We are saddened to announce the passing of Jack L. Rivers who has left us at the age of 86. Jack’s life was defined by his passion for golf, his years at Rivers Ford, his love for a good time with family and friends, and his unwavering devotion to his wife, Patti.

The son of Vagie H. Rivers and Jewel D. Rivers, Jack and his older brother, Jimmy were born in Alden Bridge, Louisiana, grew up in Monroe and Farmerville and spent their entire lives in the area.

From a young age, Jack found his talent and much success on the golf course. He picked up the game at age 11 and within four months, under the tutelage of the legendary Winnie Cole, he was entering and winning tournaments. By the time he finished high school, Jack had won the state junior amateur title, among others, and earned himself a golf scholarship at Louisiana State University.

After winning the state junior crown in 1955, Jack advanced to the National Jaycees Junior Amateur Championship in Fargo, North Dakota. “They paired me with this fat kid from Ohio, who could hit it a mile. I shot a 69, but he still ate my lunch.” The “fat kid” from Ohio was Jack Nicklaus.

As a young father focused on his business career, Jack took a break from tournament golf for about 15 years. But, when he turned 50, Jack returned to the fairways and told his brother Jim, (a multiple Seniors winner), move over, “I am coming after you!”

Beyond the greens, Jack was president of the Neville High School student body his senior year. In his adult years, he ran Rivers Ford with his brother and promoted the prosperity of the community at the Better Business Bureau and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

In 2000, Jack and Patti transformed the “camp” to a full-time residence at Lake D’arbonne and you could always be sure to find them on the patio admiring the view in the good company of family or friends. His children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren all have wonderful memories on the lake, swimming, fishing, learning to ski, or sunset-cruising on the party barge.

Jack has now happily reunited with Patti and the many loved ones who preceded him while those of us who remain will mourn his passing, miss his warm personality, quick wit, and big smile. Jack is survived by his children and their spouses, Dawn Sarasin, Amy and Ray Rivers, Robin and Mike Daly; his stepchildren Amonica Rupe, Agita and John Richardson; his grandchildren and their spouses, Tatiana Sarasin, Alexandra and Hakan Veyrat, Christophe Sarasin, Kristen and Jack Rivers, Kara and Ted Helfrich, Sydney Rivers and Quincy Nichols, Audrey Keller and Doug Shiver; Grant and Griffin Rupe, Parker Richardson; his great-grandchildren Adem and Ethan Veyrat Sarasin, Louisa and Teddy Helfrich, Elizabeth Rose Rivers; sister-in-law, Debbie Rivers; beloved nieces and nephews and their families, Cindy and John Perry, Chelle Rivers, Stephie and Bob Randolph, Jay Rivers, Quincie Rivers.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dr. David Bryan, Henry Cole, J.D. Greco, Tobie McKown, Chip Norman, Ryan Sartor, Dr. David Trettin, Dr. Ronnie Woods and Fred Hill.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at First Methodist Church of Monroe with Reverend Brian Mercer officiating. Services are under the direction and care of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of West Monroe.

A reception will be held after the service for family and friends at Bayou Desiard Country Club.

Online condolence messages may be made at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
Kilpatrick Funeral Home
West Monroe, LA

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