Big Jacks Party

Every year Big Jack hosts a Christmas party at the Elks club. Its always the Wednesday before Christmas and it starts at noon. I have been on the invited guest list for some time. I think its the two cars I sold to Jack that endears him to me. Or maybe its the fact that I am his insurance agent and I protect him so well. For whatever reason I am honored.

I have seen the guest list change over the years. When I first came to this party, the likes of Demmy Battin, Westy Ralston, Don Wehr, Dean Smith and Leo Wilson were always at the holiday table. They don't come anymore. Probably because they are buried in a Roland Wilbert Vault. That was Jacks business until he turned it over to his son. I spect its a bittersweet for him.

Now the guest list is varied some. Jack has moved to the Gulag and some of his fellow residents are included in the mix....I know Bubbu is one for sure.

Phil is the server de jour. Phil (Short for Phyllis) goes back to the days of the Flame Room/ Micado and before that "Me and Lees Lounge" in the Lindale Shopping center before it became an enclosed mall....but thats a whole different story. She just comes out of retirement for this event. I don't need to give her my order because she knows what I want.

Carl the Barrister is there...so is the Puzzler, Billy's GodFather....There is Max the former Potentate, Francis L., Billy's Iron Lung mechanic, and of course Bubba, Nick and Donnie Boy...all insurance underwriters with more initials behind their name than me.

This diverse group includes Joe B, the electric parts peddler, Levi aka Mr. Utility, Kenny the HushPuppy man, Doctor H, Harry the tooth fairy.......the list goes on.....

I used to be the youngest one on the invited guest list. Now I'm the second youngest....Jacks grandson, Scott was in attendance.

Why is this such a great luncheon? Other than the great straight up Martinis....its because big Jack picks up the tab....to paraphrase Westy, "Jacks got a heart as big as a slop bucket."

Bloggers note: Its too bad the majority of the people in this blog will not be able to see this because they don't have a computer. Will someone please print this and send it to them in the mail.