Jack died of AIDS in mid 1999
Jack L. Jensen
Jack L Jensen has called Little Rock home for the last ten years. You ask "Who is Jack Jensen?". Those of us involved with anything related to HIV/ AIDS in Arkansas knows Jack Jensen.
Foremost Jack Jensen has had full-blown AIDS since Sept. 1988. Since that time Jack has given many hours of service to the effort of fighting ignorance, education and proactive behavior for those living with AIDS. He has volunteered his time, energy and his money to the betterment of those living with AIDS as well as those affected with the disease.
Jack was born April 20, 1949 in Baudeax, France. He came to live in Council Bluffs, IA in 1954. He is a 1973 graduate of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth MN. Since that time he was in the United States Air Force and worked with developmentally disabled children in public schools. Jack moved to California and founded the largest privately owned real estate company in California at the time. Jack came to Arkansas Shortly after being diagnosed with AIDS and has called our great state home ever since.
When asked what one thing would he like everyone of you to know, Jack's reply was "AIDS knows no boundary, and it will kill you." Jack is a reminder to each and everyone of us that AIDS is still very real and is still running rampant in our community as well as expanding to other communities. "We must now become the teacher and show those that have thus far been spared this terrible disease that it can happen to you."
Jack spent the last ten years of his life concentrating on living with, not dying from AIDS. Near the end, he was volunteering his time assisting persons affected with HIV/AIDS, using his experience and wisdom to assist others in his same situation. Jack worked tirelessly with HPWA (Helping People with AIDS) and the Ryan White Center. Late in 1997, Jack founded ASSA (The AIDS Service Society of Arkansas). He was awarded the Ryan White Center's Lifetime Achievement Award for his work.
Among the many accolades he received, was the honor of being Grand Marshal for Rodeo in the Rock '99. It gave Jack great pride and pleasure. A short time after the rodeo, Jack died. He is greatly missed for his hard work and friendship.
When we originally wrote his biography for the April rodeo, Jack wanted everyone to know that AIDS knows no boundaries, and it will kill you. AIDS is still very real and is running rampant in our state and country. Let Jack's death be a reminder to all of us that the battle is not over.