Jackie “Jack” Goodman

Jackie “Jack” Goodman, of Blytheville, was called home by the Lord on Aug. 3, 2020, at the age of 82. Jack passed away peacefully, at his home, with his loving wife Nancy by his side.

Jack was born in Cotton Wood Point, Mo., to father T. L. Goodman and mother, Virgie Weaver. The second youngest of six siblings, Jack grew up during challenging economic times and helped on his family’s farm in Portageville, Mo., until he graduated high school in 1956. He then joined the United States Marines out of high school and completed a two-year enlistment. After his military service with the Marines, Jack went back home to work on the family farm. A football coach from Arkansas State College was recruiting in the local area and was directed to the Goodman farm for a visit. The coach offered Jack a scholarship on the spot.

Jack played football for and graduated from Arkansas State College in 1963. He went on to teaching/coaching stints at Blytheville, Memphis, McCrory, Trumann, and ended up at Gosnell. Jack eventually moved from the teaching and coaching ranks to administration, serving as assistant principal at Gosnell High and principal at Dell Elementary. After 33 years in the education field, Jack retired and went on to sell cars and real estate.

Jack was a lifelong citizen of Blytheville and was heavily invested in making the town a great place to work and live. He became a justice of the peace and served the Mississippi County Quorum Court for many years and had the honor of marrying numerous couples. Jack was also a member of the Blytheville Kiwanis Club, actively serving as a member and president. Also, while with the Kiwanis Club, he strongly supported and directed their annual fishing rodeo, bringing pleasure to many kids throughout the community.

Jack loved sports, fishing, gardening, Broadway plays, and shopping local yard sales. Also, for many summers, he enjoyed opening a firework stand, thus giving him the nickname of “Firecracker Jack”. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, friends, and grandchildren.

Jack is preceded in death by his father T.L. Goodman and mother Virgie Weaver, his sister Dorothy, brother David, brother Benny, brother Bill, sister Jewel, Uncle Mark, and son John Ed.

He is survived by his wife Nancy of the home; one son, Mark Goodman and his wife Karina of Dyersburg, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Anna, Cody, Jackson, Joseph, Gabriella, and Jackob; and daughter-in-law, Maria Goodman of Berryville.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Zach Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.