Ray Jacks

Fire Chief Ray Jacks, Pine Bluff Fire Department (Retired), 90, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at home. Born William Ray Jacks January 25, 1928 in Rowell, Arkansas, he was the son of Clyde and Ora Bet Greenlee Jacks. Chief Jacks was reared and received his early education in Woodlawn, graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1949. He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict. In between World War II and Korea, Chief Jacks began his career with the Pine Bluff Fire Department September 1, 1949. After he returned home from Korea, Chief Jacks was promoted to Driver March 1, 1955. Chief Jacks became the first "Fire Marshall" of Pine Bluff in 1963, stressing fire prevention, education and public safety. He rose through the ranks of the department and became chief in August of 1972. Chief Jacks was inducted into the Arkansas State Firefighters Hall of Fame June 24, 1995. Chief Jacks was co-founder of the Jefferson County Mounted Patrol in 1960 and served as the First Captain. In conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, this unit was a mainstay in crisis situations and could always be trusted to get the job done. He served as past President of the Arkansas Fire Chiefs Association, past President of the Southwestern Division International Association of Fire Chiefs and past Legislative Chairman of the Arkansas Fire Chief's Association. He retired from the Pine Bluff Fire Department in 1999 after 50 years of exemplary service. Chief Jacks earned the 50 year Masonic Lodge recognition for good standing and service in 2012. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Pine Bluff, past Director of the Jefferson County Chapter of the American Red Cross and President of the Calmer Hunting Club. Chief Jacks served on the Board of Directors of Pine Bluff National Bank (now Relyance Bank) from 1996 until December 31, 2014, when he became a Director Emeritus. Chief Jacks was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy Jacks; and sister, Genyce Burr. Survivors include his wife, Jane Ella Johnston Jacks, whom he married October 9, 1948 in Rison; two sons, Dr. David C. Jacks (Donna Michelle) and Dr. Dennis W. Jacks (Liz), both of Pine Bluff; brother, Harvey Jacks; three sisters, Eloise Stewart of Mississippi, Dorothy Green of Pine Bluff and Katherine Moyers of Pine Bluff; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, May 17, 2018 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Reverend Todd Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in Rowell Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Robinson's. Memorials may be made to Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603 or Rowell Cemetery Association, Attn: Kenneth Roberts, 840 Roberts Road, Rison, Arkansas 71665. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.