The Daily Pow
Jim Jack, a beloved friend to many in Alta, and many others around the skiing community died today. He was with a group of skiers and ski journalists (more news on this) at his home mountain, Stevens Pass. The group was in an easily accessible out of bounds area called Seventh Heaven, just a ten minute hike from the chair lift in Tunnel Creek drainage. An avalanche was triggered and carried four members of their party down the mountain. Two others (Chris Rudolph and Johnny Brenan) also lost their lives, and the 4th skier survived by deploying an avalanche air bag.
Of the many, many tributes posted since the accident, perhaps Jessica Baker summed it up best…
Jim Jack, Jimmy Norm Jack, J.J., The man with three first names. My mentor, my dear friend, my ski partner, the dad of all big mountain skiers out there. We will miss you so much. Our tears flow freely tonight as we mourn your passing. So many good memories, so many great ski days together, so many score cards. You are the mayor of Alta, the friendly neighbor, the graceful skier, the nicest guy, and a true friend through and through. We miss you already. Please let your legacy live on through all of us who had the blessing to become your friends!
Jim you were the godfather of big mountain freeskiing, you have been with us through the years. You encouraged young athletes to reach a higher potential and achieve new horizons never imagined. Always a smile on your face and always a word of encouragement from you. We love you and will miss you!!!
Like a lot of us I have been reading the many tributes and news stories about the accident. What I have realized (and think I already knew) was that my experience with Jim Jack was the same as 100s of others. His legacy is that of a mentor who took skiers under his wing to show them the ropes. I remember when I first visited Alta in ’96 (I was just a measly guest emp at GMD) he told me to “slow it down in my head”. I was new from the east and a total greenie, but that stuck with me. I remembered that the following year when I made the move to UT for good. He helped me commit to the turn. So like many others these last few days, I want to say THANK YOU TO JIM JACK as well.
PS/ A side note for Jim Jack: I sat on top of Badnews yesterday (Monday, 2/20/12) just to think and remember. After a while of observing a bluebird ski day I picked my way down the wall and hit “Lester’s Cheese” in your honor.
Jim Jack mentored so many from WA to Little Cottonwood and far beyond. Check this classic from his days at GMD @Vimeo!
Creatures of Habit (circa 1995-96): http://vimeo.com/37332592
Godspeed Jimmy Jack…until we meet again!