1954
2017
Jack Lee Givens, 62 of Maumelle, died suddenly in his home, just like he wished, on Wednesday June 21, 2017. He hated hospitals, medical bills, and anything that involved waiting, so we assume he’s thankful for God’s timing.
He would want you to do everything in your power to campaign and vote for a healthcare system that includes coverage for preexisting conditions, young adults, and the impoverished. Should we lose these things, I believe he will bring help from beyond the grave to start a revolution. He always believed in helping the underdog, protecting the wounded, and giving money away in secret. He loved all creatures and refused to ever kill a spider because they were God’s and served a purpose.
He served a purpose as well in the United States Air Force and loved to remind us all that he was in charge of nuclear weapons, so naturally he was a powerful man. He also served as Chairman of the Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Trainmen Teamsters Union and fought many long hours fighting for his brothers and sisters for fair working conditions on the railroad. He was the first to win a lawsuit forcing the railroad to recognize PTSD among trainmen after repeated fatality accidents. Not only did he make the railroad safer for the general public, he protected those who were hurt by trauma. Today, it is getting national attention. It was his years of blood, sweat, and many tears that started that initiative.
He loved fast cars, giving gifts, beer, smoking, challenging authority, loud music, playing with his grandson’s toys, the Discovery Channel, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, he loved his friends and family.
His spirit will live strong in his daughter, Sarah Bemis (Nathan) of Little Rock, and his grandchildren, Noah and Elizabeth. Every raised eyebrow, funny joke, bear hug, or smart-aleck comment made by them will be in his honor.
He is survived by three sisters that he loved dearly, Terri Givens of Morrilton, Marie Givens of Jacksonville, and Vicki Doyle (David) of Savannah, Georgia; an aunt, Elaine Givens Holloway of Waco, Texas. He loved his three nephews and one niece, Scott and Eric Littlejohn and Jennifer and Jeff Lynch. He had cousins spread all over the country and was always proud of their family heritage.
The family rejoices as he is reunited with his one true love, Vicky Givens, who died in 2009. Heaven will never be the same. He will also greet his parents, Monte and JoAnn Givens in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Operation Homefront that spends 93% of its proceeds on Veterans and their families dealing with financial, logistic, and psychological needs at no expense to them.
A memorial service in his honor will be held at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th St in Little Rock, at 10:00 am on Friday, June 30, 2017.
An online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home.
July 1, 2017
Acquaintance
Diann Miller Graham
Thoughts and prayers to the Givens family. Marie I'm sorry for your lost.
Diann
July 1, 2017
Gerald Schwoerer
I spent 3 years with Jack in the Air Force in Cheyenne, Wy 1975-1977. He was my roommate along with Jeff M. (The Colony, Tx) for 2 years. Jack and I kept in touch over the years. I found Jack so friendly, honest, easy to get along with and to talk to. I surely will miss Jack.
Some of Jack's Air Force buddies Jeff M, Neil S. (Toledo, OH) have also kept in touch over the years and they know of Jack's passing. We did loose touch with Rich O. (Little Falls, Mn) though.
The 5 of us were on 2 person missile maintenance teams working all times of day and night and putting on many miles traveling and maintaining the Minute Man Missile sites. We also spend quite a bit of time together playing the board game called Risk and drinking a lot of beer.
We'll all miss you Jack. You sure gave us many of fond memories.
July 1, 2017
I went to high school with Jack, he attended Catholic High, and I attended Mt St Mary's. We became very good friends, and 20 years later I ran into him at a concert at Verizon Arena and we talked for a long time, it was as if we hadn't lost touch with each other throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jack's family, he will be missed by all. Rest in peace my friend. Monica (Sitzler) Mebert, Jacksonville, AR
June 30, 2017
Bob Miller
No matter the miles or the years we were separated by, we were blood and the love and respect was always there. May the Lord bless you and those you left behind.
June 29, 2017
Mary Nash
Too many memories to count. Our families shared so much, happiness,sadness, grief but most of all love. God bless.
June 29, 2017
Too many memories to count. I'm so blessed to have had Jack in my life for 38 years. If it wasn't for him I would have never met Keith. Our families shared so much, happiness, sadness, grief and above all love. I'll miss you so much. Tell Vicky and Ann I love them.
June 29, 2017
Barbara Saunders-Jones
I didn't know Jack well, but I remember his loud, ever-present kindness. He was always smiling. The world is a poorer place without him in it. Rest in peace, Jack. Blessings to all those who miss him.
June 29, 2017
Jim Hoskins
Rest in Peace Jack - you will be missed by all who knew you!
June 29, 2017
Tom Bertram
"Only the good die young." Damn it, Jack! You weren't supposed to take that literally.
You were one of the nicest and most caring people that I know, and I'll miss your railing against injustices, and seeing you around town in your convertible.
It was an honour to have known you. Rest well, old friend.
June 28, 2017
Sue Johnston
I am forever thankful for every moment Jack and I shared over the last six years. I know he is at peace now. Jack will remain in my heart and thoughts.
June 28, 2017
Stacey Spinks
Praying for God's peace and comfort for your family.
June 28, 2017
Kathy McLaughlin
Hugs to all those missing Jack.
June 26, 2017
Wendy England
Jack, you were a wonderful man and a great neighbor. You will be greatly missed but now you are reunited with Vickie.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends during this very difficult time.
June 25, 2017
Bob Miller
Even though the miles kept us apart most of our lives, the times we were together, playing as kids, swimming out to the Seward pool, running around playing at Grandpa and Grandma's chicken farm and just being kids...those are and will be cherished memories. You will be missed but never gone. Rest In Peace Jack. My heart goes out to all those you left behind.
June 24, 2017
Diane Mathis Hudson
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Marie.
June 23, 2017
Staff of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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