By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Jack Gear’s memory will live forever in Union City Schools.
Noted children’s book author Jeff Kinney has made sure of that.
The widely acclaimed writer of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has dedicated his latest book in the sequence to the memory of Gear, the Union City student who was tragically killed in a jet ski accident as a 10-year-old in July of 2024.
Kinney, who has sold more than 300 million books, somehow became aware of Jack’s love of reading and, particularly, his series, wrote the simple inscription “To Jack” on the first page of his latest entry entitled ‘Partypooper.’
He also sent a handwritten note to Gear’s parents, Crystalyn and Xson, expressing his sympathy and notifying them he’d dedicated the 20th book in the DWK series of 26 to their late son.
The note read:
“Dear Crystalyn and Xson.
I was so sad to learn about the tragic passing of your son, Jack, last year. I was very touched to discover that he was a fan of my Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I wanted to let you know that I dedicated the new book to Jack, and that his name is on the first page. I’m so sorry you lost your beautiful son. I’m sure you’re doing everything you can to keep his memory alive.”
The Gear family, which includes older sister Arianna, a student at UC High School, and younger brother Varick, who attends Union City Elementary, recently presented a copy of the new book to UCES Librarian Mindy McClanahan for the student body to enjoy, along with the rest of the series.
Jack’s parents are unaware of how Kinney became aware of their son and his story, but were understandably touched by the author’s acknowledgement.
“It was so kind (of him),” Crystalyn said. “We actually received his letter on a day that was tough for us because of the approaching holidays. It was touching and just what we needed that day.
“I don’t really know how Jack got interested in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. He just loved reading, and that started at an early age with comics, when he read everything he picked up. He found the first book in the series at school and checked it out, and he’d always pull it out to read when he had a little extra time.”
Gear’s father said his son also watched the movies based on the book series and was entertained by the characters’ shenanigans.
“I think he lived vicariously through the characters and all the crazy fun things that they did,” Xson smiled.
Both Gears raved about the community support they received since their son’s heartbreaking passing, saying collectively: “People have just taken care of us, from churches, to schools, to neighbors…we might not be blood relatives, but we’re family now and we’re very grateful.
“This was a beautiful gesture toward Jack and our family with the book. It’s something we’ll always remember. We keep him alive in our hearts every day, and this will help others do the same.”
For Union City Schools and the community, that’s a given.