Hooky Jack’s Ghost

Hooky Jacks

One enduring ghost story told in Rapid City, South Dakota is about a police officer that haunts an old 3-story building in the downtown area.

John Leary was nicknamed Hooky Jack after he lost both arms and an eye in a mining accident in the 1800s. According to the Rapid City Journal, a local newspaper, Leary was a local police officer for 41 years.

He died in 1926 when a car hit him. Ever since he has haunted this downtown building where he worked as a night watchman.

Report of his death.

His presence is so commonplace that at one point the restaurant located in this building was named Hooky Jacks. Today it is has been renamed the Sport Rock Tavern, but despite this name change, it is felt Hooky Jack still roams the building.

Hooky Jack and
his dog Rags.

According to one legend Leary lived on the 3^rd floor of this building for several years. Many employees refuse to go up to this floor, even during the day. In fact, his ghost is so active many refuse to work in the building alone.

Security cameras on the 3^rd the floor have picked up flashing lights while the building was empty. Customers often hear footsteps overhead, and Leary's apparition has been seen walking around.

Downstairs the balls on one pool table move by themselves as well as chairs and tables. A strange voice is heard at night in this area.

Bartenders often report seeing Hooky Jack approach the bar--as if he is about to order a drink. His apparition has also been spotted looking out the glass doors at the entrance.

It is stated that Hooky Jack's ghost lingers in this building because he is still protecting it.