Ed Jackel

Ed Jackel, age 94, of Atlanta passed away on February 16. He was born to immigrant parents in New York City, where he met the love of his life, Ethel; she passed away in 1993 after 53 years of marriage. Ed served as an infantryman in World War II and was awarded three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for bravery. After the war, Ed was the first in his family to attend college and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from NYU while working to support his family. The family moved to Atlanta in 1952 when Ed became the athletic and camp director for the local JCC. Ed was an assistant coach with the Georgia Tech basketball team and was a college and SEC basketball referee. An outstanding athlete from a very young age, he was a health/fitness enthusiast long before it became mainstream. Ed ran in the first Peachtree Road Race and continued to run for many years. He won several state handball championships and one national title featured in Sports Illustrated. A talented writer, Ed was published in the New York Times and many other publications. Ed's book, Lucky Infantryman, about his WWII experiences, was published in his eighties; his novel, 65 and Going, was published in his nineties. He also made a name for himself telling stories at senior centers. Ed delighted in helping others. Until the very end, he was exceptionally grateful for all things large and small: the love of his family and friends, the opportunities he had been given in life, and even a fresh orange daily. He valued his independence more than anything and remained independent until the last 2 weeks. Ed took great pride and pleasure in his family, whom he loved dearly and who will cherish his memory. He is survived by his close friend Dede Shapiro, his sister, Rose Lipson, his two sons, Martin Stephanie and Dana Pinki Jackel, his daughter Roberta Jackel Chris, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Donations can be made to the Ed Jackel Camp Scholarship, Buckhead YMCA, 1160 Moores Mill Rd, Atlanta, 30327. A memorial service is planned for the spring, Ed's favorite time of year.