In Memoriam to W4APE

I have sad news to report that Jack Pegues, W4APE became a silent key on Friday, September 19th. Jack was the local reporter for the National Weather Service for over 20 years. He was the Emergency Communications Director for Cheraw, S.C., a member of the American Radio Relay League, and had several other amateur radio associations. His wishes for memorials are to St. David's Church, building repair fund (420 Market St., [ph.#537-3832] Cheraw, S.C.) or to the maintenance of his system of five linked radio repeaters which have allowed innumerable people to stay in contact with each other. Any contributions to the PALSNET system should be addressed to Dr. Jack Wood, 14 Bent Tree Lane, Pawleys Island, S.C. 29585. Please note in memory of Jack on your check. We all mourn the passing of Jack, as he has touched our lives in many ways. Please remember him and his family in your prayers. Please click HERE for a memoriam of Jack composed by Jimmy W4EOZ in Cheraw.

I know it had to be hard - and a very sad time!! As we discussed Sunday, Jack is the one so much better off today than last week!! But it's those "left behind" that will feel the grief for a long time, as friendships such as yours and his are truly "one in a lifetime".

There will be other friends, but never another Jack!!

One day, in the not to distant future, we will all be together again - if this world continues on it's current pace, the Good Lord is going to say "Enough is Enough" - and Jesus will return as promised in the Bible, and those "In Christ" will be raised to be with Him, and all the Saints that have gone on before us. He may call some us sooner, just as He called Jack - I am ready for whenever that call comes - I just hope and pray that all of my family and friends truly understand what lies ahead for each of us!!

As the Bible says "Only through Jesus, and with Jesus, will we see Heaven" .

Lot's of people do not either understand, or believe this - my prayer is that ALL come to know Christ before that final bell tolls.

I Love you Brother Jimmy,

Hope to see you soon! John

I am sorry for your recent loss but join in thanksgiving for all that has been gained by so many through Jack's many years.

Let us continue to celebrate the gift of life through Jack's example.
May God's peace, support, companionship & visible presence be yours as you mourn the earthly, but not eternal, loss of a best friend. Patrick <><

I was sad to learn of the news of Jacks' death on Sunday.

Jack was truly a "good" man. He meant alot to this community and so much more than even they will know. We are that much poorer now that he is gone.

If there is anything I can do let me know.

Know that I miss him to.

Peace brother, Gus

He was a special person. We are thinking of you and Barbara. Sarah

I have devised the following lyrics to simple melodies that I hope to be
able to present at the picnic on Sunday. Please look over the words and
make any corrections or suggestions and get back to me. I think that Jack
would get a real kick from this.

The last time I saw Jack was in the hospital in Columbia. I sang the first
stanza to him at that time and he thought it was great. I told him he had
to get better for the picnic because I wanted to see "My Iceman Commeth" to
the picnic. Well, he just couldn't make it so I wanted to bring him along
anyway. Suzie
To the tune of Frares Jacque (Are You Sleeping)

Where's the Iceman,

There he is,

APRS tracks him

All the way to Heaven

He can't hide,

He can't hide.

To the tune of Froggy Went a Courtin'

The Iceman went a chunking and he did ride, un-hu

The Iceman went a chunking and he did ride,

A Kenny and a Kirby by his side, un-hu, un-hu, un-hu

The truck was air-conditioned, too hot to walk, un-hu

On a two-meter radio he did talk, un-hu, un-hu, un-hu

With Mr. Gilly, J.M. and Randy, too, un-hu

Bert and Susannah to name a few, un-hu

The Iceman chattered all day thru

And called the PALSNet in the evening too, un-hu, un-hu, un-hu

The Iceman knocked on St. Peter's door, un-hu

"Sign me up, I ain't been here before,

How can I communicate for the Lord?", un-hu, un-hu, un-hu

The angels meet the PALSNet with the Iceman now, un-hu

The angles meet the PALSNet with the Iceman now, un-hu

Seraphim, Thrones and Cherubim

Say "Sign me up" or "Check me in", un-hu, un-hu, un-hu

I was so saddened to read of Jack's death in the Charlotte Observer on Saturday. It was the short form of obituary and the full one followed in the Sunday's Observer.
It was so good to see him after all this time at the last reunion. I told Marylyn(my better half) as soon as I read it. I knew he had been sick but did not expect death.
I remember so far back to our young years. It is at times like these that I wish we could begin to maybe have our high school re-union more often. Life, as we all know, can be very uncertain and shockenly short.
I will say a prayer for you, Barbara, and of course Jack as I go to bed tonight.
Sincerely, John

I would like to put your words on the ARRL-SC website in memorium of Jack,
W4APE. Would you give me permission to do so?

