The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
JOE JACKSON EFFECT
Grace Church in Mentor honors terminally ill member with car parade
Joe Jackson always responds to the question, “how are you” the same way.
“Better than I deserve.” The response became something of a slogan at Grace Church in Mentor, where the Painesville Township resident was a member for 20 years.
“We called it the Joe Jackson effect,” Pastor Tim Potter said.
The Joe Jackson effect is even larger than Potter realized, as he’s received messages from the church community about his impact.
“He has a passion and love for the Lord,” Potter said. “He really walked with God.”
That passion attracted people to him, from babies to seniors and everyone in between, Potter said. Jackson and his wife Kathy also help those in need in the community, from making hospital visits to delivering meals.
In a church community of about 700 people, Jackson has been able to touch just about every life, the pastor said.
That community paid their thanks to Jackson March 30 in a car parade in front of his home.
Jackson was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given two months to live just before the novel coronavirus reshaped how people can interact.
There will be no face-toface goodbyes for many of the people he’s impacted.
“I don’t know if I will see you all again, because of this virus that we’re having, so I would like to say farewell in the Lord, stay faithful for God is on our side,” Jackson said in a video as part of Grace Church’s March 29 livestreamed church service.
Though they wouldn’t be able to say their goodbyes in person, the Grace Church community was determined to find a way to honor Jackson. The car parade was that way.
Jackson and his wife were protected from the drizzling rain by an umbrella wedged between two chairs in their driveway as dozens of cars drove past. The cars paused and spoke with the Jacksons before moving on. Some brought signs to give to the family. “We love you Joe” was a common refrain.
Jackson called the parade “an absolute blessing.”
“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “I don’t deserve this, but I welcome it with opens arms, to share this with everyone.