Jack "J.K." Kermit Rider, II
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Jack Kermit Rider, II., J.K. as he was best known, passed away after a lengthy illness February 19th at Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center in Suffolk, VA. He was 61.
Born August 13, 1959 in Easton, J.K. loved cars and motorcycles from an early age, getting his first job at the age of eleven at Miller's Body Shop, sweeping the floors and learning how cars worked. He bought his first vehicle two years later - a 1961 Chevrolet Corvair truck he drove all over the family farm.
When the family moved to town in 1974, he brought his motorcycle with him, much to the dismay of local police who would chase him through town, always with a smile on his face as he raced to reach home before he was caught.
J.K. had an equal love of music. He developed a keen ear and became a well-known DJ and sound engineer, working with bands like Smokehouse, Black Dog Alley and Bird Dog & The Road Kings.
His life changed in 1980 when he met his future wife, Dana Sard of Easton. They married in 1983 and their son, Dustin Cycle Rider of Preston, was born later that year. He was a devoted husband and father, enjoying greatly domesticity. After Dana's tragic death in 2002, J.K. and Dustin grew closer, remaining best friends for the rest of his life.
Seeking a change of pace, J.K. moved to Norfolk, VA to take care of his mother and stepfather, Harriett Ann (Dawkins) and Lee Cooper in 2015. His natural ease and charisma quickly earned him many new friends, spending his time fishing and listening to music.
In 2018 he suffered a series of strokes which afflicted his remaining years. Though disabled, his spirit was not broken. His natural toughness helped him survive, but his decline was inevitable.
J.K. is survived by his son, Dustin, mother Ann and brother Darrin Clague Owens of Easton, nephews Christopher Baillif of Cambridge and Jason Baillif of Easton, brother-in-law Sonny Baillif of Chestertown, step parents Sam and Teresa Owens of Snow Hill, and many great nephews and nieces, cousins and close friends.
He was preceded by his father, Jack Kermit Rider, sister Faith Ann (Baillif) and wife Dana.
At his request a memorial service will not be held, though a celebration of life will eventually happen.
In lieu of flowers the family asks contributions be made in his name to:
Talbot County Addictions Program (T C A P)
c/o Talbot County Health Department
100 South Hanson St.
Easton, MD 21601