My journey through the early years of my life was deeply influenced by a man named Jacky Williams. Jacky was not just a friend; he was sort of a mentor, whose life philosophy has profoundly shaped my own.
Jacky had a way of presenting complex ideas in a simple, easy to understand manner. He believed that “the only difference between them and us is we have not been caught yet.” His skepticism wasn’t limited to the criminal justice system. He argued that “a contract is only good if the other signer wants it to be.”
Jacky was acutely aware of socio-economic disparities: “the Middle Class has made a good run on catching the Rich, but now they are putting us back in our place.”
One of Jacky’s most significant contributions to my worldview was introducing me to what they now call “the underserved people.” Through his years as a bartender, he met individuals society had overlooked — alcoholics, the near homeless, and those with mental conditions. These individuals became our workforce for stripping tobacco for several years.
Among our crew were characters whose lives seemed borrowed from adventure novels. John Henry boasted a past intertwined with John Dillinger’s. Tidd Bits recounted finding a tommy gun discarded by Al Capone’s gang after the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago. He also recounted hitchhiking across Kansas with John Henry, claiming Bonnie and Clyde stopped and gave them a ride.
Through Jacky Williams, I received an education about people, life, and the gray areas of morality before I turned 35.
About the Author
Kenny Browning is a lifelong resident of Marion County, Kentucky, with over 72 years of deep roots in the community. A passionate storyteller and history enthusiast, Kenny offers personalized tours that highlight the beauty and history of rural Kentucky.