Thanks! I never had the chance to meet Jack, but I realized how great a
person he was from hearing him on the PALS network. Jim ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section

You have no idea how sad I am about Jack's passing. This was truely a remarkable man that no one could ever measure up to. Jack has always been an exceptional person towards me even before I began in the field of amatuer radio. He was always for the other person and not so much for himself. In fact, I spoke with him one day about exchanging a Ringo Ranger antenna still new in the box that the hospital bought for a dual band magnet mount. He agreed without hesitation. Then about a month later I spoke with him about an officer that we had working for us that developed a rare kidney disease and could no longer work. He became interested in ham radio and a group of us at the hospital decided that we would contribute to a fund that would buy this officer everything he needed for a rig at his home once he got his ticket. I was telling Jack this and asked him if he could recommend a good outdoor antenna that we could purchase from him for this officer. Jack's exact words were this..."I've got the perfect thing at the ice plant. It's a brand new Ringo Ranger still in the box and I will do my part and donate it to the cause." This was the same antenna that I had traded off with him only a month earlier!

I truly loved this man and I will so much miss him on the radio and in person. When I got my ticket, I called Jack on the radio and told him who I was and I wanted him to be the very first person I made contact with on my new license. He was absolutly thrilled when I told him this over the radio. I would not trade this memory for anything. I will also forever remember him saying his famous line..."Sign me up! W4APE!

Just wanted to share this little bit of info. Rest in Peace Jack. We all miss you and loved you dearly. Ken

The service and graveside were really well done. Even the Lord had mercy
on us and provided clouds for shade and a light breeze. NWS had predicted
nearly ninety degrees, and that would have been miserable,indeed.

At the time of the service, I didn't take time to check out the grave.
So, I went to see Friend Jack a bit before sunset, and hung out with him
'til the darn skeeters ran me off at dark. I was glad to see the
footstone with his call letters, even though it hurt a bit at first. I was
working at the Icehouse when he ordered, and later received it. And I can
remember how he laughed. We all laughed that day, but honestly, I never
realized what would come to pass.
Just didn't seem right for him to be all alone this afternoon; first
day, and all. So I took a cold beer and sat there with him a while. I
needed to come to terms with the situation, and get some "closure" so to
speak. Don't know if it did any good, but the beer seemed to help a little.
Flowers look nice, too. Charles Jackson(younger) had the wreaths put
on icehouse door and 410 Greene St., if he doesn't own up to the fact.
When things settle down a bit, I'd still like to sit down with you and
compile some stories about the Icehouse the way it was....Just not quite
ready to deal with the memories,yet. The wound is still too fresh.
My heart goes out to you, we share some of the same pain. I noticed that
you, George Peele, Rusty Price, and myself seemed to have been stricken the
same way. Cut to the quick. Rusty Price told me he was "having a hard
time trying to imagine a world without Jack Pegues." I guess that pretty
well sums it up. God Bless and give you Peace, my friend.
Thanks, Jimmy. A Dios, Bill

He was a good neighbor and friend to Guy V. when he lived "on the hill" and seeing his lights at night was a comfort in that dark part of the world! I wish he could have lived longer in good health. Thanks again. LT

I forgot to mention in my e-mail yesterday that I remember two teen-aged brothers, maybe they came from a poor family, that were befriended by Jack when Guy V. lived "on the hill." He brought them by Guy V.'s one Christmas Eve night and they were dressed neatly and nicely and they were going with him to St. David's for Christmas Eve service. Do you remember them? I hope they were at the service today. LT

the great quote is ,"when you pass from this life it is not as important as how much you loved ,but rather how much you were loved by others",this came to my mind as i read your email about jack. how blessed you are to have had such a great friend and how blessed he was to have you as his friend,i can not be there but in my heart and in my soul my thoughts are with you all,,,in this and all other trials you face and sorrow, i ask GOD to take you under his wing and protect and strenthen you as he alone can only do during times like this,,love mlm

I did not know Jack was in such bad shape. Didn't know he was even sick
until you wrote. Talk later......................Sparkle

I couldn't beleave it when Otis call me Friday evening to tell me about Jacks
passing.   I have remembered him for lo these 50 years and although I rarely
saw him, I still called him friend.   God bless his family, please pass along my
symtathies to them. God bless you and them.
PS sorry it took me so long to respond, I just had to put it off as long as
I could, I don't want to admit it has happened.       Carl

Lee and I will be at the funeral services to say our goodbye to Jack. He was a great guy. Now we have another Angel watching over us. Love, Kelsie Bug :)

Sorry to hear your good friend left. I know it hurts.

