"Honest John" Ledbetter could use your well wishes

In the pilot episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," a certain Rosco P. Coltrane was running for re-election for his cushy and highly corrupt post as sheriff. And he was running against a certain "Honest John" Ledbetter.

Jack Gordon is the man who brought Honest John Ledbetter to life. He went on to star in movies such as 1981's "Jaws of Satan" (with a very young Christina Applegate of "Married, With Children," no less), and even shared the screen in 1978 with his "Dukes" costar Sonny Shroyer in "They Went That-A-Way & That-A-Way."

Well, Jack's health has been suffering, of late. He recently returned from a weeklong stay at the hospital, reports Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club.

"I will mention that I have known Jack since November 1997; he has really changed my life, and my outlook on the 'Dukes of Hazzard' TV show," Paul says. "He has been to all four of our Hair Dare Dukes Days for cancer research. He even went with us to the very first DukesFest 2001, down in Sperryville, Virginia."

Photo courtesy of Paul Harrington
Paul Harrington of the Canadian Dukes of Hazzard Fan Club, center, with Byron "Coy Duke" Cherry and Jack Gordon, who played Honest John Ledbetter in "The Dukes."

Paul goes on: "He is an incredible person, and I have been honoured to have been blessed with his friendship. Jack has told me some great stories about the first few episodes of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' TV show."

Paul urges us to send our well wishes to Jack. "I am asking for everyone's prayers for Jack as his health is not the good, actually, it is very poor. I guess what I'm asking for, maybe some get-well cards, maybe Christmas cards, anything to cheer Jack up, and make him feel he is still thought of."

And if the "Dukes" fans are anything, it's a family, right? (Paul says prayers are already working; Jack was showing improvement when he returned from the hospital.)

"So, please, a simple card, maybe a short note on the card, or even a letter. That would be the greatest gift we could all give Jack right now, I really appreciate everyone's effort in this matter. Jack turns 80 years old in January."

Cards and letters can be sent to:

JACK GORDON
c/o Paul Harrington
2274 County Road #31, RR#1
Ruscom Station, Ontario, Canada, N0R1RO

BRBTV thanks you, as well!