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Jonathan McColley Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan McColley
Leslie Coleman
February 19, 2025
Always thinking of you Eric. Thank you for always being a bright spot in the world.
Tom and Gretta Lanman
February 17, 2025
John, Susan and Eric our thoughts and prayers are with all today. Tom and Gretta
Susan mccolley
February 18, 2024
Can't believe its been 18 years. Somedays it feels like yesterday. You will always be missed Eric. Love you so much.
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2024
Remembering you on this 18th Anniversary! Never forgotten!
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2022
16th Anniversary and never forgotten!
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2021
15th Anniversary and never forgotten!
Leslie Coleman
February 17, 2020
It's hard to believe it's been 14 years. You touched so many lives in your short time here on earth. You will never be forgotten as you have shared a piece of yourself with everyone you met. ♥♥♥♥
Mary Sovie
February 16, 2020
14th Anniversary and never forgotten!
February 18, 2019
Eric can't believe it's been 13 years. We still miss you with all our hearts. You were a ray of sunshine in our life. Love and miss you every day. Sad for all the things you are missing .
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2019
Always in our thoughts & prayers on this 13th Anniversary.
Mary Sovie
May 28, 2018
We will never forget!
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2018
The 12th anniversary of the tragic event that changed all our lives forever. It is still surreal. You will never be forgotten. Not a day goes by that I don't think about all of you. Remembering you & your family in my prayers. Semper Fi
Mary Sovie
May 29, 2017
We will never forget!
February 18, 2017
11 years. Hard to believe I still miss you with all my heart. Love you always
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2017
11th year anniversary and still feels like yesterday. You will never be forgotten!! Semper Fi
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2016
Here we are at the 10th anniversary of losing our loved ones and our hearts still broken. Thinking of you & your family today and praying for you all every day. We share this day of sorrow but also the joy when we all meet with them again. Hugs! Mary
Charlie Gili
June 19, 2015
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the McColley Family know that we recently made a small donation to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund in honor of Jonathan E. McColley US Marine Sergeant. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Catherine
February 18, 2015
Remembering you always.
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2015
Remembering your sacrifice for all of us on this 9th anniversary. To your family & friends, {{{{{HUGS}}}}} and keeping you all in my prayers daily.
Mary Sovie
May 26, 2014
Thinking of you today Sgt. McColley and your wonderful family.
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2014
Remembering you today Sgt. McColley. Holding all your family & friends closely in our thoughts and prayers on the 8th anniversary of the loss of our loved ones. God Bless.
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2013
Remembering you today Sgt. McColley. Holding all your family & friends closely in our thoughts and prayers on the 7th anniversary of the loss of our loved ones. God Bless.
Terry Ward
November 28, 2012
Our family had the honor of placing wreaths on the final resting place of many fallen heroes at Quantico for several Christmases. Thank you Sgt. Mac Foundation.
Mary Sovie
May 28, 2012
Thinking of you today Sgt. McColley and your family. Thank You! Mary
Peggy Childers
February 18, 2012
February 17, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley:
Please accept my remembrance of Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Drew Smith
February 17, 2012
McColley, well that day has come again, that day that we remember our brother lost to us. We remember this day as it always seems to come to fast, again. It still doesn't seem like six years have past. Just know that you are always remembered by your family and friends. Thank you my brother. Semper Fidelis.
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2012
It is so hard to believe we are at our 6th anniversary of the most painful day of our lives. Time hasn't eased the pain, I think we've just had to adjust to living with it. Our loved ones will always be treasures of our heart, but losing them was like losing a piece of our self. Yet, we must go on and carry them with us wherever we go and celebrate their life along the way. They will never be forgotten!
Please know your family and friends remain in our prayers and we will never forget Sgt. McColley's sacrifice.
God Bless! Mary
jean kiger
November 22, 2011
I know your son is so proud of you in honoring our fallen. Keep moving forward and know Sgt. Jonathan E. Mccolley
is watching down from Heaven. Prayers for you each day.
Peggy Childers
February 17, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley:
Remembering Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Drew Smith
February 17, 2011
Mac... I still have a difficult time finding words these days when thinking about you and the boys. But as I have told the others this day, it is not a day of mourning but a day of rememberance of friends and the lives that they lived with us. So we remember you on this day and everyday since. Semper Fidelis my brother..
Catherine
February 17, 2011
It does not take a special day
to bring you to our minds,
For the days without a thought of you
are very hard to find
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2011
Here we are at the 5th anniversary; an anniversary that none of us wanted to have. As our hearts continue to ache for our loved ones, we all have had to find our way through the grief and learn how to deal with the loss in our own way. For my family, it is our faith in God and knowing that He is in control and nothing surprises Him, that helps us through each day. The support of family, friends, community and the prayers of people we may never meet keeps us going. And through it all, we continue to celebrate Nic's life and he remains a part of our lives each and every day. My family continues to pray for you & your families and be assured we will never forget the sacrifice Sgt. McColley made. God Bless!
Mary
Nic's Mom
December 11, 2010
Eric, I missed you more than usual today. A call with you saying, Happy B'day old man.
marjorie burns
December 9, 2010
i am extending my deepest sympathies to the mccolley family. i am also with you in support of your cause.
god bless you
December 3, 2010
I am a US Army soldier. Even though I wear a uniform that is differt from a Marine we are all brothers. My prayers and best wishes go to SGT. McColley and his family.
