Jack Franklin Mayes

Jack F. Mayes, 88, a lifelong Ironton resident, passed away on February 15, 2018. Jack was born in Ironton on January 28, 1930, to Odia and Ella Maude (nee Connelly) Mayes. He attended Ironton High School and moved to St. Louis in his late teens to work at Fisher Body Plant. He served two years in the U.S. Army (1952-1954) during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Corporal. Upon discharge, he returned to Ironton and worked as a mechanic. In 1958, he opened his own business, Jack’s A-1 Safety Service, which specialized in front end alignment. The business moved to Arcadia in 1965 where he ran the Mobil station until 1987, when he relocated to the Kerr-McGee station in Ironton. He sold the business in 1994. On September 25, 1954, he married Alta Mae Crowley, and the couple enjoyed the next 63 years as husband/wife. They had a number of hobbies, including horseback riding, gardening, and beekeeping. They also enjoyed long motorcycle rides with friends and flying adventures on Jack’s small airplane. Jack maximized life with other hobbies including hunting, fishing, and photography. Jack was an avid firearms collector, having acquired a number of antique arms and specialty guns. He was an expert marksman, earning numerous awards from shooting competitions. Jack was also an expert Civil War historian, having researched the local Civil War skirmishes (mainly the Battle of Pilot Knob) for several years and searching the area with metal detectors for artifacts. Jack enjoyed sharing his knowledge on this subject and worked in his later years as a tour guide at the Fort Davidson Visitors Center. He also studied and toured several Civil War battle sites in the eastern US with friends and family. Jack devoted a significant portion of his life to civic service with the City of Ironton. He served as Alderman for 8 years (1964-1972) and was influential in a number of projects, including construction of the local park and swimming pool. He was Fire Chief for 18 years (1965-1983) and oversaw numerous improvements in the volunteer department’s equipment and training. In 1983, he was elected Mayor and served in that capacity for 20 years. Under his leadership, the City’s financial position was strengthened, and significant infrastructure improvements were made, including a major renovation to the wastewater treatment system. In addition, he was influential in the effort to acquire the 840 acre Shepherd Mountain property and prevent the timber from being stripped. He also was primarily responsible for securing the two Civil War cannons on display in front of the Court House and rebuilding (with his friend Curt Rothlisberger) the Grant statue which was destroyed during a tree removal operation. Jack is survived by his wife Alta and their only son, John (Sheila), who lives in Buffalo, Missouri. He is also survived by one brother, David, two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and other relatives. Services will be held at Cole Family Funeral Home on Friday, February 23, 2018, with visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and the funeral service beginning at 6:00. Pastor Marty Blakey will be officiating the services. Internment will be at Arcadia Valley Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Iron County Historical Society.

Jack Franklin Mayes

January 28, 1930 - February 15, 2018