Remembering
Jack Abel's Legacy

Rev. Jack Abel, Caron’s beloved leader of our Spiritual Care Team passed away on October 9. For more than 15 years at Caron, Jack touched our lives with his kindness, wisdom, love and unwavering dedication to our community, offering guidance and support through so many of life’s moments. He was a champion for our patients and their families and for the role of Spirituality in recovery because he understood that recovery is rooted in healing the spiritual pain caused by addiction. Jack’s presence was a true “beacon of light” for our patients, families, alumni and staff. He was always there with a compassionate word, a loving and open heart, and a spirit of faith that enriched us all. His legacy of faith, love and service will remain a part of who we are and will continue to live on in all of our hearts - inspiring hope, healing and strength for generations to come.

As we continue to mourn and reflect on the profound and lasting impact that Reverend Jack Abel had on us both individually and as a community, we are grateful to share that a Celebration of Life is planned for December 5 at 2 p.m. in Chit Chat auditorium followed by a reception at McGlinn Dining Hall.

In the meantime, friends, alumni, family members and colleagues have shared with us beautiful memories of how Jack impacted their lives which are compiled below. Thank you to everyone who shared, your memories have been comforting to all of us.

I am saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Reverend Jack Abel. He was a big help to me and others in my group during my stay at Caron in 2022. May he rest in peace and his memories and mission continue to live on.
- Craig G.

I arrived at Caron at 15 years old with no desire to get clean/sober and an avalanche of baggage I couldn’t fathom sharing with a single soul. Reverend Jack was the first person to sit with me and share some of his deeply personal life experiences. He did so in the most kind and candid way. He was the first person I trusted enough to begin sharing with. He became my spiritual advisor after that and I flourished. He was one of the biggest positive influences I had at Caron at 15, and again at 17 and throughout my life up until now. I will miss him dearly and will never forget him or the impact he had on my life. Rest in the sweetest peace Reverend Jack, Thank you for helping to save my life by sharing yours, and for always being a kind, gentle and caring man.
- Brianna CT

Reverend Jack was the embodiment of radical acceptance. My eternal gratitude for his generous sharing of his gifts and talents with everyone he met. May he Rest In Peace.
- Marianne O.

When I was a client at Caron, Jack was my spiritual advisor.
For anyone getting sober, all practical and spiritual concepts seem insurmountable. I told him a story of an emblem (a lucky charm) that I had had for years but I had lost. And for some reason, I felt like I was lost without it. Jack got up, and pried that same symbol off of one of his fancy degrees hanging on the wall. And gave it to me.

We had discussions about the spiritual malady and the spiritual solution. But it was that one act of kindness that has stuck with me. And I've been carrying that emblem with me, along with my coin, for 16 years of continuous sobriety.

He was the complete embodiment of "Give freely of what you find".

What a gift. Thank you Jack.
- Jen W.

I was at Caron May-June 2023. I was told that the music during Chapel was really good and was thinking about attending, but I am an atheist and didn't want to offend anyone with my attendance just for the music. I went a little early and asked Father Jack if he minded that I attended. He said, "No! I was an atheist too! Everyone is welcome here!" The message was beautiful that day and I went to chapel every Sunday I was there, and have driven six hours to return. May his family find comfort and grace knowing that he was so beloved by so many.
- Julianna T.

I’m forever grateful for Rev. Jack’s moving and insightful talks each Sunday, at Caron Chapel Services.

Will cherish my Recovery Coins I received am from him.

My prayers to Rev. Jack, his family and everyone at Caron. 🙏
- Michele F.

I loved him from a far distance away. Utah. As my daughter struggled with addiction. I listened to him every Monday morning on the YouTube channel

I sure hope he is happy with the Lord now. Caron chapel services are not the same without him.
- Melony A.

I attended chapel every Sunday while my loved one was at Caron. It became something I cherished and looked forward to each week. Reverend Jack touched my heart as he led each Sunday with such compassion, empathy and humor. He truly understood what individuals were going through. I loved the music element and having the residents perform each week. He will be deeply missed by all.
- Susan M.

Jack was a champion of the power of music to help heal people in recovery. He also, with no preparation, gave one of the most moving prayers I have ever heard just before a music group I was leading. I will never forget the feeling in the room when he became a channel for spirit to come in. He will be sorely missed.
- Kathy M.

