One key measure of a man's life is how much he cares for other people. By this measurement, Jon Zieske was at the very top of the yardstick.
To many, Jon was known as a great golfer, a true professional as a golf pro, and a fine golf teacher. But one of the things that set Jon apart was how much he cared about other people. He was typically more concerned about their golf games than his own. He loved the game, but he wanted others to love it, too--women as well as men. And if they did, he would encourage them.
He also brought out the best in people, not just with his talent, but with this caring attitude. When Warren Stephens and Dan Snider persuaded Jon Zieske to leave a good job at the Country Club of Little Rock to come to the newly formed Alotian Golf Club, they got exactly who they wanted. We assume their dream was to create an atmosphere where people loved the game and would enjoy playing together, and in doing so would create close and lasting relationships. If so, Jon greatly facilitated that dream.
Jon's office was immediately next to the pro shop. Whenever someone would walk through, Jon would come out to meet them with his irrepressible smile and genuine interest in how they were doing. When you were around Jon, you knew you were with a friend who cared as much about you as a person as he did about your golf.
Jon loved to organize trips for fellow golfers and was very good at it. He got great satisfaction in planning and executing the trips, booking the hotels, setting up meals--and the golf courses were beyond everyone's expectations. To travel with Jon was a fun experience filled with good times and camaraderie.
One of Jon's friends commented: "Yesterday was a day of reflection that reminded me to be grateful for every sunrise and sunset God gives us, but most of all the friends we are blessed with." Jon was truly one of those friends.
Editorial on 06/27/2017