HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – The Harrisonburg community is mourning the death of 23-year-old Jack Saunders, a 2025 James Madison University graduate and former Texas Inn employee remembered for his bright spirit, kindness and energy.<\/p>\n
Saunders died Nov. 7 after a motorcycle accident in Chesterfield. Friends, coworkers and family said he was known for making everyone feel welcome and carried a positivity that left an impact on those around him. <\/p>\n
Marla Gray, the manager at the Texas Inn in Harrisonburg, where Saunders worked throughout college, said he was \u201cfull of life\u201d and someone people were instantly drawn to.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you knew Jack, you\u2019d love him,\u201d Gray said. \u201cHe had the hugest heart, and he loved to see people happy.\u201d <\/p>\n
Saunders had just begun his first semester at the University of Richmond School of Law. His family said he was committed to helping others and hoped to pursue a future in the justice system.<\/p>\n
To honor his life, Saunders\u2019 family has created the Jack Saunders Memorial Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting future law students who share his drive to serve and uplift others.<\/p>\n
Dave Saunders, Jack\u2019s father and owner of the Texas Inn franchise, said the scholarship reflects the way his son lived.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want him to be remembered as a guy who never met a stranger, always made a friend and somebody that wanted to help other people,\u201d Dave said. \u201cThis scholarship is a way that we can honor that.\u201d<\/p>\n