JOHN JACKS (August 1934 – April 2025)
Wednesday 09 April 2025
Sadly, former British Showjumping Chairman John Jacks passed away peacefully on 1 April at the age of 90.
John was a well-known horseman who had been involved in horses for his whole life and served as Chairman of British Showjumping in 2003 to 2004.
A respected British Showjumping judge, course-designer and showjumping trainer, John was a long-standing member of British Showjumping’s Volunteer Network, becoming Area Representative for Area 28 Norfolk from 1986 – 1997 while still working as Operations Manager for Air UK. John again served as Area Representative for Norfolk from 2012 and was Regional Representative for Region Central East – covering Northamptonshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and part of Greater London – for 12 years.
As an instructor and trainer, John taught numerous riders of all standard and encouraged many of his Pony Club and Riding Club pupils to join British Showjumping. After giving many years of commitment and expertise to the Sport in many different facets, he was deservedly awarded and Honorary Life Membership of British Showjumping in 2011. However, as well as watching his pupils gain success, he also enjoyed watching first his daughter Philippa Franks, as well as his second daughter Plum and son Gareth, who started riding through Pony Club, then to Eventing and Showjumping, followed by his two grandsons Steven and Chris, compete up to international level both here and in Europe.
John was also a Director of British Showjumping (then BSJA) from 1998 to 2009, a Director of British Equestrian (BEF) from 2003 to 2005 and Chairman of Showjumping Judges Panel at the prestigious and popular Royal Norfolk Show for over 20 years.
“John was a lovely man and a gentleman who always had time for us all, the direction he gave us as Chairman was always first class,” said David Broome.
A gentleman passionate about horses and the sport who will be sadly missed by all who met him. Our thoughts are with Polly, his wife, and children Philippa, Plum and Gareth. RIP John.