Reverend Jack had such a profound influence with me during a very difficult time. His services and sermons were very uplifting and he brought together so many of us through the music and faith he projected.
- J E

Jack was the most gracious of souls —and will always live on in the hearts of the thousands of men and women he inspired and supported specific to recovery and life on life’s terms.

Jack was humble, kind, generous and deeply honest! Jack lived as he preached and will forever be an example of integrity and heart

On a personal note, Jack had played a huge part in my recovery and will continue to live on as I journey forward with the many lessons he shared with me and my fellow
- Andy B.

Breaks my heart to lose this incredible human being. His impact on our family will forever be remembered with love. Rest in Peace dear friend.
- Joanne M.

Thank you, Jack, for your kind soul and welcoming heart. You left your mark on this world and have touched many, many lives.
- Allison P.

Rev. Jack and I built a beautiful relationship rooted in his ability to lead with curiosity and compassion - to greet challenge with willingness to be open and ever a student - I will miss my knowing him.
- Rev. Erica P.

When I went to Caron about six months ago, I was very off put by the fact there was mandatory chapel. Staff members told me just to go and I’m glad I did. Sunday I sat through chapel and really enjoyed it. Rev. Jack was very inclusive and just an all around caring and wonderful guy. When I went up to him after chapel to introduce myself and thank him for his service, he gave me a warm hug and then we talked briefly. Even in our brief interaction, Rev. Jack remembered my name and we spoke several times afterwards while I was in YAMP.

Reverend Jack was an all around inspiration while in early recovery. He has touched the hearts of everyone he met. May he rest in peace.
- Sal D.

When I arrived at my third rehab in 12 months, I was completely beaten down by my alcoholism. I wanted so badly to be sober but just didn’t think I had what it took to fight my disease and stay sober.

There were many influential people at Caron who had a major impact on my journey to sobriety. The charismatic, compassionate, witty and sage spiritual guru Reverend Jack was one of them. I got news yesterday than he passed away unexpectedly and I’m heartbroken.

Reverend Jack had a bright personality that was quirky and unique and made you want to stop and listen to everything he had to say. He had a way of making you feel important, like he was talking right to your soul whether you were one on one or one of a few hundred in his lecture or Chapel service.

I remember being in Chapel on my first day out of detox. The legendary Father Bill was up front with Reverend Jack and they were sharing sermons and stories of hope and recovery. I cried and laughed through the entire two hours and finally felt like I found my people. I knew this is where I needed to be to work on myself, love myself and believe in myself.

I saw Reverend Jack every time I returned to campus for an event, including my yearly coin ceremony to celebrate another year sober. I always looked forward to his big smile, a tight embrace and his yelling, “ahhhhh another year sober!”

To me, he was a symbol of hope, a messenger of faith and an inspiration that reminded me that I was capable and deserving of a sober life. I can say without a doubt, I wouldn’t be sober without him.

The recovery world lost a good one on Thursday. I’m just so grateful our paths crossed. I was blessed to know him, learn from him and look up to him.

Thank you Reverend Jack, you helped me more than you’ll ever know. I’ll keep doing the next right thing and keep a little piece of you with me always.
- Amy M.

Jack was such a compassionate and inspirational man bringing a pastoral dimension to the care of our patients. Really really enjoyed working with him at Caron and will be truly missed. I was very blessed to have known him….
- Diane M.

He told what I needed to hear at just the right time. Gave me reassurance that I was welcome to join in the service at the chapel.

His help to me, I believe, earned him a seat next to God.

Imagine the welcoming he received at his arrival. With all the people he gave reassurances too,He earned that seat.
- Randy L.

First day of working at breakthrough at Caron - April 1, 2009, I met and just fell in love with jack. smart, philosophical, funny, musical- ever expanding complexity of what it is to be a sober being who lives and moves and has his being in that transformative and mystical power called god. although the times we spoke were fewer over the years - I feel an everlasting impact of Jack's being on mine. in fact, without knowing he had his final exhale- just this day, today, at Onsite in Nashville I taught about the presence of absence.....which I learned from jack...through a book he brought to my awareness by Jean-Luc Marion "god without being"... today, my heart knows more fully this presence.. because there most certainly is today an astounding presence of absence. fare thee well, my friend.
- Kathleen M.

One of the most memorable times for my husband during his 28 days at Caron was Father Jack's presentation about the role of spiritual connection in recovery. Thank you, Father Jack.
- Cathy K.

