Poker Bids Fond Farewell To 97 Year Old Jack Ury

The poker world has bid a fond farewell to Jack Ury, after the 97 year-old passed away at his home in Terra Haute, Indiana, this week.
The U.S. Navy veteran served during World War II and later became a postal worker after the conflict ended. Jack was also married for over 66 years to his wife, Elizabeth, who died a couple of years earlier in 2008.
With an extended family running into great-great-grandchildren, Jack Ury will be fondly remembered by many, not least for being known as the oldest participant ever to take part in the World Series of Poker.
Jack Ury’s first trip to the WSOP Main Event was in 2007, when the then 94 year-old travelled along with his grandson, Seth Harrold to Vegas. Although in a wheelchair and with only 20% vision remaining in just one eye, the indomitable trooper managed to survive a marathon 16 hour day which ended at 4am.
Although he was to be elimated from the tournament early on Day 2, Jack memorably stated: “I can’t walk, I can’t see, can’t hear, but I can still play poker! I’ll be back again next year… if I’m still alive!”
However, the much respected “nonagenarian” is better known for his 2009 WSOP Main Event appearance and especially a hand which provided one of the most entertaining highlights on Day 1d. After besting Stephen Friedlander’s full house (7-6) on a 7-6-6 flop, holding pocket 7’s, the elderly Jack slow-rolled the hand somewhat, as can be seen here, but each player at the table nevertheless had a smile on their faces and applauded Ury’s superior hand. Later, TwoPlusTwo forum members were good-humouredly to declare the day as “National Slowroll Day.”
In poker circles, Jack Ury will forever remembered for his contribution to WSOP folklore, as well as his passion for the game and being an inspiration to those people he met along the way.