Enthusiastic, excitable, generous, dedicated and very likeable – Jack Magee.
Jack had three homes. One was, of course, his residence.
Another was his Oxford Barber Shop in the house behind the red and white striped ‘pole? on East Burdick Street.
The third home would be whatever golf course he was on at the time.
Jack loved golf.
He studied it, was always working on his swing, practiced it and played as often as he could while still maintaining a work schedule.
How long have we known Jack?
How long did he cut our hair?
How long have we liked this guy?
Over three decades, and not long enough.
He started cutting hair at Don Awrey’s barber shop on S. Washington in 1964, went into service for two years, came home, returned to barbering and later bought Awrey’s shop.
A barber, a businessman and a golfer.
He owned rental property in Pontiac, real estate in Oxford and a multi-chaired barber shop.
Though he liked barbering, he loved golf. And, he thought everybody did.
After I shot my only subpar round of golf, June 16, 1983, Jack framed the card and gave it to me.
I’m sure he did the same for others.
He played many of the great courses in Scotland, California, the Carolinas, Florida and, of course, all over Michigan.
He knew the game and played it accordingly. People loved to play golf with Jack for his attitude, ability, congeniality, honesty and company.
He had extreme amounts of energy.
He would, at times, run to his shop in Oxford from his Lake Orion home.
Sometimes he’d prove to fellow golfers he could run faster backward than they could forward.
What a shock it was for all who knew him when the first signs of Alzheimers appeared.
Eventually, golfing friends would work with Jack during a round, counting correctly, directing his shots.
Of course, he had to leave his business and the game.
And, within too short a time total care had to be given.
It’s so saddening to write this. Jack was such a great guy.
Damn the disease that struck him.
But, how grateful we feel for having him as a friend. ? JAS