From Linda

I didn't know Jack well or at all, really - in fact I think we actually only had one conversation - at my first all-staff meeting that was held in Visalia - I always wear a hat and he had something clever to say about my hat. It was a bonus for me that he introduced himself to me. I watched him 'work the room' that day and felt his 'specialness.' I am sure he will be missed because I miss his presence...

Fresno Bee Article

The Fresno Bee published the following about Jack Daniel:

The Race Equity Project Tribute to Jack Daniel

Bill Kennedy, Legal Services of Northern California, published a tribute on LSNC's The Race Equity Project. It can be found here. http://lsnc.net/equity/

Message from Gary Smith, Executive Director of LSNC to all LSNC staff

Hello Everyone,

It is with great sorrow that I report the death of our friend and colleague, Jack Daniel, who spent his legal services and civil rights career battling poverty and injustice. Jack, who served as keynote speaker at a LSNC All Staff Conference some years ago, inspired all of us, not only with his dedication to his clients, but with the spirit and good humor with which he battled terminal cancer for many years. He was a true "warrior on poverty," and a wonderful human being. We will miss him.

Gary

For Jack

There is a quote by Abraham Lincoln that goes..."In the end it's not the years in your life that count, its the life in your years".

Jack must have had alot of love and life in his years. Jack is the kind of advocate that I aspire to be. Witty, charming, kind and brilliant, Jack always had time to share his knowledge with me. Jack has an amazing legacy. Our clients were blessed by his advocacy, just as we, his friends and co-workers were blessed with his wit, charm and friendship. I am blessed for having known Jack. I believe the world is blessed for having known Jack. My deepest condolences to his family. Anna Moore-Goodwin

Jack Daniel, justice worker

I am proud and grateful to count myself among the many who have co-counseled with Jack, and who have been the benefactors of his friendship, creativity, wit, wisdom, and generous encouragement.

Some lessons he taught through his example, that I aspire to:
-To choose action over perfection
-To value imperfection as its own perfection - more than once, Jack counseled me of other cultures' traditions of purposefully leaving an "imperfection" in a work of art; similarly, he counseled, if there were a stray error in that brief heading to federal court, that might only add to its ultimate value
-To treasure the creative force of the young, and to surround oneself with youthful energy
-To create: to write poems, file lawsuits, seek out music, to speak the truth, to be ornery, to be loyal
-That big problems are not really big problems - which is to say, lawyers and clients can take action to call attention to big problems, and trust that the fight will make a difference
-That friendship is a gift to be treasured - for no other reason than that it is friendship

Jack, you were a true friend, support and inspiration, and I will miss you. I hope that it may be a comfort to Mary and all of your family to know this community's appreciation for you.

-Stephanie Haffner

From Kyra

I was lucky to have co-counseled with Jack on a case against the State Department of Ed six or seven years back. Calling himself "a recovering Texan," he added much-needed insight, levity, and can-do-it-ness to the litigation effort by doing stuff like whipping up a draft TRO overnight (yes it suffered much editing by moi), regaling us (modestly) with his numerous former legal battles, giving folksy and sage advice, and quoting all manner of folk in his emails (like Neruda, Dylan, Langston Hughes, Townes Van Zandt, Curtis Mayfield, and...himself). Among some of of the gems I found this week in my emails: in response to my bitching about opposing counsel trying to give me litigation "tips," Jack said, "ask if he is a certified MCLE provider so you can get a 'MCLE minute' out of the conversation--they build up slowly at 1st but over the years I have hours & hours of it." Jack could really deliver a compliment and I always felt so honored when he delivered one to me. I think it was because he was always the one that actually deserved the compliment. For instance. He reported that as a young Catholic boy he was told that he could avoid committing sin by avoiding scenarios and people that could tempt. He decided that this made sense, and said that "now I avoid the near occasions of cowardice & stupidity [to both of which I am prone by nature] by being sure that when I am litigation, I am surrounded by brave and smart folks." No, Jack, we were fortunate to be in your brave and smart company and we're muchly (ala Jack) the closer to vice and failure in our efforts without it now.

