Jack Lee Givens

Jack Lee Givens, 62 of Maumelle, died suddenly in his home, just like he wished, on Wednesday June 21, 2017. He hated hospitals, medical bills, and anything that involved waiting, so we assume he's thankful for God's timing. He would want you to do everything in your power to campaign and vote for a healthcare system that includes coverage for preexisting conditions, young adults, and the impoverished. Should we lose these things, I believe he will bring help from beyond the grave to start a revolution. He always believed in helping the underdog, protecting the wounded, and giving money away in secret. He loved all creatures and refused to ever kill a spider because they were God's and served a purpose. He served a purpose as well in the United States Air Force and loved to remind us all that he was in charge of nuclear weapons, so naturally he was a powerful man. He also served as Chairman of the Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Trainmen Teamsters Union and fought many long hours fighting for his brothers and sisters for fair working conditions on the railroad. He was the first to win a lawsuit forcing the railroad to recognize PTSD among trainmen after repeated fatality accidents. Not only did he make the railroad safer for the general public, he protected those who were hurt by trauma. Today, it is getting national attention. It was his years of blood, sweat, and many tears that started that initiative. He loved fast cars, giving gifts, beer, smoking, challenging authority, loud music, playing with his grandson's toys, the Discovery Channel, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, he loved his friends and family. His spirit will live strong in his daughter, Sarah Bemis (Nathan) of Little Rock, and his grandchildren, Noah and Elizabeth. Every raised eyebrow, funny joke, bear hug, or smart-aleck comment made by them will be in his honor. He is survived by three sisters that he loved dearly, Terri Givens of Morrilton, Marie Givens of Jacksonville, and Vicki Doyle (David) of Savannah, Georgia; an aunt, Elaine Givens Holloway of Waco, Texas. He loved his three nephews and one niece, Scott and Eric Littlejohn and Jennifer and Jeff Lynch. He had cousins spread all over the country and was always proud of their family heritage. The family rejoices as he is reunited with his one true love, Vicky Givens, who died in 2009. Heaven will never be the same. He will also greet his parents, Monte and JoAnn Givens in heaven. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Operation Homefront that spends 93% of its proceeds on Veterans and their families dealing with financial, logistic, and psychological needs at no expense to them. A memorial service in his honor will be held at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th St. in Little Rock, at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2017. An online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.