Day eight, Chapter 14, Jack Sholl

In 1950, Jack literally met his wife Joan, on the Schuylkill River. Joan was rowing down the river, while Jack was rowing in the opposite direction.  Never shy, Jack managed to find Joan, and ultimately courted and married her.  Joan was a member of the only girls rowing club at that time.

Jack and Joan had two sons. To no one’s surprise, one son rowed for the University of Washington and the other son rowed for the University of California at Berkeley.  To further bolster the family’s ties to rowing, Joan was the first woman Olympic official in rowing, officiating at the Games in Atlanta, Georgia in 1984.

After graduating from college in 1953, Jack returned to Philadelphia and went to work for John B.  Kelly, the Olympian rower.  What I was talking to Jack about this part of his life, he casually mentioned that John B. Kelly was Grace Kelly’s father.  According to Jack, Franklin D. Roosevelt supposedly said, “John Kelly is the most handsome man I have ever met.” Jack, of course was also introduced to Grace Kelly’s husband, Prince Rainier.  Not only was he a patriot, Jack also associated with royalty.

In 1955, Jack joined IBM.  He was on the ground floor of the computer world, and stayed with IBM for 29 years.  He moved to New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and finally to California in 1981.  He was the ultimate company man, working long hours to climb his way up the corporate ladder.  He traveled all over the world, and trained many of the CEOs of large corporations about computers.  Even though he gave his all to the company, he still found time to jog during the week and row on the weekends.  In those days, the company always came first. Jack eventually retired in 1996 at the age of 71.

By now you have a glimpse into Jack Sholl’s background.  The rest of Chapter 14 describes Jack’s competitions, and his favorite race.  Also, insight into Jack’s character, who he is, and how he accomplished his goals are included.

Jack is a prince of a man.  Jack and Joan visited Linda and I this past summer.  I invited Secretariat and Debbie to join us for dinner.   Prior to Secretariat meeting Jack, he was skeptical of some things that I told him about Jack.  After that meeting, he told me he was no longer skeptical. One of the many gains, for me, in writing this book was the people.  I got to know the individuals better.  In the process, my life has been more enriched in so many ways. Perhaps, I will write more about that. I thank you Jack and Joan.  I am happy to be your friend.