This week we lost one of God’s earthly angels. Jack Fussell was an amazing man who devoted his life to inspiring and encouraging others. He filled everyone he met with hope, and hope is powerful medicine. Jack ran across the United States twice. Once in 2013 and a second time in 2015. His mission was to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimers Association.

I have been running and hiking at Amicalola Falls for years. I first met Jack at the park around 2012. He was fascinated by the running I was doing. Jack asked me all about my training and wanted to know the reasons for it. I could see that he was truly interested and could tell that he had a plan to do some training of his own. Jack began coming to Amicalola State Park on a regular basis. Saw him frequently. Seemed like Jack was walking virtually every single day.

In one of our many talks, Jack later confided that a few years earlier, he had been in the hospital for a medical emergency. He described being surrounded by doctors who were telling him that his weight and lifestyle had him near the brink of death. Jack teared up a bit when he told about a promise he made to God that day. He said “God if you will allow me to recover, I will devote the rest of my time on earth to helping others.”

In addition to all the training Jack was doing at the state park, he was also doing a great job on his nutrition. He told me about a book he had read by Dr. Kenneth Cooper. That book inspired him. Jack followed the special diet suggested by Dr. Cooper. Through diet and exercise, Jack lost more than 100 pounds. Jack actually met Dr. Cooper in person not too many years ago. That was definitely a bucket list thing he really wanted to do. Dr. Cooper, thank you for helping Jack Fussell, and so many others by sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I saw first hand the real difference you made in the life of our friend Jack Fussell. Thank you sir!

God, I witnessed my friend keep his promise to you. Day after day after day he kept that promise. Heavenly Father, I don’t believe I have ever seen anyone work so tirelessly to keep such a promise. Jack never sought recognition Lord. He just answered the bell every single day and fought for the causes and people he loved so dearly. He loved people. Loved interacting with them. If Jack met you, he truly wanted to know you. He was a humble servant if I ever saw one. Jack shared his faith in Jesus with me and others. We frequently talked about life, faith and our families. Going to miss those talks. Faith, family and love for other souls are the fuel that power us through each day.

Jack used to love hearing me tell the story about riding my bicycle up from Turner’s store to Mountain Crossings store at the top of Blood Mountain. I told him that it took me nearly an hour to ride up all those really steep switch backs to the top. Then I would tell him about the insane roller coaster ride coming back down. That is when his ears really perked up. Told him that the wild ride back down took less than 20 minutes. He loved hearing how I passed cars on my bike. Jack asked if I was ever afraid on the way down. Told him no, that I had Christ on one shoulder and God on the other. I could actually hear them both laughing all the way down the mountain. If they were having so much fun, how could I be afraid? He and I frequently shared some great laughs about that, and other stories we shared together. Jack truly believed that we all are blessed to have God and Christ with us every day. I know they were right there with our friend Jack when he left this earth.

He and I often talked about life, and at times death. We both prayed that our last moments on this earth would be climbing a mountain and meeting God at the top. Last week, Jack climbed his last mountain. God was waiting on him. Love you brother. You completed your mission. Well done sailor! Remember our promise. Please meet me at the gates.