Thursday, February 11, 2010 marked the day I said goodbye to a true wrestling champion in every sense of the word, and a man that I was blessed and fortunate enough to call a friend, the legendary Jack Brisco.
The service was conducted by Monsignor Higgins at the St. Lawrence Church in Tampa, Florida. His comments about Jack and the celebration of his life made me both laugh and cry, to both grieve and to rejoice. Father Higgins told everyone about Jack’s modesty and quiet humility, and of Jack’s willingness to give of his time to speak to young people about living their life the right way. Father Higgins even spoke with fondness of the legendary “Imperial Lounge,” which is as much a Tampa wrestling landmark as the Sportatorium or the Ft. Homer Hesterly Armory.
Well-respected sportscaster, television personality and barbeque empressario Jim Ross (not necessarily in that order) spoke next and did a great job paying tribute to a fellow Oklahoman and Native American. Bill Murdoch, who authored the Jack Brisco Autobiography, spoke last and also did a great job relating some personal experiences with Jack while writing his book.
Attending the service was a virtual “Who’s Who” of the wrestling world including such personalities as former NWA World Champions Dusty Rhodes, Dory Funk, and Terry Funk. WWE representatives included Pat Patterson, Michael Hayes, John Laurinitis and former front office man Bruce Prichard. Also seen attending was WWE Superstar Edge.
Others paying tribute to Brisco included Chavo Guerrero, Sr. and Hector Guerrero, Mike Graham, Steve Keirn, Tom Prichard, Norman Smiley, George Scott, Brian Blair, Prince / King Tonga - Haku, Ricky Santana, Dan Spivey, David Sierra, Lanny Poffo, Buddy Colt, Danny Miller, Bob Cook, referee Kenny Jay, referee Bruce Owens and more. I apologize if I have inadvertently failed to mention any of the other attendees.
After the service I was pleased to have dinner and spend some time with old friends Bruce Prichard and Jim Ross, who I hadn’t seen in many years, and new friend John Paul Shellnutt who is apparently making quite a splash in Hollywood. He certainly made a splash at Leroy Selmon’s in Tampa knocking back doubles of Patron Silver! I was also pleased that Gerald Brisco joined us for dinner where we imbibed some more and treated each other with stories of the fabled Jack Brisco, who we will all miss deeply.
For a young kid who grew up in the wrestling business who idolized Jack Brisco, it was a dream come true for me to actually meet him in person, and then later work with him and actually become his friend. He was much more than just a great professional wrestler and world class athlete. He was a great person and a great friend. I know that he was also a great brother to Gerald. And he was a great husband to Jan.
The last time I saw Jack was in Charlotte at the NWA Legends Fan-Fest in 2008. I made a point to attend specifically because I knew Jack would be there. I had the opportunity to visit with him and Jan, have a drink with them at the bar, eat breakfast with them one morning, and have plenty of photographs taken. That was the last time I saw Jack.
Thank you to Greg Price – for organizing the NWA Legends Fan-Fest in Charlotte – it was the last time I saw my friend. If anyone has the opportunity to attend either the NWA Legends Fan-Fest in Charlotte or the Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion in Las Vegas, it is well worth the time and expense.
On the way back to Texas, my six-year old son Bruce Allen and I ran into old friend Terry Funk and his lovely wife Vicky. It was such a pleasure to sit in the airport and visit with such a legend and wrestling authority as is Terry Funk and to introduce he and Vicky to my son.
Jack Brisco - Goodbye my friend. Thank you for being such a phenomenal influence on my life. I will never forget your in ring work – your ribs – your personality – your smile – and that laugh of yours.
Jackson – you were one of a kind!
God bless you and until we meet again in Heaven -