Jack Wagoner III
Aug 13, 1961 - Apr 23rd, 2024- Birth Date: Aug 13, 1961
- Death Date: Apr 23, 2024
- Funeral Date: Jun 15, 2024, 11:00 am
- Location: Murray Park, Pavilion 1, Little Rock, Arkansas
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Biography: JACK WAGONER III passed away on April 23, 2024, at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 62. Jack, had he awoken, would have been grateful to have spent his last moments in the same house where he once drank his morning coffee (which he took with two sugars and enough milk to nearly defeat the point), taught his baby daughters how to walk, and blasted the Grateful Dead on full volume (much to the dismay of his family).
Jack was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in the house in which he caused regular mischief throughout his teenage years – pranking his sisters, skateboarding in a handstand down the neighborhood’s steep hill, and, in one event, taking advantage of his parents’ absence to throw a party that resulted in dozens of cars lined down the street and only minor property damage (but which was cleaned so thoroughly and efficiently that his parents only realized after a neighbor, upset by the noise, informed them upon their return). At 40, he later married his wife Joyce in the same house – the two of them wed in his parents’ living room, clad not in tux and gown, but rather blue jeans and t-shirts, their families packed in around them.
Jack worked as an attorney for 34 years, during which time he always positioned himself firmly on the side of the underdog, and fought to improve the circumstances of those who didn’t have much of a fighting chance. Jack’s readiness to help those in need also manifested itself in the form of spasmodic acts of generosity enacted on the behalf of random strangers: such as the time he engaged a Waffle House employee in conversation during the breakfast rush of a Christmas morning, and tipped her a one hundred dollar bill. Jack’s job as an attorney also presented itself in the familial sphere, where he would engage in lively debates with his daughters over anything and everything (and, on occasion, lost).
Jack’s family will remember him as a man who laughed a bit too loud and spoke a bit too much. More than that, though, they will remember him as a man who tried very hard, and who loved very much.
In lieu of flowers, please consider playing to yourself “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead, and sing along if you know the words. It was his favorite song.
All friends and family are welcome to a celebration of Jack’s life at Murray Park, Pavilion 1 on June 15, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. We will laugh, cry, hear from some folks whom Jack admired greatly, and of course have live music. Bring your folding chairs and sit awhile. We’ll all be there to send him off with joy and love. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
“Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?”.
It’s been a tough few months without you here. I’ve thought about you many times along my adventures. I miss checking my phone to see enthusiastic texts or voicemails from you to keep me informed about something new and exciting going on. I kept feeling like I’d run into you at the sphere Vegas shows. I won’t be able to make it to the memorial, but you’ll live on in my memory forever. RIP Jack. Much love to you and your family. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Jack, for fighting the good fight with a gleam in your eyes and a belief that it was working. I believe it too.
My heart goes out to Joyce and his girls who I know, without a doubt, he loved so much. My prayers are with you and your daughters, Joyce. Please know I’m there for you on any day at anytime.
Love you so much, Sandy
Recently, I became reacquainted with Jack and he helped me with a legal problem…with a good result.
I shall miss him deeply and remember him fondly.
I hold Joyce and the twins close in my heart and prayers.
hope in AA meetings .
Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayers, because he cares for you. Thinking of you all.