SierraScape April - May 2004
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January 23, 1929 to January 5, 2004

by Diane Albright

photo courtesy of Susan Farrington

Jack at Meramec State Park in 2003 for the End of Year Camp Out for Glade Restoration and Trail Maintenance Volunteers.

Jack Palmer, a long-time and active member of the Sierra Club, passed away January 5, 2004 from cancer. He was just a few weeks shy of celebrating his 75th birthday.

Jack was raised in northwest Missouri, served in the Korea War, graduated from University of Missouri at Rolla in Electrical Engineering before settling in St. Louis, until his death.

Jack's involvement with the Club predates a formal Missouri presence. He was one of the core members who participated in the late 60's informal Club meetings that eventually evolved into the Eastern Missouri Group (1969) and then Ozark Chapter (1972).

Over the years Jack enjoyed numerous outdoor activities. He started caving in college. He was an expert canoeist, winning trophies for his white water skills. He was skilled at poling, a vanishing art. He organized the Club's Operation Clean Stream for many years. Jack was also a great gravel bar cook.

For the past 25 years, he has been a mainstay in the Club's Lemonade Brigade. He participated in every aspect of the Lemonade operations, which has earned the Ozark Chapter both national recognition and financial independence.

Jack gave his time, brawn, expertise and companionship to trail building and glade restoration efforts from the start. The Ozark Trail in Pioneer Forest and Washington SP and Meramec SP glades are a few spots that have received his attention over the years.

Appearance could be deceiving when it came to Jack. He preferred to stay in the background. He was well read and loved music. On occasions when he did speak, there was no doubt how he stood on an issue. But he never made it personal. He was a tireless worker and could be counted on to honor a commitment or come through in a tight spot. He was unique in his ability to handle rough water and rough characters.

Jack's interests also included gardening. He belonged to the Wild Ones (native plants, native landscaping) and the Carnivorous Plants Society. He also belonged to a neighborhood gardening group, and carried the distinction of being the only male member. He also grew orchids.

He liked animals. His cat, Sherwood, was found as a kitten at Camp Sherwood during an Ozark Chapter reunion 14 years ago.

I write this piece on Jack as a tribute and farewell knowing I have only told a small part of his story. His quiet but solid presence will be missed by those that have caved, canoed, backpacked, camped, hiked, and work alongside Jack over the years.

Jack's sisters have asked that in lieu of gifts or flowers that well wishers contribute to the Missouri Botanical Garden or Sierra Club in Jack's honor.