Great shock and sadness have been expressed at news of the sudden passing of John Wyse Jackson, (67), who operated the Zozimus bookstore at The Book Café and Bistro on Gorey’s Main Street.

He was well-known and extremely helpful to all callers in his bookshop which specialised in second-hand and antiquarian books and held about 40,000 titles in stock.

With his wife Ruth, and their two sons at that time, John returned to Ireland in 2003 and settled near Gorey. He founded the Zozimus Bookshop in 2011 and he also participated in literary events locally, most notably his interview with the late Anthony Cronin in Gorey Library a few years ago.

Born in Kilkenny, he obtained a degree in English Literature at Trinity College, Dublin, and worked as a bookseller in the Chelsea area of London. While in London he wrote about a dozen and edited several books, lectured and broadcast on a variety of subjects and contributed sporadic articles, poems and reviews to various organs including The Sunday Times.

In a post on social media The Book Café said; “John’s passion for literature and books was known by all and there wasn’t a title he hadn’t heard of or a book he couldn’t source for a customer. His friendly, helpful nature was always commented on by customers and we are all going to miss him terribly.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends at this sad time. All the staff of The Book Cafe offer their most sincere condolences.”

JOHN JACKSON, Bolaney House, Gorey, and formerly of London and Zozimus Book Shop Gorey. Died 19th February 2020 peacefully and suddenly at home. Beloved husband of Ruth and loving father of Eoghan, Daniel, Conor and Adam. Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sons, sister, brothers, mother-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. “At Rest”

John’s funeral service will take place on Tuesday (February 25th) at 3 pm in Christ Church Gorey, followed by private cremation. No flowers please. Donations if desired to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. House Private Please.