The Madill community is mourning the loss of one of their beloved members. Brandon Jacks passed away on December 30 at the age of 51.
Jacks loved Madill and took every chance to show it. Because of his loving nature, many in the community reciprocated that love.
Many community members took to Facebook to share their love of Jacks. Toni Love said it took her all day to gather her thoughts about the loss.
“[Hewasthe]mosthumble and kindness soul I knew,” Love said. “Brandon was a friend to everyone and he loved BIG. He never missed an opportunity to ask about my kids and always told me how blessed I was to have them all.”
“I will forever miss his smile, the conversations we shared about God and how special he was to our community,” she continued. “I don’t think there is anything more I could say except Heaven definitely gained an amazing soul today.”
Summer Bryant said he embodied Madill and was an amazing friend.
'Brandon Jacks was a true leader in our school and community. Always wearing a smile, Brandon embodied the spirit of our Wildcats with his unforgettable slogan, ‘it’s a Great Day to be a Wildcat,”’ Bryant said.
“Brandon was more than just a familiar face; he was the heartbeat of our sporting events, calling games from the press box and sharing live footage of our kids’ achievements.,” she continued. “He had an uncanny ability to make every student feel special, important, and loved. He didn’t just announce the games; he took the time to connect with families, frequently asking about our kids' journeys even after graduation.”
Bryant also reminisced on how Jacks always sent photos and videos of her oldest daughter, Autumn, any time he spotted her at an OU sports event. She also noted how the community is feeling his loss.
“Our community, school, and all of his family and friends are heartbroken by this loss,” Bryant said. “I am proud to have known Brandon and honored to call him my friend. His legacy of kindness, support, and enthusiasm will forever resonate in our hearts.”
Coach Austin Pettigrew said Jacks was a bright light in a dim world.
“To me, Brandon was someone who no matter the situation, the time, the place or day, he could always bring a smile to your face,” Pettigrew said. “He was someone I knew I could always count on and a person that I would call a brother. I will forever miss Brandon on this earthly world, but I know he is truly in the best seat in Heaven being able to livestream the Madill Wildcats whenever he wants now.”
SavannahMartinsaidshe will miss his presence in the community and at church.
“To have known Brandon is to love him. He was that impactful,” she said. “Our family had the honor of sitting in front of Brandon every Sunday in church. He always said hi, made small talk or side hug.”
“Everyone had love for him and knew him well,” she continued. “He was always kind and genuine. He always greetedyoubyyournameand could tell you any stat you needed from any game/event played in the past, especially if it was the Wildcats.”
“He was amazing and a true inspiration to all. Honestly, we need to all strive to be like him. He was gone too soon but his legacy will live forever. His infectious smile could brighten up anyone’s day. Talk about sprinkling a little Jesus wherever you go, he was that guy. He used to tell me randomly a couple times to be exact ‘hey I have been praying for your family or for your brother this week.’ That meant the world to me and still does.”
“HetoldKorleeandIather college signing when giving her advice ‘if you love what you do you will never have to work a day in your life’. He was speaking about himself, also,” Martin continued. “I’m not sure anyone loved MHS like he did his saying ‘It’s A Great Day to Be a Wildcat’ will always be more special to everyone. I know without a doubt he’s in Heaven rejoicing with the Lord, that does give me comfort during this hard time. I just know Madill won’t ever be the same without him. I’m blessed to have known him he will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
“Brandon Jacks you were so loved,” one posted. “I truly hope you know how many people thought so fondly of you.”
Another poster used the word ‘humble’ to describe him.
“If I could think of one word to describe Brandon Jacks it would be humble,” they posted. “Brando never needed a “thank you” or a “good job” but he was well warranted one.
He was just a good human. He never failed to make someone smile or feel loved. Never failed to talk about Jesus. Never failed to let you know it’s all going to be okay. Sometimes by not speaking a word.”
“Thanks Brando for leaving suchabeautifulimpacton everyone you came in contact with.,” the poster continued. “We’ll try to keep it going.”
Madill Public Schools made a post to try and verbalize their thoughts about Jacks.
“Today, our community lost an incredible person, and it feels like the world is a little dimmer without him. Brandon Jacks was one of the mostamazingpeopleI’veever known. He was uplifting, encouraging, and always your biggest cheerleader. He had a heart for God, a love for people, and a way of making everyone around him feel seen and valued.”
“Brandon was pure and genuine. He was a light in this world who made such a lasting impact on so many lives. Our community will never be the same without him, but the legacy he leaves behind is something we’ll carry forever.”
“If you knew Brandon, you know how much he loved others and how he lived his life through Christ. He wasn’t just a good example, he was the best example of what it means to live with faith, love, and purpose.”
“It’s hard to put into words how much he meant to all of us, but I want people to rememberthejoy,encouragement, and love he brought to this world. Let’s honor him by living with the same light he always shared so freely.”
The community held a Friday Night Lights vigil in honor of Jacks on January 3. Family and friends went to the football field and lit it up to honor the man that so many people loved. They played some of Jacks’ favorite Christian music, shared memories of Jacks and even held a moment of silence in his memory.