tell Mama to bring a big purse. He would break off pieces of plants to start back home and put them in Mama's purse. Mama must have had some dirty purses.
Daddy taught me how to drive. Thankfully, we lived in an area where there wasn't much traffic. He was very patient and after going through the experience of Rachel learning to drive, I know how stressful a child driving can be. I still don't like to be in the car with Rachel, but Daddy never seemed to mind.
Both Mama and Daddy taught me to be handy around the house, but Daddy really taught me to not be intimidated by hammers, nails, screwdriver and power tools. Because of Daddy, I can re-wire my lamps.
Daddy is very handsome. I have always thought he looks like Randolph Scott. I enjoy Randolph Scott movies because he usually plays cowboys and I always think of Daddy.
I have been so blessed to have Daddy in my life. I have missed so much by living so far away from my parents, but what Daddy helped instill in my during my childhood has guided me through life. God gave me the right Daddy for me.
I love you, Daddy.
Carol
I have so many wonderful memories of daddy. Memories that are unique for my Daddy. Memories that only my sisters and I would have. I don't think many children would have their daddy lasso them as they ran by. Not many would watch their daddy crack a bullwhip.
Daddy would call me over after he sharpened his pocketknife to carefully shave off some of my arm hair. Daddy would take us to the cattle auction and tell us to not move our arms or else we would have to buy a cow.
I am so thankful Daddy taught me to fish. He first took me to the phosphate pits and gave me a cane pole with a bobber. I caught bluegills while he fished for bass. One day he cast his lure and it caught me in the back of the neck. I remember that afternoon! I have so many memories of fishing over the years. I especially loved fishing at Uncle Jimmy's camp on the river.
That brings up that Daddy taught me about camping and nature. From a very young age, I remember Daddy teaching me about plants, trees, birds, animals. We went camping every Thanksgiving weekend on the bombing range at the start of deer season. My sisters and I were always on the lookout for parachutes and wreckage we could look over and scavenge.
Daddy taught me how to identify animal tracks...he tried to teach me how to use a turkey caller. He taught me how to shoot and I watched him clean his guns. Daddy sitting and cleaning his guns always seemed like a peaceful time.
When Daddy taught me about plants he gave me a great gift. I enjoy my garden so much and it is because he taught me how to garden. Daddy's gardens and plants have always been so beautiful. Speaking of gardens...We would go to gardens like Cypress Gardens around Tampa. Daddy would tell Mama to bring a big purse. He would break off pieces of plants to start back home and put them in Mama's purse. Mama must have had some dirty purses.
Daddy taught me how to drive. Thankfully, we lived in an area where there wasn't much traffic. He was very patient and after going through the experience of Rachel learning to drive, I know how stressful a child driving can be. I still don't like to be in the car with Rachel, but Daddy never seemed to mind.
Both Mama and Daddy taught me to be handy around the house, but Daddy really taught me to not be intimidated by hammers, nails, screwdriver and power tools. Because of Daddy, I can re-wire my lamps.
Daddy is very handsome. I have always thought he looks like Randolph Scott. I enjoy Randolph Scott movies because he usually plays cowboys and I always think of Daddy.
I have been so blessed to have Daddy in my life. I have missed so much by living so far away from my parents, but what Daddy helped instill in my during my childhood has guided me through life. God gave me the right Daddy for me.
I love you, Daddy.
Carol
I thank God that I have a daddy able to show me patience and forgiveness. I'm grateful for the sacrifice you made for my generation to live in freedom. Thank you for putting your life on paper so I can remember, laugh, and cry at your stories.
Thanks most of all for just being you!
Love forever,
Lavena
May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Thanks most of all for just being you!
Love forever,
Lavena
May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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