By Mark Kennedy

Jack W. Boone began his adult life by spending four years in the US Army during WW II. He was selected for training by British Commandos in Scotland for future invasions, raids on enemy territory and close combat operations. He participated in the invasions of North Africa and Sicily. For his combat roles, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. After returning to the United States he was assigned as an assistant G3 and combat training officer. He commanded a training facility for special operations. He left the service after the war.

Prior to, during and after his military years, he came to know several writers and other creative people. The group spent a lot of their free time discussing writing and the arts and what they hoped would be their role in it in the future. During that time, he was only an interested observer with no thought of participating, however that experience probably planted the seed for him to become a writer later.

After his discharge the challenge of business took over and he spent the next forty years building his very successful group of companies. They were in real estate, mortgage banking, construction, land development, property syndication, publishing and several other related fields. He has received national publicity for his various business activities on several occasions.

After he retired from business he decided to write a few stories for his own amusement. To date he has written seventeen books including eight full-length novels, four novelettes, two nonfiction books and three short story books. In addition, he has written numerous essays, articles, guest columns for newspapers and personality profiles of prominent people he knew for historical books. He coauthored a three-act play and much more.

His initial plan was to give the books to charities to be used for fund raisers and other nonprofit causes. He did not plan to commercially market his work. The reaction to his books has been exceptionally good, with people calling to order copies for friends and relatives. After such a favorable reception, he recently decided to place them on the commercial market where the proceeds could be directed to other worthy causes. He gives generously to charities.

He continues to write every day and aspires to finish all of the more than twenty writing projects he has outlined for himself including two novels presently in development.

He and his wife of nearly 60 years have traveled in more than 45 countries in the world during his business career and on vacations. They presently reside in Marietta, Georgia, where he is active in civic clubs as a member and guest speaker. He recently started a writing program for fourth grade students in several local schools. He wrote half of a short story and the students finish it. Winners are selected by members of the Marietta Golden "K" Kiwanis Club and the schools. Prizes are awarded for the best finished story.