Did not know Jack that well, but I met him back in 1974.

He was driving a van that I think said Swamp Rat or something close,

at the Suzuki shop in Florence Someone was racing motocross?

Did not know for years later, when I met him again as KA4ABW.

Keep in touch. Sincerely, rms

My heart is broken. I just got your email today as we had no power from the hurriane until this morning. I talked with Emma Wednesday night but we had no idea he was near death. Thank you for getting in touch with me and Tom. Sam and Angie(our brother and sister will be there Sunday) We are all so upset we didn't get to talk or visit with him. He was a wonderful person and we were so blessed he found us. . Thank you for all the information Judith

I just opened my email about Jack. I can't believe that he is gone. My heart breaks for you. Jack was a dear and beloved friend. You must be devastated. Please know that our love and prayers are with you at this time. I will call you today. What can I do for you? Love, Lynda

FIRST OF ALL, IT SEEMS STRANGE NOT TO TYPE IN BOTH OF YOUR NAMES IN THE "TO" SECTION OF THE HEADING OF EACH E-MAIL.

SECOND, AFTER FRANCES AND I WERE LEAVING THE CHINESE RESTAURANT ON #9 AND WAITING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY, A TRIANGE ICE TRUCK WENT FLYING BY AND FOR A SPLIT SECOND, IT ALMOST LOOKED LIKE JACK. I BELIEVE HIS SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON! JONES

I was very saddened with the news of Jack's passing. Jack touched my life in many ways. He was always there when I needed a good laugh or just needed a little advice. He will be truy missed. Right now just at a loss for words. My prayers are with you and his family. Your friend, Bill

I am so sorry about your friend, Jack! I just now checked my mail, as I have been holding down the fort at the office by myself the past couple of days. John is in New York for the week. I called him this morning, and he was with people, but said he would try to call sometime today. He knows how close you were to your friend, and as we had our morning devotions, he would always pray for him. Please know you and his family will continue to be in our prayers for comfort and healing.
Love, Frankie

I TOO WILL MISS MY FELLOW FRIEND VERY MUCH. CHARLES IS GONE, NOW JACK. I SPOKE WITH DR. JACK AND INSTEAD OF FLOWERS, I AM SENDING HIM A CHECK TO HELP ON THE REPEATER SYSTEM. I FEEL THAT ALL OF THE HAMS OVER THERE ARE MY FRIENDS. TAKE CARE ...... WRITE SOON...... AL

What can I say, Jimmy. We've lost something nobody can
ever replace. His booming voice will echo in my heart for
years to come. He was the truest friend a man could ask
for. It's almost beyond belief that we could have lost him
so soon.
I didn't have any idea he was so close to the end of the
trail.
Just came in from the beach, 11:45 p.m., picked up
phone..six messages.. all about Jack..
Too late to call anybody back...Appreciate your call and
especially the informational e-mail with the time and place
of the arrangements. Guess he'll want to be next to his
mother.(you've probably got that worked out by now}
    Anything I can do up at this end, let me know.
My God, man, it really hurts, the loss, the void left in his
wake. I know you must be devastated.
So many years, so many memories. My heart goes out to you..
   Count yourself blessed to have had such a friend for so
many years. That is indeed something few people nowadays
have. Try to remember the good times, the laughs and
pranks. He would want it that way.
    Still sinking in..just hard to believe...

     "It must be rain drops, so many rain drops,
      It must be ra-i-in drops, falling from my
      eye-eyes, falling from my eyes"

God Bless you, brother.........Bill

I agree with you 100% and I know that you will miss your good friend, Jack....

I too, will miss my friend Jack Wilds Pegues.....saw him the other morning at Mary's getting 3 take outs and would have never know that he was leaving us to soon but sure glad that I got to speak to him and to have known him all these years.....love to him and you for standing by him and with him.... Marty

It just makes you feel very humble for God to have allowed them to be a part of our Lives. Cheraw will not be the same without the presence of Jack. You and Jacks family can call on me at any time that I might be of some help. Please remember that. I will be at the Funeral but might not be able to sit with the group of Amateurs as my Granddaughter Lauren wishes to attend with me. She is fond of Jacks son John. She described him as being like Jack just a great friend. I will talk with you later. Again you and all of Jacks family and his extended family, which I consider myself a part, have my deepest sympathy. ~~~~~~~~~Jack

