Jack Charlton Passes
I just received sad news that my friend, Jack Charlton, died on June 9th. He was a reel designer and builder of unmatched ability. Another friend, Capt. Jake Jordan, wrote a great eulogy for Jack, and I share it here with you.
The passing of my friend Jack Charlton:
On Friday morning June 10, I received a call from Judy Charlton with the shocking, sad news that my good friend and business associate Jack Charlton had passed away from an unexpected illness on June 9, 2011. My heart is filled with sadness and my eyes with tears as I write about this wonderful man, who showed passion for everything which he liked in life. Jack was one smart man, who exuded integrity, honesty, and unending love for his wonderful wife Judy. He also had a passion for sailing the high seas, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Jack will be remembered by those in the fly fishing industry as the person who engineered, designed, built, and fished, with the finest fly reels in existence. His Charlton signature fly reels were world class, Jack gave me my first one in 1995. When he told me that he was going to “do it one more time” in late 2004 (Mako Reels), I was thrilled. Jack and Judy Charlton’s Mako fly reels are recognized as the standard of excellence today in the fly reel world, Jack will be missed.
Just last year Jack, Judy, and several friends joined me for a rare (for Jack and Judy) vacation to Guatemala, it was Jack’s dream for Judy to catch a Sailfish on fly, on a Mako fly reel. Well Judy caught a really big fish on that reel, and Jack was so proud, he captured that fight on his new hi def camera. There are many things that I can say about Jack Charlton, but mostly I am proud to say that he was my friend , I feel like I have lost a family member, and I will miss him a lot. Please keep Jack, and Judy in your prayers.
– Jake Jordan