He’s been sharing the history of Ship Island for decades. At 98, he has no plans to stop.
He’ll turn 98 on July 11, and you can find him at Ship Island.
Despite his age, Jack Madison remains an active and enthusiastic tour guide for the Gulf Islands National Seashore, leading tours to the island and Fort Massachusetts every Thursday.
Born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi, Jack’s deep-rooted connection to the Mississippi Coast and his unwavering passion for nature and history has left a lasting impression over the decades.
Jack joined the Boy Scouts in Biloxi during his youth, which sparked his love for nature and the outdoors. After graduating from Biloxi High School in 1943, he served in the military during World War II before being recalled to active duty for the Korean War.
“I’ve always been devoted to service of some sort,” Jack said.
Between the two conflicts, Jack also met his wife, Marilee in Eastern Tennessee. She later worked as a history teacher at Biloxi High School.
“It took a year, but we finally got married in 1949,” he said. Marilee also shares Jack’s love for history and nature.
When asked what initially inspired him to pursue a volunteer opportunity, Jack said “I have done a lot of camping across the U.S. It’s a part of me.” After camping in the Great Smoky Mountains and meeting some National Park Service volunteers, Jack returned to Biloxi and immediately filled out an application.
Since 1986, Jack has consistently devoted himself to educating tourists and locals on the history and nature of Ship Island, as well as Fort Massachusetts.
Ship Island Excursions runs a ferry service to the island between March and October each year. The company also operates concessions, rentals, and private charters on the island. Every Thursday, Jack and his fellow interpreter, Charles Clark, board one of these ferries with the intention of spreading their love and knowledge of the island to the visitors.
As they disembark from the boat onto the island, Jack begins sharing his wealth of knowledge with the tour group. Down in the lower level of Fort Massachusetts, Jack takes the lead, sharing captivating stories of the fort’s Civil War past. Meanwhile, Clark guides visitors through the upper level, providing a comprehensive historical experience for all.
According to Clark, the duo voluntarily educates about 30-40 people on average, but they occasionally handle groups over 100.
“When Jack gets applause at the end of his presentations, as he does, not unusually, he likes to joke ‘that’s our salary,’” Charles said. “Its really sweet.”
For his contributions over the years, Jack was the 2011 recipient of the Southeast Region National Park Service Volunteer-In-Parks Award.
“To me, that was truly a great honor,” Jack said.
When asked about his motivation to continue leading tours at his age, Jack simply said, “I like the atmosphere and environment; its a challenge.” He also admitted it has kept him on his toes over the years.
As Jack prepares to celebrate another year of life and service, his passion for history and the outdoors continues to inspire visitors to the island. If you would like to meet Jack and wish him a Happy Birthday, he departs with Ship Island Excursions every Thursday at 9 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m.