Words can't express my sorrow. I know many things will have to be done shortly with the repeaters, Jacks radio in the ice truck, his dog and his house. I would like to be included, if needed, to help in any way that I can. I intend to pick up and carry the "ball" just as my friend Jack would have wanted me to. I'll help any way possible with anything that I can. The repeaters will have to be tended with time and money. I'll either do my part, or help "head up" anything that needs to be done or changed with the repeaters, I've sat by too long and let Jack carry more than his load (just as he wished). If Brutus needs a home, I've got a large fenced in back yard and a wife that loves the dog as if he were hers, loves his brown eyes. What I'm saying Jimmy is I'm here and I'm willing to do at least my part to keep something going that Jack worked so hard to start. I loved him dearly. Don

Thanks for your message. I am devastated by Jack's passing and it is impossible for me to get to SC for the funeral (I live in Newington, Conn.) Jack was the closest ham friend I had in SC for over 25 years. He was a dear friend to so many. He and I were in the same licensing class and received our ham licenses the same time. I was in SC in August and he was still working, but I could tell something was wrong. He wanted to chat on the phone about something, but we didn't connect. I guess that now, I know what he wanted to tell me. I've had thousands of conversations with Jack over the years. He was one of the most unselfish people I have ever known and he radiated goodness. I treasured all of the stories he told to hams over the radio and he did it so well, like no other. I will always remember Jack and all that he gave to the world. John

I will miss Jack so much, I haven't seen him a lot in the last few years but I could always count on a joke or two from him in my email. I think the last time I saw him was last election day, I was working the polls and he can through the line with his big smile and deep voice, and that is how I will always remember him. Peggy

We will all miss Jack, but I feel his passing will not soon be forgotten by all of us who knew him. As you said, he touched a lot of lives that most of us will never know about. The least we can do to honor him is to take a chapter out of his short life and try to imitate him. Take solice my friend in the knowledge that you now have another Guardian Angel looking out for you. Live your life accordingly and cling to friends and family. You are rich in both. Robert

THank you so much for the beautiful piece on Jack. I know what a good person he was . He was so attentive to mother's needs in the last years of her life. He would come check Mama's furnace himself when she was having trouble with it. He also made sure in cold weather that she did not run out of fuel. My question now is What will happen to Kirby ??? I know how good he was to him and accepted him just the way he is and not many people will do that. Pam

Doug and Frankie will be there. Somehow I feel like Jack, Mike Holt and Hunter Wood are tuning a Duplexer somewhere tonight, and Heaven is filled with laughter as Jack is telling one of those stories we all loved to hear so much. I will miss our friend. Doug

I just switched on the computer for the first time today. I am so sorry about the loss of Jack Pegues; I knew you and Jack have been very close friends for most of your lives. Jack and I talked on the telephone a few times; I stopped by the Ice & Fuel plant a couple times in hopes of finding him, but unfortunately we never got to meet each other in person. Take care of yourself this weekend, with full faith that the Good Lord is now taking care of Jack. Phil

.......so sorry about Jack. He was, as you say, a loved person.

Woodie always called him "Hooch" which is what his daddy always called Woodie.

I do know you will miss him. Thinking of you, Helen and Woodie

Jimmy, I know we all feel the same way! I have been very saddened all day and will always remember Jack as a VERY GOOD friend!!! I can't help but shed a few tears because of this loss. I really feel he knew that we cared a lot for him. It's so hard to understand how or why these things happen. Only God knows. Bye for now, plan to see you soon. A friend, Gene

There will be a noticeable difference on the HAM Bands
I usually do not have much to say and usually listen
Listening will be different! THANKS for the e-mail Junior

Jimmy, so sorry to hear about Jack's death. Kirby told us at prayer meeting Wed. night that he was on his way over to Jack's and that he didn't know what the night might hold. He knew he was not doing well. Wish I'd known Jack -- he sounds like a fine person, but our paths never crossed. You and his family will be in my prayers. Beth

A sad day. Jack was a nice man.
Jack owned 5 repeaters in the PALS system. Some of them require tower rent
or utility bills to be paid. Rusty may know some of the details.
We will have to pick up the costs that he was shouldering to keep the system
on the air. I was waiting for the not-for-profit to go through so I could
ask for donations which would then be tax-deductible. Jack always fought me
about asking for donations....................Jack

These are not all of the emails I received in reference to "OUR FRIEND". It's a good cross reference sampling and if your message is shared here I hope you will feel that it is used with love and affection for both you and Jack. Some editing was done for brevity but nothing about Jack was intentionally omitted..........It has also been part of my healing process to reread the love and affection that all of you shared for Jack......c/ya jimmy