JACKSON, Miss. - Jack Thomas Root passed away on Tuesday November 21, 2023 from complications related to pneumonia and heart failure, with his two grandsons at his side.
Jack was born December 28, 1940, in Jackson, MS and was the son of Percy Gordon Root, Sr. and Claire Hamlett Root. He was husband to Jackie Root and father to Lindy Root and Laura Ashley Coleman. He graduated from Brandon High School where he played football and baseball. He then went on to play football at Southern Miss before transferring to Mississippi College where he earned a degree in Mathematics. After college he returned to Brandon High School as a coach before he entered the business world as a Pharmaceutical Rep for Novartis and then AstraZeneca. He spent 25 years at each company before retiring not once but twice.
Jack was loved by everyone he met. He was a man of noble character, quick wit and an infectious smile. These qualities earned him many lifelong friends. All of whom speak of him with love and adoration. Jack served as the President of the River Hills Tennis Club for one term. He was an ardent tennis player. His morning tennis group of lifelong friends was a place of great camaraderie and competition. He took great pride in teaching both of his daughters how to play the game he loved. He also took great interest in and went to great lengths to support his grandson's early sports endeavors, education and working careers. In his later years he passionately cared for the Columbarium at Northminster where his wife and two daughters are laid to rest.
Jack is survived by his grandsons, Bo Coleman of Phoenix, AZ and Smith Coleman of Atlanta, GA; his brother Jon Root of Atlanta, GA; his sisters Betty Root of Brandon, MS and Ruth Benton of Brandon, MS and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to visitation with the family at 1:00 pm. on Friday, December 8, 2023 in the Great Hall of Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Rd., where the Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, with Scott Dickison, Pastor, officiating. Family Inurnment to follow in the Columbarium of Northminster Baptist Church. There will be a reception held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the River Hills Tennis Club. All are welcome to attend.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or to the USTA Foundation for underserved youth.
