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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- As the landscape of Belmont County is changing with new county buildings in planning stages and more potential industries on the way, local leaders are looking back on the life of an exceptional man and the contributions he made that helped shape the area.
John "Jack" Justin Malik Jr. died on June 18 at the age of 95 in St. Clairsville, but he left behind a legacy in numerous county endeavors of promoting the welfare of Belmont County residents. He spearheaded acquiring land along Ohio 331 where the Belmont Correctional Institute is now located. He was also instrumental in acquiring lands where the Belmont County Fairgrounds and James Carnes Center are located. He was also active in establishing the Park Health Center in St. Clairsville.
During his tenure as a juvenile and probate judge, Malik instituted the Concentrated Conduct Adjustments Program, or C-CAP, still used today as an alternative to placing some juvenile offenders in a detention center. Malik and two partners founded the New Horizons Youth Center, which housed troubled male juveniles.
Another of his accomplishments was his work with the Belmont County Chapter of the Ohio Cancer Research Associates. The group's fundraising efforts, the Grand Illusions Saute, has raised considerable money for research.
He was also the owner operator of Jack's Floral and Garden Center, St. Clairsville, for about 25 years.
His daughter, Leslie O'Connell, provided the eulogy she gave at his recent funeral.
"My Dad was a hard worker and a go-getter. He was a visionary. Always had some kind of building project going on, starting with our house in St. Clairsville. He worked tirelessly to remodel that dilapidated house on High Street. He enlisted his friends and my brothers who willingly helped to make that grand house something really special. Over the years, he built buildings and started businesses all while he was working tirelessly at his day job. He was particularly passionate about improving the Ohio Valley, the only real home he ever knew," she said. "He was well known and well respected in the valley, and I was always amazed how many people knew him and wanted his advice. As I got a little older, people would say, "Oh, you're Jack Malik's daughter." And I was always proud to say, "Yes, I am Jack Malik's daughter."
She recalled a time when her father passed up a chance to make money on a divorce case and instead counseled the couple. They remained married for 30 years.
"The world certainly needs more lawyers like that!" she said.
She also shared a story about how Malik had access to some discretionary money while he was a judge and instead of remodeling his office, he gave the funds to his office employees as a bonus.
"He helped a lot of people over the years. People were always calling the house in the evening or going to Jack's Floral and Garden for his advice, which he freely gave. In more recent years, as his health and memory were fading, he would continue to ask about the kids and if they had enough money for college. Always asking us if we were OK and if there was anything he could do to help us."
His son, Greg Malik said John Malik was dedicated to helping the community at all levels.
"He was very driven," Greg Malik said.
He said his father worked with the Cafaro Co. to establish the Ohio Valley Mall.
"He was prosecutor at the time," he said. "They were kind of on the fence with Wheeling. They were kind of wanting to put it in Wheeling, and he talked to them about the coal miners and the fact that they make good money here. ... He negotiated the sale of the last property for the mall."
Greg Malik said his father also helped to establish Jamboree In The Hills, which drew thousands of people to the region for four decades, by working with the property owners at the original site, Brush Run Park.
Greg Malik recalled a summer of vacationing on the Ottawa River and a hidden lake. He said his father's humor stood out.
"We were in the wilds of northern Canada and wondered about bears. I said: 'Dad, what do we do if we see a bear?' He said: 'Throw bear grease in his eyes.' We said: 'Bear grease? Where do we find that?' He said: 'Reach behind you when you see a bear.'"
He said some of the fondest memories he has of his father are working with him on various projects, whether remodeling a cabin or building a wall out of railroad ties.
"When my dad spoke, the entire neighborhood could hear him. He had a strong personality and a booming voice. We worked with him and developed an invaluable work ethic," the younger Malik said. "He was always fair and kind. He always looked out for us and wanted the best for us.
"My dad was always upbeat. He rose early in the morning. Always happy, always ready to go tackle the day," he said.
BeCI Warden David Gray commended the late Malik.
"Belmont Correctional Institution has been a long-standing employer in the Ohio Valley for nearly 30 years. We remember fondly the efforts John Malik contributed to the placement of BeCI here in Belmont County. Without his contribution, this prison may not have found its way to the area, and all those jobs and the families they support could have gone elsewhere."
Bill Boggess, executive director of Ohio Cancer Research, also said John Malik was foundational to local fundraising efforts.
"For nearly 30 years, he was the driving force behind helping Ohio Cancer Research raise critical seed money in the Ohio Valley for our groundbreaking investigators. He became a sort of mentor to me in that process, and I'm proud to have called him a friend. I don't recall a single instance when he didn't take a call and was willing to help," Boggess wrote in a statement.
"But it wasn't just that "the Judge," as we referred to him, was so committed to making the world a better place, it's the fact that he was so humble and seemingly knew everybody in the Valley. And everyone seemed to know him. But most importantly, everyone respected him. That says a lot about who he was. I know I speak for everyone at OCR when I say how blessed I feel to have known and worked with 'the Judge.' He was truly special."