John "Jack" Howard Chaplin III

Jack was born in Manchester, Conn., on July 8, 1958, to John Howard Chaplin II and Jean Staring Chaplin. As the only boy with four older sisters, Jack was fondly referred to as “Baby Jesus,” a nickname that quickly stuck. From an early age, Jack had an unparalleled work ethic. Starting at age 14, he began working 60 hours a week in restaurants, while going to school. In 1978, Jack graduated from Johnson & Wales University, and the world became his oyster (ironically, one of the only foods that he was allergic to). From Denver to San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta, Jack traveled the country, apprenticing with some of the greatest chefs and restaurateur. In 1983, Jack landed in Dallas, Texas, which became his home for the better part of 20 years. In 1988, Jack and Marna welcomed their first daughter, Rachel, soon followed by Luci in 1991. Their daughters were their pride and joy; in Jack’s opinion, his greatest accomplishment. In 1992, Jack opened his first Daddy Jack’s Restaurant on Greenville Avenue, which was followed by the opening of 20 restaurants and three bars throughout his career, ultimately taking him to New London, Conn. in 2009. Jack was the embodiment of a restaurateur and chef; this was evident by his daily “uniform” of Chefwear pants. A Carhartt pocket T-shirt, Snap-on socks, and a Carhartt limited-edition Patriot’s hat completed Jack’s signature look.

Jack always believed that music, like cooking, was a labor of love. Although he loved all music, he had a special affinity for blues music and could frequently be seen playing auxiliary percussion, often in the form of a cheese grater, with the bands that performed at Daddy Jack’s. Jack even established his own record label, Jack Daddy Records, and recorded eight blues albums. In 2008, Jack blended his love of cooking and music and began his first YouTube channel, Chaplin’s Classic. A few years later, he created Cooking with the Blues. With more than 250,000 subscribers, Jack has reached millions of people, worldwide, who shared a love for his videos and recipes. Jack referred to his viewers as his “YouTube family,” and truly enjoyed each and every person who took the time to comment on his videos, call the restaurant to chat, send letters, and oftentimes, take trips from across the world to visit him in New London.

As magnetic and larger-than-life as Jack was, he also had a much quieter side. He was delighted by the simple things in life. He loved to watch the birds and soak up the sunshine with his partner Lakisha on their back deck, complete his daily crossword puzzle, listen to NPR, watch Jeopardy, and go for drives, often with the intention of dropping off special care packages to his daughters, fondly referred to as his “baby girls.” Jack especially loved to play cards, specifically Setback. Family gatherings, with everyone around the card table, were the highlight of Jack’s life — unless of course he got partnered with his sister, Holly who is infamous for being a “reckless bidder.” Jack also had a penchant for “gently used” vehicles — if it had less than 150,000 miles on it, he wasn’t interested. He could always be seen driving around New London by car or motorcycle, with a smile on his face, and a wave at the ready. Jack was a pillar of the New London community and was known to go above and beyond. Whether it was for late-night talks at the “Family Table” at Daddy Jack’s or a donation to every local event whose flyer came across his stove, Jack had the biggest heart. To know Jack was to love Jack, and we will forever cherish his memory and the impact that he has made on all of our lives.

Those that knew Jack knew he was an avid reader, a blues enthusiast, and a generous supporter of his community. In Jack’s honor, his family has established the Daddy Jack Chaplin Foundation. They plan to create a yearly scholarship for a student in the culinary program at New London High School and make yearly donations in his honor to support the New London community and the Waterford Public Library, which Jack frequented often. Donations to the Daddy Jack Chaplin Foundation can be made at paypal.me/DaddyJackFoundation.

Left in sorrow to mourn the passing of Jack are his beloved Lakisha (and son, Titus); treasured daughters Rachel and Luci, their significant others, Justin and Wes (daughter, Reese), and their mother, Marna; sisters, Star, Pam, Holly, and Heidi; nieces and nephews that he loved as his own, David, Jillian, Carrie, Aaron, Mia, Matthew, Madalyn, Joshua, Sara, and Harley; and his four-legged best friend, Axel. Jack was welcomed with loving arms into heaven by his parents, Jack and Jean, his brother-in-law Kevin, and favorite aunts, uncles, and friends. A private service will be held for immediate family. The Chaplin Family would like to invite you to attend a Celebration of Life in Jack’s honor on Sunday, July 11 at 12 p.m. at the Groton Elks Lodge & Marina. When you are missing Jack the most, close your eyes, turn your face to the sun, bask in its warmth, and feel Jack’s warm embrace surround you, forever in our hearts.