The John Wayne Gacy Tapes: What are the Jaycees?
By Mads Lennon
If you watched the latest true crime Netflix docuseries Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes, you might have heard several frequent mentions to an organization called the “Jaycees.” Gacy was a devoted member of the Waterloo Jaycees.
Throughout the three-episode series, you’ll hear the various documentary subjects refer to the Jaycees. In case you’re confused on what the Jaycees were or you’ve never heard of the organization, we’ve created a helpful guide below that should answer some of your most pressing questions.
What are the Jaycees?
The Jaycees is a notable civic organization that recruits people between the ages of 18 and 40. The term “Jaycees” comes from the group’s real title, the United States Junior Chamber or the JCs (“Jaycees”).
This organization has been around since 1920 and is still active today. Since its inception, the Jaycees has strived to provide opportunities to young men to develop personal and leadership skills by providing service to others. The organization later expanded to include women.
While the Jaycees is remembered for welcoming John Wayne Gacy into the fold, the organization did have a wide variety of powerful members over the years, including former U.S. Presidents like Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.
What role did John Wayne Gacy have in the Jaycees?
Not only was Gacy a devoted and active member of the Waterloo Jaycees, but he was actually named the “outstanding vice-president” of the chapter. He was held in very high regard during his tenure there because he did a lot of fundraising work for them and even served on the board of directors.
While living in Waterloo, Gacy joined the Jaycees while working as a manager at the KFC. In addition to working 12 to 14-hour days managing three KFC restaurants, he frequently offered hours to the Jaycees. Allegedly, Gacy would even bring the Jaycees free fried chicken from time to time.
Stream Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes on Netflix right now.