Tribute to Jack Irven and Mary Virginia Ware Mc Caslin.
By Emma Lu Draper
We called him Uncle Jack. He was not a relative, but a trustworthy friend and we felt a true bond with him. It is interesting how friendships develop. Jack was living in the vicinity of a group of apartments we owned, and we needed a manager to oversee the property. Jack filled the requirements and from there we began to be acquainted with him, and his devoted wife Mary. I became aware that the two of them worked as a team. Wherever Jack roamed, Mary was right by his side. When I joined Bob on his visits to Jack’s home to take care of apartment business, I had a golden opportunity to visit with Mary. She was a jovial woman with a deep rich quality in her voice that revealed her fascinating southern drawl. One Christmas season I came to realized Mary’s compassionate nature. She had prepared fruit cakes and sent one to her son-in-law so he would not be without a gift for Christmas. She was deeply concerned for his well being as he was far away in a strange country serving in the military. She said with a soften voice, “He needs to not feel alone; he must know we care about him.” Another time when visiting in their home, I recall Mary laughing and with twinkle in her eye saying, “No one is going to confiscate that money; I hid it in the freezer.” She was a trusted guarding for the rent money, and said she would not be responsible for anyone taking one penny that did not belong to them. Sitting at their dinning room table and chatting with Mary became a special treat. She would report to me the cleaning she had accomplished and how she helped Jack with the repairs. She took pride in her work and the responsibility she felt in doing her best. I truly respected this honorable woman. Now, as for Jack, he was a business man regarding his responsibility with the guardianship of the property. He kept meticulous records and demonstrated pride in his accounting regarding the money and care of the buildings. I enjoyed Jack’s gentle chuckle and kind manner. We often passed the apartments and I would see Jack bustling about from one building to another carrying his work bucket. His swift gait showed he was serious about his responsibility. Time has passed since being in Jack and Mary’s mortal presence, but I know the friendship is being rekindled through the records Jack prepared for his family and the ties Bob, my husband, has been able to gather for Jack and Mary’s ancestors. Uncle Jack and Mary are not far away; and the honor is ours to seal them in our hearts knowing we have the privledge of being part of their eternal progression. One of Jack’s daughters, and her husband, have been gracious in lending records Jack prepared, also family pictures, which will be placed within the computer program for others to enjoy. Thank you, Uncle Jack and Mary, for the opportunity of once again being part of your lives.
Source: Family Search Memories