You, with the flashy, unmatched clothes,
You, with the toothless grin,
You, with the intoxicating name,
You, without any pretense,
You, who always said it as it was,
You, who would take on anybody,
You, who kept me honest,
You, who took the less travelled way,
You, who fought with the poor,
You, who inspired new activists,
You, who made law a tool of the oppressed,
You, who defined a justice we need,
You, my friend, I will keep in who I am.

Rollie Smith

From Mona Tawatao

There is much I could share about my memories of Jack, but I'll just keep it to a couple of things. On my bulletin board next to my desk is the following quote, which I copied from one of Jack's e-mails: "An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody will see it." Many times, I have relied on it as a moral compass and inspiration, much as I relied on Jack and his work to guide me. Another memory: in our race equity project presentations, we often use a slide that contains a passage that is entirely intelligible though every word is misspelled to illustrate the point that our brains read words as units and in a context rather than letter by letter. When we first showed the slide to Jack during a presentation, he exclaimed in his Texas drawl, "Hell, that looks like one of my e-mails." The whole room burst out laughing, especially those familiar with the fact that Jack had apparently never heard of spell check.

We'll miss you and will fight on in your memory, Jack.

That Jack Daniel lived proves there are gods and they are among us

For a time, Jack added the following to the signature block on his e-mails: "R.I.P. Max Roach, genius, percussionist, civil rights leader, teacher, mentor, innovator & epic hero. That Max Roach lived proves there are gods and they are among us."

While I'm sure he would cringe to have me write this, "that Jack Daniel lived proves there are gods and they are among us."

The world is a much poorer place for his absence.

Michael Allen, Relman & Dane, PLLC (and one of hundreds who learned at Jack's feet)

Firecracker Jack

I first met Jack when I worked at the Stanford Criminal Justice Center, evaluating Fresno's Juvenile Behavioral Health Court. I traveled from the Bay Area to Fresno on a regular basis to observe the court, interview youth and their guardians, and chat with all the doctors, lawyers, probation officers, and counselors involved. I always looked forward to seeing Jack. While we waited for others to arrive, we'd shoot the shit and trade Texas stories. I loved it when he wore his silly Texas tie. What a way to dress up for court!

Jack made an immediate impression on me, even in the short time I knew him there. Everyone was quick to point out that Jack worked for the court for free when the court couldn't afford to pay for an education advocate. He talked to me about the importance of knowing a system from all sides and not getting too stuck in one role. He also talked a lot about resources in rural counties and the ways that youth were not always served well. I knew he'd done a lot, but I still hear about more and more ways that he pushed the system.

I also immediately idolized Jack, as I'm sure many young attorneys do. In my next job interview after the evaluation (for a rural outreach position), I mentioned Jack and what he'd shared about the importance of trying different jobs and different roles. Little did I know how well Jack is known--the Executive Director interviewing me said, "Oh, I love Jack! He's awesome!"

For that job and my current job, I also have traveled to Fresno, and I looked forward to stopping by Jack's office to bug him. Jack returned the favor by harassing my group of Bay Area law student volunteers back in March. I would expect nothing less from him.

I'll really miss him.

Salena

My friend Jack

First, I would like to send my condolences and warm prayers to Jack's Family and Thank You for letting us have him for so long.

I met Jack here at CCLS about 3 years ago he has been a great pleasure to work with, he is always eager to help everyone. When it came to his work he was UNTOUCHABLE and his sense of humor and outlook on life was just amazing. (Jack is shown here with Gregg showing off his new hat.) I can only imagine how many people he called "kiddo" but I enjoyed it and it always brought a smile to my face when he would say "hey, kiddo how are you?". One can only strive to be the great one but in my book he is the "Great One".

