Jack Menendez, Jr.

Jack Menendez, Jr., 82, of Charlestown, IN and Acworth, GA, warrior, lawyer, poet, loving father, devoted husband, and loyal friend, passed away, on Friday November 3, 2017. He lost his fourth and final battle with cancer, a fight he always waged with grace and dignity. Survivors include his wife Linda Menendez of Dunedin, FL, his son Dr. Tom Menendez of Charlestown, IN; grandchildren Allissa Faye Curtis and Julia Raye Menendez; great grandchildren Alannah, Svea, Iva, Joaquin and Ruby, as well as several cousins. Jack was born on June 27, 1935 in New York NY, to Jack Sr. and Margaret Ayala Menendez. After high school, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army at the rank of private. Following his first stint in the army, Jack attended University of Miami and graduated with a degree in mathematics. After college, he worked briefly at Cape Canaveral before reenlisting in the United States Army where he served in the special forces in both the 82nd and 173 Airborne Divisions. As a Green Beret, Jack served in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. During his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat with the enemy. Following a long and distinguished military career, Jack retired from the Army at the rank of Major. Following his service, Jack owned and operated Tony's Pizza in Smyrna GA, attending John Marshall Law School in Atlanta at the same time. He graduated law school in 1978 at age 43 and started a long and very successful legal career as a trial lawyer in Marietta. Jack was well known and respected in the Cobb County legal community focusing his practice on Criminal Defense and Family Law. He was a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Cobb County Bar Association and a founding member of the Cobb Justice Foundation. Jack was an adventurer and an avid sportsman. He took up snow skiing at age 75 and made it one of his goals to ski the Alps in every country. He enjoyed jet skiing, power boating, white water rafting and racing go carts, all of which he did into his 80's. Jack loved entertaining and was well known for his lavish parties and events at his "Casa De Menendez" on lake Allatoona. His motto was "Get up early, stay up late, and enjoy every minute of every day." Jack's approach to life was an inspiration for us all, and he will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, November 17th at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Jack Menendez, Jr.

June 27, 1935 - November 3, 2017