Meet Jack

“I’ve seen hell and back. That’s why I like happy things and happy people.”

That’s how Jack Burris explains the way he chooses to live his life today.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Jack grew up on a 38,000-acre farm alongside 9 brothers and 5 sisters. Over the years, life took him all over the world through his service in Marine Special Forces during the Vietnam War. He spent eight years serving his country and returned home carrying both memories and injuries from war, including spinal cord damage, COPD, and titanium knees.

About six years ago, Jack moved to Minot after his daughter encouraged him to come north. But over time, life became increasingly lonely. Living alone in a rundown trailer after family had moved away, Jack spent most of his days isolated.

“Life was pretty boring before Independence, Inc.,” he shared. “I was so lonely. I got tired of TV.”

Everything began to change after Jack connected with Northland PACE, who referred him to Independence, Inc. for support finding safer, more stable housing.

With help through the TDP program, Jack was able to move into an apartment where he was finally surrounded by people again instead of isolation. Staff from Independence, Inc. helped coordinate furniture, transportation, and the transition into his new home.

“Riley helped me get furniture. She’s a doll baby,” Jack said with a smile. “They helped me move, and they were really good movers too. No dents in the furniture.”

While the move itself was important, the biggest change for Jack wasn’t just the apartment. It was the friendships.

“My quality of life is better now,” he said. “Before, nobody came over. Now I have friendship.”

Today, many of the people Jack knows live nearby, giving him something he had been missing for a long time: connection. Instead of sitting alone, he now spends time socializing, joking, and sharing stories with others.

And Jack has plenty of stories to tell.

One of his favorite topics is his tobacco pipe collection, which includes around 1,200 pipes. The collection started when he was young, inspired by his grandfather from Naples, Italy, who made pipes for a living.

“My grandfather was everything to me,” Jack shared.

He also proudly talks about his family, including his four boys and two sets of identical twin girls. During the interview, he laughed while telling a story about catching his daughters switching places during a date while dressed identically.

Humor comes naturally to Jack, even after everything he has been through.

“Live and let live,” he said. “I’ve lived a good life. When the good Lord takes me, I’ll hug him and thank him for everything he’s done for me.”

When asked what he would tell others who may be struggling, Jack didn’t hesitate.

“You got to go to them because they are very knowledgeable about what they do, and if you listen to them, they will help you out.”

For Jack, having support made all the difference.

“I’m really glad and blessed that I have them,” he said. “It makes so much of a difference.”

Today, Jack says he has no complaints.

Instead, he has friendship, laughter, community, and a place that finally feels like home.