Person:John Ebin (1)

James Keith Ebin (son of John Joseph) wrote the following about his father to me in an e-mail:

Jack was an excellent wood carver, carpenter and painter. He did hand lettering on glass. Something of the quality you do not see much anylonger. I have hand carved candlesticks, walking cane and cribbage board that Jack made. Also have a plate which he handpainted acknowledging my birth. I also have the majority of Jack's tools.

Jack worked as an insurance salesman for Shenandoah Life when I was born after leaving the Veterans Administration Hospital where he worked in security. He later purchased his own service station, Atlantic gas. I remember going there after grade school. He later work for American Iron and Bridge Works as a security guard. During this time he had his first of seven heartattacks. His last job was with Burns Detective Agency. His location was the C&P Telephone Company. He became unable to work and was hospitalized at Shenandoah Hospital where he passed away late one night.

Jack always talked about "his boys." I feel that, since I was his first born, dad treated me as his favorite. There was a time when mom punished me for a trivial reason. Jack said that if I had to stay in my room then he was going to stay there too since he disagreed with the reason I was punished.

Even though dad and I never got to do the things that most boys get to do with their father, due to dad's heart problems, I have vivid memories of him. People always spoke kindly of him. He was very gentle, kind, giving and held strong religious beliefs. Just before he died, he made a strong effort to make ammends with anyone he had words with. Even a boy named Tommy Poff. Tommy was about 14 and had been banned from our yard for some reason. Dad called him to the house and apologized to him.