I think I can sum my father up in two words.
The first word presented itself to me in the mail when I was seven years old. One of my many jobs was to retrieve the day’s mail, and I began to notice that a number of letters were addressed to “Lion Lee Jolles.” I had no idea that he was in the Lions Club, and I just thought it was interesting that somehow the post office knew so much about him. They knew he was a lion of a man.
This Lion of a man left his mark on his country by fighting in multiple wars and not just surviving, but surviving D-Day on Omaha Beach when he was part of the 5th wave of the invasion force. Like many of that era, he didn’t talk much about it until years later. He simply accepted and endured the emotional pain of those events because, as he once told me, “that’s what soldiers do.” It seemed fitting that he was a corpsman (a marine who administered first aid to other soldiers.)
This Lion left his mark on a few chins by always standing up for what he thought was right, including one unlucky chin in Veterans Stadium when the Eagles were playing the Redskins. This particular Eagles fan wandered down to the Redskin fans, and decided it was okay to be rude and belligerent. We hear so much about those famous Philadelphia fans and the abuse they heap on opposing teams and opposing fans. That fan messed with the wrong Lion that day.
This Lion left his mark on the needy in so many ways. As a member of the Lions Club for over 52 years, he tirelessly helped raise money for the blind and visually challenged. But that’s far from the extent of his service to others. Decade after decade, he proudly gave his time, energy, and muscle to so many charities. Once retired in Florida in his late seventies, with my mother at his side, they often began their days at 7:00 am, by picking up food from the supermarkets and distributing these foods to homeless shelters, shelters for abused children, and aids patients. Into his eighties, he worked almost daily at the Lions thrift center. He not only gave of his time, but for years, he gave candy and toys to young, less fortunate children…paid for from his own pocket.
This Lion left his mark on his community by leading multiple scout troops. His scout troops were legendary, his teaching unique, and his ability to inspire extraordinary. In fact, in 1968, he took over a troop of seven boys, and that year he led them into a competition against 55 other troops and won. In 1969, as this troop began to grow, he led two patrols into that same competition and won first and second place. In 1970, he led three patrols and won first, second and third. He created a scouting experience so profound, that this little troop of seven expanded to over 140 boys in less than three years.
This Lion left his mark on his family by sharing his love, and most importantly, by being present. He was an amazing salesman, amassing decades of awards, and yet, he made sure he was home with his family no later than 5:00 pm just about every day of his life, a fact he was fiercely proud of. He accomplished this even though he was in a profession that required a great deal of nighttime appointments for success, and yet, he figured out a different way to conduct his business. He would not compromise on time away from his family.
The fact is, this Lion left his marks not just by what he did, but by what he taught us:
- To not just lead, but to charge.
- To not just win, but to dominate.
- To not just teach, but to inspire.
- To not just create, but to innovate.
- To not just write a check, but to dedicate yourself through your actions to help the less fortunate.
- To not just confront, but to stand up for yourself or for others who aren’t able to.
- To not just speak, but to roar.
At his passing, I pledged my word, as the son of this Lion, to honor my father by continuing the legacy he left. I ask you to join me. We can charge, and we can dominate, we can inspire, and we can innovate. We can stand up for ourselves when it is called for; we can help the less fortunate, and we can certainly roar.
I told you that two words summed up my father, and I haven’t yet told you the second word. Once again, I take you back to the mailbox, and the day the Post Office threw a curve ball my way. Just as I was comfortable reading those letters addressed to “Lion Lee Jolles,” it seems he got promoted. He forget to tell me, his then eight-year-old son.
He had become his club’s President, which is hardly surprising since he was never one to sit on the sidelines of any club or organization he belonged to. Do you know what they call the leader of the Lions Club? His new title started appearing on the letters addressed to him, and you know, I didn’t even flinch this time. It just made sense. The letters were addressed to “King Lion Lee Jolles.”
I miss walking beside you, King Lion. You truly made this family, this country, and this world, a better place… and I will never forget your roar.
