March 4 J.R. Wilt, 78 Van Wyck activist cast a long shadow J.R. “Jack” Wilt was one of the county’s most outspoken community advocates and government watchdogs. He died March 4 at his home of a heart-related issue after lying down for a nap on his 78th birthday. Wilt was a familiar presence at county and community meetings, where he spoke out on most any and every topic under consideration.