Who is Mr. Gantos (Jack's Dad) from Hole in My Life and what is their importance?

Mr. Gantos is a hard working man, who knows little about child rearing. He moves his family from town to town, changing positions, and trying to support his family. He allows Gantos to drop out of school as a junior and go to work. He also allows him to live on his own in the hotel they are renovating. All told, the freedom Mr. Gantos give his son will lead him down a path that will eventually end in prison.