So very sad and sorry! Rev Jack was a light to us as we struggled with family addictions. 2011.

Fly high to well earned rest Rev. Jack!!
- Julie L.

He prayed with me and listened to my story. He was the first person that didn’t judge me and looked at me as a human being, not a disappointment. You could feel his compassion for others radiating in everything he did.
- Kylie M.

On the morning of my last chapel at Caron Reverend Jack told me that I was a talented writer and poet, and I could help many people by sharing my story one day. He also told me not to “screw it up” referring to sobriety. His words still echo in my ears today. I will forever be grateful for the confidence he helped instill within me. He was a beautiful soul and I will forever be grateful for the role he played in saving my life.
- Christina M.

Very sad to hear this news…

I am so grateful to Jack. My rehab stay involved several talks with him as well as his group talks, Sunday observances and working together in the Christmas play! Jack was warm, kind, funny and wise—an amazing human. This is a sad and significant loss. Prayers and love to his family and to the Caron family…so glad to have known you Jack, your love for life and for addicts was felt in every encounter. Respect.
- David C.

It is with much respect that I share that I had the privilege and honor to work as a counselor at Caron for a period while Rev. Jack touched many lives with his spiritual giving heart. The memories of the many times I witnessed his passionate messages communicated to those in early recovery will forever have a meaningful place in my heart. I am grateful to have witnessed his spiritual contributions to so many. May he rest in peace.
- Beth F.

i was at Caron for 1 month in 2024! so many memories. one of the best was of Rev Jack at the sunday service. such a bright light ! so much knowledge and insight! so much talent in so many ways!! he moved myself and my daughters and husband! i will never ever forget the impact he had on me! God gets another Angel!!!
- Joanne K.

He walked me through the steps on Caron campus. At each step his words of wisdom, and insight will never be forgotten. Rest in Peach dear man.
- Maxine L.

As a relapse patient, pastor Jack would hug me and tell me to never give up. You’re here for God’s purpose. I loved that man. He was right. I never gave up.

His services were all encompassing. Pastor Jack showed the love of God.
- Cynthia A.

Deidre and I will never forget his wonderful smile and unwavering need to care for others. Such a loss to our community. May God bless Jack.
- Lyle F.

Jack was faced with an extremely difficult assignment, when father Bill retired. Too often we heard he’s not doing what father bull would do. I say he was, just in Jack’s way, always carrying the message of HOPE AND HEALING.

Jack took on that mission of replacing Fr Bill, with GRACE AND HUMILITY AND CARRIED ON THE TRADITIONAL OF DICK and Catherine, as well as Fr Bill. Always providing the promise of Recovery. RIP REV.
- Mike E.

I first met Jack thirteen years ago, and at the time, he felt like a sidekick to Father Bill. However, he soon took on Father Bill's legacy with incredible passion, driving forward the vital spiritual mission at Caron with his remarkable vision. Every moment with Jack was memorable; he had a unique ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. This highlighted Jack's humility, as his intellect was evident when you spent time with him. His kindness and love were abundant, and he offered unwavering support for our shared efforts to assist those on their recovery journeys. Jack will be deeply missed, but I think his spirit will continue to thrive in the lives he touched and the meaningful work he dedicated himself to.
- Eric R.

One of my most cherished memories of Reverend Jack is how is voice would grow louder with excitement as he stood at the chapel podium, passionately speaking about the miracle of recovery and how it overcomes addiction. He would get so revved up that his voice would actually shriek! That energy was so inspiring and uplifting for patients and families, giving them hope. His deep love for words and their meaning also inspired me, showing how powerful language can be in the journey of recovery. Thank you for everything you taught us, Rev Jack.
- Danielle F.

Hi, so sad to hear about Jack’s sudden passing. I was at Caron in 2020. I talked to Jack several times. He was such a kind spiritual man. I felt so comfortable talking with him. He eased my anxiety and fears that comes along with being in treatment. I’ve been watching on YouTube, wasn’t the same as being in person with him. Jack and his Family and the Caron family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Mary S.

Rev Jack’s celebrations were wonderful on Sunday mornings. He made me feel so comfortable during a time in my life when comfort was hard to find. May he rest in peace.
- K C

He saved my life. So glad I got to tell him this at last year's spiritual retreat.
- Charles T.