04/28/2025
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family of Willard Jack.
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Willard Jack. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in reflecting on the many ways Willard enriched our lives, our company and our agriculture community with his passion, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Thank you to all who have reached out to our family during this difficult time - we appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Willard William Jack, 73, of Belzoni, Mississippi, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on April 27, 2025.
Willard was born on September 17, 1951, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, to the late June Parry Jack and Murray Jack. He graduated from Chatham Kent Secondary School in 1969 and Ridgetown College in 1972. Following his studies, Willard joined the family farming operation, Brookstone Acres, working alongside his father and brother, Dennis Jack.
On February 26, 1977, Willard married Laura Lee Pratt of Merlin, Ontario. In the early 1980s, the couple moved to Silent Shade Plantation just outside of Belzoni, Mississippi.
Faith, farming and family were the focus of Willard’s life. Willard was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Belzoni, where he served faithfully as a deacon and treasurer for many years. His commitment to his church mirrored the steadfastness he brought to every area of his life.
Willard loved farming and the agriculture industry. Throughout his farming career spanning over 50 years and two countries, Willard was a strong proponent of embracing new technology and practices, using sustainable farming methods, and advocating for the agriculture industry. Over the years, Willard served as the president of the Mississippi Soybean Association and the Mississippi director of the American Soybean Association. Willard was appointed by three different commissioners of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to serve on the Bureau of Plant Industry advisory board. Willard also served as the vice president of Holmes Gin and was an active member of the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board, the Mississippi Rice Promotion Board, the Rice Council, and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.
His contributions to agriculture were recognized in 2000 when he was chosen Mississippi Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year and in 2001 as the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Most recently, in 2023, he was honored with the prestigious Pinnacle Award from the American Soybean Association, recognizing a lifetime of exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to the industry he loved.
More than any accolade, Willard’s greatest legacy lies in the example he set for his children and grandchildren. He believed deeply that dreams could be achieved through faith, perseverance, planning and hard work. He lived each day with purpose and encouraged others to do the same.
Willard is preceded in death by his father, Murray Jack, and his mother, June Parry Jack. Willard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Laura Lee Jack; his children, Stacie Lynn Koger (Trey), Gregory Jack (Michelle), and Jeremy Jack (Elizabeth); his seven grandchildren: Emma Grace Koger, Audrey Koger, Andrew Jack, Rebecca Claire Jack, Lydia Jack, Thomas Jack, and Laura Elizabeth “Ellie” Jack; and his sister, Marianne Johnstone (Bruce) and brother, Dennis Jack (Judy).
Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Belzoni. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. following the visitation. Burial will follow at the Belzoni Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Belzoni Cemetery Association.
