MIDDLE FORK – Jeffery Scott Tackett, 52, formerly of Paintsville, and the co-director of the Water Into Wine Food Pantry and volunteer firefighter, passed away on February 23, 2024, at the Hazard ARH.
Tackett was instrumental in operations and development of programs with the Water Into Wine Food Pantry, and was known in the community for his hard work and dedication to helping others.
He was born on June 23, 1972, in Paintsville, KY to the late Milton & Hazel Brown Tackett. Jeffery was a beloved figure in the Magoffin County community, and he touched the lives of many with his kind heart and compassionate nature.
Jeffery’s main goal was to meet our heavenly Father. He was deeply involved in his faith community, being a member of the Kernie Freewill Baptist Church and also worshiping at Lakefront Church of God. Jeffery always found solace and strength in his spiritual belief.
Jeffery was a co-director and big part of the Water Into Wine Food Pantry. He helped move the pantry from a paper base program to one of being computerized; introducing a computer program that eventually went statewide with of food pantries in Kentucky. Jeff, also, started the Order Ahead Program for the Water Into Wine Food Pantry. This Order Ahead Program is currently the only one in Kentucky and second/third one in the Nation. He worked numerous hours helping others with all their various needs.
Jeffery started the WLFC internet radio station. He saw the need in our community for a faith based radio station and worked endlessly to make that idea become a reality. The WLFC radio has become an outstanding station that has reached numerous countries and addressed various interests of its listeners like weather forecast, local obituaries, great music and ministry sessions.
He continued his love, kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others by being a member of the Middle Fork Fire Department. After the devastating flood to our surrounding counties, Jeff worked endlessly with the Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department. He worked days upon days helping the devastated people of that community with their various needs of clothes, food, and shelter or offering a kind listening ear and helping hand. His kindness will never be forgotten.
Another amazing thing that Jeffery did was to help publish the Appalachian Magazine. This magazine is published quarterly will a variety of interesting information related to the Appalachian area and Lakefront Ministries. The current edition that will be out shortly has a wonderful testimony that Jeffery Scott Tackett wrote.
We don’t say goodbye to our friend and brother Jeffery Scott Tackett, but we’ll see you later. As Jeffery always said, “Love One Another, Pray For One Another, As Jesus First Did For You!”
Eulogy read at a memorial service
for Jeffery Tackett held last weekend:
When Jeff first came into our lives, we did not know him. A fellow Christian called Larry and Sarah and asked if they could help Jeff with a place to stay. They debated this since they did not know him, but decided to give it a try. At that time they did not know that we would not only be helping him but he was going to come into our family, Church and community and give back many times over the help we rendered him.
Right off the bat, Jeff was a natural, working with Water into Wine food pantry and Christian Appalachian Project. He was always optimistic and eager to take on any new project. He instituted the system where the pantry clients could be issued a card with a barcode that could then be scanned to expedite service and cut down on paperwork. Many of the food pantries in Eastern Kentucky collaborated with Jeff to set up similar systems in their food pantries.
After the pandemic, Jeff set up and implemented one of the first online food pantry shopping systems which resulted in improved service and “client’s choice”. It was Jeff’s idea to have the large information TV in the lobby. He took great pride in keeping the current announcements, weather, functions and birthdays updated. He was responsible for scheduling events and birthday parties in the gym. He helped set up the prayer and announcement line as well as the Lakefront Church web and Facebook page so we could easily share information. He helped design the Church sign out front. He wanted it to say Lakefront Church of God and Outreach Ministries. Jeff was the embodiment of the outreach ministry.
During the pandemic there were many challenges like school shut down and distance learning. Jeff helped arrange for tutoring for the kids to prevent them from getting too far behind in their classes. He also took on several students himself. He worked with Kentucky Colonels to establish a small computer lab to be utilized by those individuals that did not have the internet. Most recently he was involved in distributing refurbished computers to area students. Jeff helped secure funding and support for Second Chances thrift store. He took regular photographs and videos to advertise the store’s inventory on Facebook.
Jeff set up, obtained funding and supervised WLFC, a Christian internet radio station. Free radio time was given for radio ministry. He had one teen Media student, Tiffany Hoskins, who presided over her own radio show. He also implemented “Story Time” that was broadcast into several countries in their own language. This was made possible with the support of his fellow missionary friends, Richard and Edith Hochstetler.
When the flood occurred in our area in 2023, Jeff worked tirelessly to secure aid for the remote areas in Breathitt County. He developed a strong working relationship with Middle Fork and Rousseau fire departments to ensure needed supplies were delivered to the area. Jeff encouraged his far-reaching connections and friends to become involved in humanitarian flood relief.
When the weather began to get cold, Jeff was the known contact for the Community Action Program electric and fuel assistance. He assisted individuals interested in employment with job searches, applications and resumes. He assisted the medically uninsured to apply for insurance. He helped place homeless individuals and families. Jeff was connected to local programs that employed senior citizens and young adults, securing them positions in community service areas.
Jeff helped organize the Stephen J. Risner Quilt Closet. This is a quilt ministry for families who have lost loved ones and cannot afford a casket spray or to those that just prefer the personal touch that a quilt sewn with love can provide. Lakefront Church of God teamed up with Wisconsin missionaries who generously provide the quilts. These quilts are hand made with love and given freely to the families.
Jeff was the author and editor of a quarterly publication called “Appalachia”. The magazine contained human interest stories, recipes and photographs and was financially supported by his friends, Richard and Edith Hochstetler.
Jeff did not let religious barriers hinder his work. He was a faithful member of Kernie Freewill Baptist Church where he helped prepare Sunday breakfast, taught Sunday School and attended Bible study. He lived and worked at Lakefront Church of God, Water into Wine Food Pantry and Christian Appalachian Project. Jeff worked as a mediator for the community and the Catholic Church through his dear friends, Richard and Edith Hochstetler. Jeff was also a member of the Middle Fork Fire Department. He participated in their events and fundraising adventures.
Jeff was able to accomplish all these things and still be kind, helpful, polite, understanding, non-judgmental, giving, honest, faithful and loving. Most of all he was able to do these things without a house, car, job, income, family or good health.
What does a Christlike character look like? It’s one that overflows with the fruit of the Spirit that Jesus displayed. Galatians 5:22 tells us a Christlike character will show forth love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. I am convinced that Jeffery Scott Tacket displayed the Fruit of the Spirit in his everyday walk.
