Swatting Lizards in Bangkok

Is his name John, Jack or Joaquin? "My supervisor, Jeff Banker, hasn't called me Jack for eight years," Jack said, explaining that the Hispanics dubbed him Joaquin. Jack has been a bridge carpenter with Wildcat Concrete Services since 1996. Previously, he was a strip form concrete supervisor for Younglove Construction where he built 83 grain elevators and 14 feed mills. Born in Peoria, Ill. Jack grew up in Melbourne, Australia, while his father worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company. Jack and Marna particularly like projects that involve high school scholarships. Jack is also a serious gardener - he likes the challenge that comes with hybrid plants - and he loves drives in the country with his wife; experiencing the sights and sounds of the change of seasons; and cold beer while fishing. Widowed in 1996, Jack met Marna while working a Wildcat job at Fort Gibson. They were married in 2004. "She brought five wonderful grandchildren into the marriage," Jack said. "Kenny, John, Andy, Sandy and Becky. "I particularly like the everyday challenge of work," Jack continued. "The people are friendly and I enjoy the interesting interaction with our Hispanic employees. The cultural differences are sometimes difficult, but when approached with understanding and humor, it works well." SWATTING LIZARDS IN BANGKOK A Family Memoir From Pakistan to Peoria, SWATTING LIZARDS IN BANGKOK will lift your spirits as young Jack and Jerry endear themselves to you. Their advanced adventures around the globe will give you a warm heart, a laugh, and remembrance of your own growth into adulthood. Jerry Page