Jack may GOD bless you and your family and just like the country song "Holes in the Floor of Heaven", I know you are watching us and We Miss you greatly

--Your Friend Always Rosie a.k.a "Kiddo"

Miss ya, Jack

This poem has always made me think of Jack. The world is a much better place because of his countless successes and the lives he has positively affected. My thoughts and condolences go out to Mary and the rest of Jack's family. Love and admiration always. (Mike Tafelski - Macon, Georgia)

Success

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

I met Jack upon my joining CCLS back in August 2009. He was so accepting and warm towards me as a newbie to the Central Valley (I'm a transplant from LA). I will forever remember his zeal for life, social justice, and equality for all. He was the very essence of a legal aid lawyer, and our community is better for having people like him in it. May he be enveloped among the angels, and his family find comfort and solace from these messages during this difficult time. - Ugochi L. Anaebere

RIP JACK

I've only worked for CCLS for about a month and half and I was fortunate to meet Jack before his passing. I thought he was a very warm and friendly person. I can sometimes hear his music playing as I walked by his office. I asked him if he was listening to salsa, he said no. Either way I thought it was. I admired his colorful office, music, and jackets. I hope Jack is smiling down and living in peace.
-Erika Encinas

Throughout yesterday evening and this morning, as the word of Jack's passing spread, I have received numerous tributes to him.  I have created this blog to provide a space where people can share their tributes to Jack.  Please feel free to post comments, photos, links, etc. to share with Jack's large circle of friends, family and collaborators.

Below is the initial posting which I shared with Central California Legal Services staff and board members as well as some other friends of Jack.

Chris Schneider

Jack Daniel Passes 

I just received news that Jack Daniel died on Saturday.  He went into a coma on New Year’s Eve and remained comatose for thirty six-hours.  His wife Mary and family members were with Jack during his final hours.   Home hospice workers helped make the final hours as comfortable as possible for him.

Mary informs me that memorial services have not yet been planned.  She will inform me when plans are finalized. 

Jack’s first association with legal aid was that of client in the early 1970’s.  Later he collaborated with legal aid as a community organizer.  Eventually Jack worked with several legal aid organizations.  He held numerous positions including: paralegal; attorney; trainer; managing attorney; director of litigation; regional counsel and any other position where he could be of service to the client community. 

Jack worked with Legal Aid of Western Michigan, East Texas Legal Services, Benchmark Institute, and had three  “tours of duty” at CCLS. He also squeezed in stints as deputy public defender, general counsel of the United Farm Workers of America Education and Legal Defense Fund and as a civil rights specialist at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

            In each of his positions Jack has brought a zeal for the work that inspired those around him.
             Jack was never been a nine-to-five person.   Almost anyone who worked with Jack has been the recipient of  2:00 AM emails in which Jack sought to share a litigation strategy or novel legal argument that he had just thought up.  Many times on a Monday morning one would find their email in-box crammed with messages from Jack sent throughout the weekend.
            No matter where he is worked, he always found time to do pro-bono work.  Jack believed that legal aid attorneys who ask private attorneys to work pro-bono should lead by example.  When congress placed restrictions on the work that legal aid attorneys could do, Jack voluntarily reduced his hours of work.   No longer employed full time as a legal aid attorney he used his freed up time to work pro bono on cases that he could not work on at an LSC funded legal aid organization. 
            In 1999 Jack received the State Bar President’s Pro Bono award for work on cases he did outside of his already heavy load at Central California Legal Services.           
            In his career with legal services Jack was been involved in almost every area of poverty law. He worked on service cases and impact cases.  He forged alliances with numerous organizations and agencies.    He took special pride in his work with youth. 
            Jack worked collaboratively with other legal aid organizations and private attorneys.  He recognized the strength in bringing together differing views and perspectives to get the best result possible.
            Jack believed that legal aid work best when we work with community based organizations.  Client participation and leadership was paramount to Jack.  He effectively worked with CBOs to identify impact issues. Once the issues were identified Jack sought solutions that promoted community involvement and empowerment. 
           Jack was a tireless advocate for justice for disenfranchised individuals and communities. His commitment to justice was infused with a singular sense of humor that kept him, co-workers and often his clients, going through the most difficult of challenges. 

Rest in peace, Jack.