WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP IT’S BEEN!
By Virginia Ward
It’s a long way from the sands of Arizona’s deserts to the Sands of Tybee Island. The trip began
when his mom was sent to Arizona from home in New York to recover from Tuberculosis. She
recovered, married a rancher, and worked as a Nurse on a Navajo Indian Reservation where
he was born. His care-takers were Navajo and Hopi Indians, so, as a toddler, he learned their
language. He was often dismayed to down-right-mad that his parents didn’t understand his
ramblings when they were not in English! Early teenage found him moved to New York where he
grew up, was schooled, and became an Operating Engineer. He joined the Air Force during the
Korean War and was stationed in Savannah at what was then Hunter Air Force Base. Savannah’s
charm kept him here after his term was up and he began his career in “hospitality.” It started
in the late 50’s when he opened The Park Lane Lounge on Abercorn Street (just north of Victory
Drive) which became THE place for everyone to gather when it was time for a drink. As happens,
after a few years, the new wore off and folks were saying “let’s go someplace else,” as River
Street was in its embryonic stage of development for night life. He quickly found a spot on River
Street and opened “Someplace Else.” It was an instant hit. Continuing to follow trends, he later
opened Hard Hearted Hannah’s on Bay Street, Savannah’s FIRST Topless bar.
His nightclubs were used in films in the 60’s and 70’s, and became a “watering hole” for film
makers and stars to gather, so he had his share of elbow rubbing with the likes of Robert
Mitchum, George Maharis, Martin Milner, Burt Reynolds and Burt’s cronies.
He operated Anton’s Restaurant on Broughton Street for a spell. As a result of all his activities, he
became recognized as a mover-shaker in the area, and politicians came calling. He was tapped
into service by the Georgia Labor Commissioner, Sam Caldwell, and moved to Atlanta. That work
traveled him all over the State as he rose up the ladder in the Department of Labor. He was
equally at ease with blue-collar workers as with VIPs and Politicians. He campaigned successfully
on many statewide and local elections. Most notable was the work he did in helping secure
winning votes for then “fairly unknown” Johnny Rousakis, who came to be one of Savannah’s
most-loved mayors and long-serving Mayors. But, living in Atlanta was not where he wanted
to be. One Sunday, he saw an ad in the Atlanta Journal classifieds “Fish Camp for Sale, Tybee
Island, Georgia.” He wasted no time getting his name on the papers to buy Chimney Creek
Fishing Camp. This is when he officially became “Captain Jack.” With his Captain’s license,
he ran offshore charters, and operated the Fish Camp/Marina, till he figured a way to utilize
everything caught and/or not used for bait by cooking and selling it to customers. He got a liquor
license, started cooking a bit, set up a few tables and soon, named his new “joint” The Crab
Shack. And, that’s where he is 35 years later.
All this is over simplification for a very complicated man and his life. He’s a card-carrying
Mensa Member, a yellow-dog Democrat, twice married, twice divorced, and has one son, three
grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He spent a little time “away” (for which Judges &
Federal Agents hold him in high esteem because he could have saved himself at others’ expense,
which he would not do).
Colorful is what his life has been. Jimmy Buffet seems to have summed up his personal life with,
“I’ve always loved younger women, lived with several a while. Though I sent them away, they
come back one day, and still can manage a smile. Just takes a while.” One special “younger
woman” in his life is no longer his marriage partner but is still his business partner and one of his
staunchest supporters. That’s the kind of man he is.
He attracts people, and many are proud to call him friend, say they knew him “since,” or that
they’ve worked for him. He makes no apology for anything he’s done, he passes no judgment on
what anyone else does, has few regrets, does not chase material things, and has heard every joke
known to man. His restaurant provides jobs for over 160 workers during peak season and about
80 year-round positions. He brought alligators and Junkanoo to Tybee, created a destination
restaurant for travelers from all over the world, and shows no sign of slowing down. There are
many reasons to celebrate this life well lived! No better reason than the month of August, when
he turns 85 years old. Stop by The Crab Shack and wish Captain Jack a happy 85th Birthday.
TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | AUG 2018 19