In 2005, the author GM Jarrard published this small memoir in tribute to his father and now is releasing it in segments as an audio book. This podcast includes the first three chapters. A “Jack Mormon,” in case you didn’t know, was originally a term used derisively by enemies of the Latter-day Saints to mean friends of “The Mormons” who gave them aid and comfort. In fact, one of the original martyrs of the Church was, in fact, a “Jack Mormon” who was beaten and clubbed to death near Nauvoo, Illinois, after pulling out a shotgun to defend Mormons in distress. His name was Ezekial Johnson whose body is buried in the Nauvoo Cemetery. He was, in fact, the third great-grandfather of the author, G.M. Jarrard, and was the father of pioneer songwriter Joel Hills Johnson (“High on a Mountain Top”). This whimsical opening to this small volume reflects on the author’s reminiscing of growing up as the son of a “Jack Mormon,” Jack E. Jarrard, who later became the Editor of the LDS Church News and traveling editor who followed in the tracks of LDS President Spencer W. Kimball, writing stories and taking photos. Jarrard reminds listeners that welcoming so-called “Inactive Members” and helping them simply make U-turns is the best way to share the Gospel and bring families together.
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