Rob – Wonderful writing and a lovely tribute to your father!
Thank you Joan. I’m so glad so many people got to know him today.
Rob,
Such a great tribute to such a wonderful man. You are a blessed person for having such a wonderful role model. Your Dad is so proud of you! You are such a special friend and I admire your ability to communicate and carry on the Jolles legacy. Continue to roar as your father will hear you and his memories will comfort your soul!
Thank you. One of his many sayings when I was a little low was, “One foot in front of the other.” So happy to receive your comments.
Rob,
I have heard you talk many times about your father. He and you should be proud. You have become your father. Glenn
I’m not sure I’m worthy of that comments, but it is one of the nicest things you could say to me. Thank you Glenn.
Wonderful tribute to a great man! Your Dad also raised another great lion, leader and great American!
Neil
That was one of his many blessings. He raised many, many lions through his actions and leadership. Thank you Neil for taking a moment and sharing your kind words.
Rob,
A fantastic piece I really enjoyed reading. Your sentiments remind me of those I have towards my deceased grandfather. Born 1917 and a Royal Navy veteran of WW2. He too was at D-Day as well as Anzio, Dunkirk, Battle of Narvik and was sunk aboard HMS Prince of Wales. Oh how much he still lives in the hearts of all his children and grandchildren. I’ll think about King Lion this coming Veteran’s Day and wear a Poppy for him.
Alex.
I’m hoping I was able to put words to so many others who we’ve been fortunate to have in our lives. Sometimes our fathers, or mothers, or grandparents, siblings, teachers, and friends. I am very appreciate to have read your words Alex.
Hi Rob,
It was such a priviledge to know and work with your dad. He truly was a remarkable man. My days in the scout troup left a strong positive impression on me. I loved those days. I am so glad I got to visit with him and you several years ago as well. I will always remember and be inspired by King Lion!
We’ve got a member of Troop 3 in the house. Bob Haller, one sharp scout and a part of the first class of Eagles that troop produced. You had a front row seat in front of that lion. Thanks for your words.
Quite a write up about your Dad and your fond memories of him. Interestingly enough, I also do not remember my Dad’s passing away date, but I will never forget his birthday. I love your lessons learned from your Dad, they are valuable and meaningful, I wish we could all live by them. Ricardo
I have no interest in that date when he left. As a matter of fact, I light a yahrzeit candle, normally lit to commemorate one’s passing on his birthday to commemorate his birth. Thanks for your words Ricardo.
Rob – I’m ‘speechless’! What a beautiful BLArticle! It’s your best effort, so far!
And why wouldn’t it be! Look at the great ‘model’ you based it on!
I can only ‘amplify’ the comments made by your other responders!
You are da man!!!
JM
“C.T.”
Thank you my good friend. I always look for your words when a BLArticle® is released. They always strike a cord.
Rob, what a wonderful tribute to your father! And what an incredible man. You are walking in his footsteps and leaving a great legacy of your own. I’m proud to know you!
I’d like to think so Nikki. Those are some big shoes, but he raised me to wear my own shoes, and took pride in those shoes of mine. Another great lesson he left for us.
Rob,
I lead one of those scout teams so long ago. I remember your father with his “roaring” voice and his demands we keep practicing so we would do our best. His work with us certainly was an important part of my young life. Thanks for reminding us of that
Another scout from Troop 3 who had a front row seat. That’s why I say he raised a bunch of lions. Thank you so much Alan for your thoughts today. It’s a good day for Lee Jolles!
I will always remember this leadership lesson of your Dad’s from our days in Boy Scouts:
“Don’t tell someone to Go along and do something. Ask them to COME along and do something!”
He was a master at motivating and inspiring others, while getting his own hands dirty in the process. Nice job Rob. We should all be so honoring of our parents.
Another man from that famous Troop who knew my dad well. You also pulled the big picture from that BLArticle®. The kindest thing you can do for those who do not have a parent is to hug your parent for us. Thanks Buzz.
