The Deck Podcast Summary: George Jares (6 of Clubs, Wisconsin)
Episode Overview In the May 28, 2025 episode of The Deck, host audiochuck delves into the chilling unsolved murder of George Jares in Eagle River, Wisconsin. This detailed exploration unpacks the complexities of the case, the investigation's twists and turns, and the lingering questions that remain nearly four decades later. By collaborating with investigators and family members, audiochuck aims to shed light on this cold case, hoping that new insights or tips from listeners will finally bring justice for George and his loved ones.
Introduction to George Jares
George Jares, a 43-year-old restaurant owner in Eagle River, Wisconsin, appeared to embody the quintessential family man. Having transitioned from a greeting card salesman to a successful entrepreneur, George was passionate about his children, the outdoors, and his business, the Arbor—a local supper club renowned for its prime rib and award-winning brandy cocktails. However, behind this facade lay a life shadowed by secrets and possible connections to organized crime.
Notable Quote:
"From the outside, George was a family man... But after George was shot and left for dead in his restaurant's parking lot, details of his life began to emerge that painted a rather different picture."
— Ashley Flowers [02:07]
The Night of the Murder
On August 3, 1986, at approximately 1:30 AM, Marcy, a resident of Eagle River, was awakened by loud noises resembling gunshots emanating from near the Arbor. She observed a lone figure moving away from the restaurant and promptly alerted authorities. Within minutes, police arrived but initially found no sign of disturbance. Progressing to the back of the property, officers discovered George lying critically injured in his pickup truck.
Notable Quote:
"They weren't sure what was going on... They discovered a male laying on his back. He was still alive..."
— Charisse Rozga Anderson [04:18]
George was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he remained on life support. Tragically, he never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injuries on August 8, 1986.
Initial Investigation and Evidence
Detectives, led by Charisse Rozga Anderson, conducted a thorough examination of the crime scene. Notable findings included:
- .22 Caliber Revolver: Found east of the road, the firearm had a serial number tracing back to a woman in West Virginia but was stolen in 1974, complicating the trace.
- Aviator Sunglasses: Discovered near the scene, these contained a latent thumbprint that, unfortunately, was compromised due to improper evidence handling in the 1980s.
Notable Quotes:
"The revolver was likely moved through underground channels and could have changed owners dozens of times before it ended up in the hands of George's shooter."
— Charisse Rozga Anderson [07:07]
"Bagging items in plastic is detrimental to preservation because plastic bags trap moisture, degrading any biological matter..."
— Charisse Rozga Anderson [41:28]
Despite these findings, the physical evidence provided little concrete leads, leaving investigators to explore other avenues.
Suspicions Around Linda Jares
George's wife, Linda Jares, was a central figure of suspicion early in the investigation. Married for over two decades, Linda's relationship with George was marred by marital strife, including George's infidelity and Linda's own extramarital affair. Additionally, Linda stood to inherit George's estate, providing a potential motive.
Notable Quote:
"Linda was the kind of woman that everybody loved her... But boy, you could not believe what she would tell you. She was such a liar."
— Lenore Penny V [17:12]
Linda's suspicious behavior further fueled theories of her involvement. For instance, after George's shooting, Linda made several phone calls from locations far from the crime scene, which investigators found highly convenient and potentially orchestrated to establish an alibi.
Notable Quote:
"She states that while she was up here from July 30th to the 2nd, everything went well, gave no indication of any trouble or problems with anybody or anything."
— Charisse Rozga Anderson [19:32]
Despite mounting suspicions, there was insufficient evidence to definitively link Linda to the murder, especially after her passing in 2023.
Connections to Organized Crime
Investigators uncovered potential ties between George Jares and organized crime, specifically the Teamsters Union in Eagle River, which had historical connections to the mob. George's side ventures, such as flying planes to Cicero to avoid long drives and associating with individuals like Alan Dorfman—a known mob figure who was himself murdered in 1983—suggested deeper, possibly dangerous affiliations.
Notable Quote:
"We believe that is a dead end... The .22 caliber revolver, it's used in a lot of homicides..."
— Charisse Rozga Anderson [08:50]
The similarity between George's murder and Alan Dorfman's unsolved killing added a layer of complexity, hinting at possible retaliation or silencing within criminal circles.
Reopening the Case in 2004
In 2004, Detective Rozga Anderson took over the case and reassessed prior leads. She identified Jamie Goodrum, a young bartender at the Arbor, as a new suspect. Despite her troubling criminal background, including arrests for arson and issuing worthless checks, Jamie vehemently denied involvement in George's death. Her subsequent conviction for the unrelated murder of her own children further complicated her credibility and potential links to George’s case.
Notable Quote:
"Jamie told detectives that it was because she had stolen money from the restaurant, which seemed to satisfy them because they never tried to interview her again."
— Ashley Flowers [38:50]
Despite multiple interviews and the resurfacing of new questions, Jamie Goodrum's involvement remained unsubstantiated, and the case once again went cold.
Challenges with Physical Evidence
The mishandling of physical evidence in the 1980s severely hampered the investigation. The thumbprint on the sunglasses, initially thought to be a crucial lead, was rendered unusable due to melting grease from poor storage conditions. Modern advancements in DNA technology offer a glimmer of hope, but as of the latest updates, no usable genetic material has been extracted to identify the perpetrator.
Notable Quote:
"DNA testing nearly impossible... Even if it was, you still need a viable database to run it through."
— Charisse Rozga Anderson [41:28]
Current Status and Appeal for Information
Nearly 38 years after the murder, Detective Rozga Anderson acknowledges the slim chances of solving the case without new information. With the primary suspect, Linda Jares, deceased and other potential leads exhausted, the investigation relies heavily on public assistance. The podcast appeals to listeners to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, as it could be the breakthrough needed to finally resolve George Jares' tragic death.
Notable Quotes:
"If you have any information about the murder of George Jares in Eagle River, Wisconsin on August 3, 1986, please come forward."
— Ashley Flowers [44:48]
"Please don't think, oh, it's just something little... it could be the break that we need."
— Charisse Rozga Anderson [44:57]
Family’s Struggle and Legacy
George's sister, Lenore Penny V, shares her ongoing grief and the struggle to find closure. The loss of George, compounded by the deaths of their parents, has left Lenore feeling isolated and desperate for answers. The family's connection to Cicero, a place with its own history of mob influence, adds another layer of complexity and sorrow to their plight.
Notable Quote:
"It's still painful. It's a loss, a big loss that was unnecessary. I wish he was here... he was a good man."
— Lenore Penny V [44:24]
Conclusion
The The Deck episode on George Jares presents a compelling narrative of a seemingly ordinary man whose life and death are entwined with mystery, potential mob connections, and an investigation hampered by time and mishandled evidence. As Detective Rozga Anderson continues to seek answers, the podcast underscores the vital role that community awareness and listener involvement play in breathing life into cold cases.
Listeners are encouraged to reach out with any information that might aid in solving this enduring mystery, honoring George Jares' memory and bringing peace to his family after decades of uncertainty.
If you have information related to this case, please contact the Vilas County Sheriff's Office at 715-479-4441 or anonymously via their tip line at 1-800-472-7290.