09/01/2026
Today, the Breaks Interstate Park Commission acknowledged the passing of a friend and honored one of the most active and dedicated commission members to have ever served. Jack C. Sykes of Pike County, KY served on the Commission for 25 years (1994-2019), during which time he provided guidance and vision to his fellow commissioners and a generation of park staff. The Commission, led by current chairman Grondall Potter of Elkhorn City, KY, adopted a resolution honoring Mr. Sykes’s many years of service to the park. The resolution can be read below:
RESOLUTION OF THE
BREAKS INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION
◆ ◆ ◆
In Memory and Profound Appreciation
of the Life and Service of
Jack C. Sykes
WHEREAS, the Breaks Interstate Park Commission mourns the passing of Jack C. Sykes, a distinguished engineer, public servant, community leader, and devoted friend of Breaks Interstate Park; and
WHEREAS, Jack served the Breaks Interstate Park Commission with honor and distinction for approximately twenty-five years, including multiple terms as Chairman, providing exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and wise counsel to the Commission and park staff; and
WHEREAS, Jack possessed a brilliant mind and brought the knowledge and practical judgment of an accomplished civil engineer to the work of the Commission, helping guide many of the most significant improvements in the modern history of Breaks Interstate Park; and
WHEREAS, Jack was instrumental in the development and construction of major park facilities and attractions, including the Park's hotel and conference center, the Laurel Lake Cabins, Splash in the Park Waterpark, the zipline, and numerous other improvements to the Park's infrastructure, accommodations, and recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Jack was a tireless advocate for Breaks Interstate Park, working with public officials and community leaders to secure support, improve access, advance capital projects, and strengthen the Park for future generations; and
WHEREAS, his devotion to the Park extended far beyond his official duties, as even after his retirement from the Commission he continued to follow its progress, offer advice, and seek opportunities to assist the Park; and
WHEREAS, Jack's relationship with Breaks Interstate Park was also deeply personal, and he greatly enjoyed the natural beauty and recreational opportunities he worked so hard to preserve and improve, particularly fishing on the Park's lake and at Beaver Pond; and
WHEREAS, Jack's legacy can still be seen throughout Breaks Interstate Park—in the buildings where visitors stay, the attractions families enjoy, the infrastructure that supports the Park, and the many improvements made during a generation of his leadership;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Breaks Interstate Park Commission hereby expresses its profound gratitude for the life and distinguished service of Jack C. Sykes, recognizes his extraordinary contributions to the growth and development of Breaks Interstate Park, and records its deep sorrow at his passing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission extends its heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones and directs that this Resolution be entered permanently into the official records of the Breaks Interstate Park Commission as an enduring expression of appreciation for a man whose leadership, intellect, friendship, and service helped shape the Park for generations to come.
Adopted this 1st day of September, 2026.
BREAKS INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION
