Crazy Jack Shoe Repair faces uncertain future after nearly 50 years

by Tyler Manion

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A local shoe repair shop that has served the Savannah area for nearly five decades faces an uncertain future as its owner prepares to step away due to health problems.

Crazy Jack Shoe Repair could either be passed on to a longtime employee or close its doors permanently in the coming weeks, according to current owner Terri Painter.

Painter took over the business after her father Jack passed away a few years ago. His dying wish was for her to keep the shop running.

“I love meeting people. Just like my dad. I’m outgoing. I love meeting people,” Painter said. The store was started by and named for her father Jack Painter, a.k.a. Crazy Jack.

Terri took over the store after her father passed away a few years ago.

Behind the scenes at Crazy Jack's Shoe Repair

Employee considers takeover

Richard, who has worked as a cobbler at the shop for more than 30 years, is considering taking over the business. Painter refers to him as family.

“This is my brother, we treat him like family,” Painter said.

However, Painter must step away due to back problems, leaving the shop’s future in question.

“I’m sorry, but you know, it’s time to pass the torch or just time to shut it down. I’m not sure yet,” Painter said.

If the situation is not resolved in the next few weeks, the store could close by mid-December.

“Oh, it’s going to be sad. Very, very, it’s going to really hit me, but hard,” Painter said about the potential closure.

Community support needed

Richard told WTOC he would need community support to take over and make the shop his own. He is still considering the decision.

It’s unclear exactly what it would take for Richard to feel good about taking over the store - whether that’s customers, financial backing, or something else.

He has created a GoFundMe for potential donations. You can read more about what the money would go toward in his own words at that link.

“Well, hopefully I’m working with Richard. Hopefully Richard can take it over because he’s been here 30 plus years with my dad and stayed on with me when I took over after my dad passed away,” Painter said.

The shop is located on Montgomery Cross Road and is currently open Monday through Friday while Painter and Richard determine the business’s future.