For countless years, from within my house on Kickemuit Rd, the sound of a bouncing basketball was heard from Metacom down Kickemuit, and onward to the basketball court at Child Street School. Jackie was our own personal harbinger of spring. Condolences to Lori and Patty, and to all those who love Jackie. Janet Amaral

Dear Kathy, We were so very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Love, Dick and Jo-Ann Cole Irish Prayer: May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.

Jack will always be held in high regard by the many boys that played for him whom he helped grow into fine young men! He always held honor and tradition in high regard. He was a Warrior when I met him and will forever be a Warrior in my heart and memories! "Always remember to forget The things that made you sad. But never forget to remember The things that made you glad." Sláinte to you, Jack! -JohnEM

In the summer of 2018 my Dad, our friend IL, and I walked into a tiny pub in county Clare Ireland. All the bar patrons were wearing matching jackets - and when we asked if they came from a game, they told us they were all there having a drink and a wake for their coach who had just passed. Feeling like an intrusion we went to leave and the bartender told us that was completely unnecessary and we were meant to have a drink with them in their coaches honor. We stayed until the wee hours of the night sharing stories, laughs, and drinks. Our tab had to be outrageous. When we went to pay - they didn't accept cards - so we asked where we could find an ATM. The bartender just said "just swing by and get me in the morning" - like it wasn't a deal at all. Just complete blind trust to total strangers at his own coaches wake. It floored my father. It was one of his fondest memories of the trip - and because he thought it encompassed everything that was good about life in that single evening. He wanted to find joy in the sadness of someone passing. Its how he wanted it. He talked about it every time we brought up retuning to Ireland. In his honor, we will be hosting an Irish wake in honor of our own coach "Jack," this Saturday from 12-3 at Aidan's pub in Bristol. We will overcome our own sadness and celebrate his life and add 1 last Jack Whalen story to the very long list.