Rob, what a tribute-what a man! It got me thinking about my dad. You and I both were very blessed in that regard.
Yes, that blessing we share is validated by the longing we feel, but I see it as a blessing, much like you. I’m so glad it made you think of your dad, and hearing your comment Craig. Thanks for the chiming in.
I think you have the best “dad” photo of all time. Thanks for sharing a little bit of the Lion with the rest of us domesticated cats!
He loved the deep water, and that’s a photo that I have up on my wall. I have it up there along with my six or seven favorite quotes I hang on to. So happy to read your comment Neal. Thanks.
Great job, Rob! Your Dad was a great man, and he deserves your warm eulogy. Would that more fathers were like him!
–Bill
They don’t refer to that generation as the “greatest” generation for nothing. Those were extraordinary times which shaped extraordinary people. Loved hearing from you Bill.
A very enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing your awesome Dad with us, Rob.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read it Steve. The best part about today is knowing so many more people know of Lee Jolles now… and can be reminded of such important principles.
Very Nice Rob. I wish I could have met him.
Well, you met a piece of him because I truly hope a part of him lives on in me. Thanks for posting my friend.
Felt like I was reading about my Pops! Life is about memories….. They help make the journey more fun! I always enjoy hearing the wisdom of our greatest generation…. And the new wisdom of their sons and daughters ! Thanks Rob, for sharing this wisdom and story! Catch up soon…. Mike.
Well then I sure wish I had met your Pops! The greatest generation. Ain’t that the truth! Glad it evoked some memories in you Mike, and thrilled you took the time to post your thoughts.
Your father would have been proud to stand next to the fine son he raised! He sounds like he was a good and honorable man. He instilled his son with the same love of family and the love of a good challenge! You approach life with an eternal optimism and eagerly face whatever life places before you! Yes, the Lion’s cub is now the Lion!
Thank you Victoria! I’m afraid that lion status belongs to my Dad others from that greatest generation, but I’m sure there’s an animal out there with my name on it. I deeply appreciate such a heartfelt comment. Again – thank you for those kind words and sentiment.
Without question your father’s tribute is echoed in your life. So much so that it has a rippling effect with everyone you come in contact with. His roar is felt in my life and your actions scream louder than anything that you could ever say. Your father was a man’s man thus making him a king. Now that kingdomhas been passed on to you…..Thanks Loin Lee Jolles.
I tell you Ron, he really was a one of kind guy, but I’m happy to have some of his traits, and his brown eyes. I can’t stress enough, when this lion entered a room, that room pivoted to where he landed in the room. Who he was on the inside is something I’d like to think I strive for, but I’m a realist. There was only one Kind Lion. I always appreciate hearing from you Ron. Thanks for lending your voice to this record-breaking BLArticle® chorus.
Your dad was a great person and a great leader. He put his heart and soul into scouting. Now 40 years later I still remember his motivational words like, “Can DO Troop 3”. I’m still in scouting today and contribute many of my leadership skills both in scouting and my profession to your dad. Rob great tribute to your dad.
Yet another member of Troop 3 jumping in. Not only was “Can Do” one of his many mottos, if you saved your shirt, that would now be around 40 years old, you’ll see he actually designed a patch we all sewed onto our uniforms that carried that phrase! Thank you very much for your words my friend.
Having married his daughter, I was fortunate to learn first hand the Lee Jolles’ approach to life, family and duty for which I shall be forever grateful.
He is a lasting influence on my life and the lives of his grandchildren.
Those who knew Lee Jolles are universal (except that Eagle’s fan) in their belief that he shall live on in our hearts.
Now here’s a true subject matter expert coming into the discussion. I’m so glad that so many have been reminded or introduced to a man who will live in our hearts forever. Great hearing your voice Howard.
I really loved this blog post, Simba. 😉 Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for reading it. Now, which character from Lion King would you be?