November 22, 2010
Semper Fi from the Combat Veterans of America Motorcycle Club of Virginia. We are there for you on 2010 again.
Jerald Jowers
November 14, 2010
Sgt. McColley was a excellent Marine that I had the pleasure to go to PR school with and final got to serve with in HMH-464. He was my Sgt. and a good teacher in Flight Equipment. I will miss you and your leadership. The general
amber magara
March 17, 2010
Eric, I remember growing up with you..growing our hair very very long! lol. I can't hear "im a joker" without turning it up very very loud and thinking of you! Jimmy Buffet played the other day....made me smile...you'll never be forgotten:) I love you...Enjoy the other side!
celina mcfadden
February 18, 2010
Eric, I remember you in 7th grade, and 8th grade! and all the cabin parties at mi casa, I really enjoyed you and I just happened to click on this link the day after you passed 4 yrs ago. I will not forget you either. u were a great friend. I love you! peace brother
Maegan Parker
February 18, 2010
John...still can't believe it has been four years, not a day goes by that we don't think of you and miss you. So many memories...you will always be with us! We love you.
Drew Smith
February 17, 2010
McColley, well brother, doing my rounds and talking with everyone today. I still can't believe that its been four years already. It just doesn't seem like its been that long. I have been thinking about y'all often these past few months, leading up to today. You are definitely not forgotten my brother, there is something from day to day that reminds me of you and the others. So be happy in the fact that there are many people who remember and miss you. Semper Fidelis.
Catherine
February 17, 2010
Always in my thoughts...
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2010
Four years have passed.....our hearts still ache. May our memories bring us comfort & joy as we remember our heroes. Thinking of you all and praying for your families as we share this day that forever changed our lives and brought us all together.
Kenna Larra
May 1, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Mary Sovie
February 24, 2009
Here is the website to checking out the Memorial to Capt. Willard and honoring all our loved ones from February 17, 2006. The previous link was missing a letter. Thank you Rev. Willard for sharing that with all of us. God Bless!
http://www.epasd.org/5598104279306217/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=305119&C=52983
Kevin and Maegan Parker
February 18, 2009
John and Susan,
It still seems unreal to me that we lost John 3 years ago. Kevin and I think about him everyday and remember all the fun he brought to our lives. We miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care and God Bless.
Rev. David T. Willard
February 17, 2009
To the family of Jonathan McColley:
Just want you to know that we dedicated a memorial to my son, Capt. Bryan Willard this past September. On the memorial we recognized all who perished on Feb 17 three years ago. You may check the lin at www.epsd.com then hit the quick link EP High; then the link forever a panther. Our families are linked together forever. Ou prayers continue for you today. We shed a tear, but will forever remember our heroes.
Wes Munn
February 17, 2009
To the family and loved ones of Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley. This is a sad day, but let's remember God has a special place for him, and we know that he is in a better place that is without hate, hurt, and suffering. We miss you Eric, and you will always be in our hearts and on our minds. MCRD Paris Island, SC. 1st Battalion Delta Company Platoon 1093-Graduation 10Nov2000, Semper Fi Brother
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2009
It is hard to believe that we are at the 3rd anniversary of losing our heroes. Our hearts still ache, their loss we feel always and their memory and sacrifice we will never forget. As we continue to celebrate their lives, may God bless our families and bring comfort to our broken hearts. You are in our prayers daily. Mary
Drew Smith
February 17, 2009
Hey Brother, today is another year that seems to fly by, and still doesn't seem real...I have been telling the other brothers the same thing...not real. We miss you in all these times. You definitely will not be forgotten. You and the other brothers are always in our thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi Brother.
Peggy Childers
February 17, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley:
Jonathan gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Mike McGrady
November 14, 2008
Mr. and Mrs. McColley. I was just notified by my nephew, Richard Dickens, an executive with ABF freight lines, that the Sgt Mac Foundation will once again be placing Christmas Wreaths at Quantico National Cemetery on 6 December 2008. My son, Patrick McGrady, an Army veteran of the "first" Gulf war, is a cemetery representative at QNC and I just wanted you both to know that I think it is wonderful to honor your son and many other fallen heros in this way. I am a retired Marine who served in Vietnam and offer my condolences for the loss of your son. If I understand correctly, you were also a Marine, if so Semper Fi and thank you for your wonderful project in honor of your fallen son. Mike McGrady, USMC Retired
Wes Munn
October 26, 2008
Someone told me about this website. So I decided to look up every Marine and came across Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley. I was in boot camp with McColley. We graduated a special day, 10Nov2000. After that I haven't seen or spoken to him, I consider him my brother and he will be missed. May God be with his family and loved ones.
margaret(peg) fordyce
August 5, 2008
Dear McColley family, We recently spent time in Pittsburg when our son Jack graduated from college. He took us to the soldiers and sailors museum. They hve bricks for the fallen from Pa. Your son's brick was next to our son, Jimmy's. God Bless Us. I have a photo if you want I can Email it to you contact me. Peg Fordyce
David Brown
July 30, 2008
I was Jonathan's rack mate in boot camp. I recently heard about the incedent. If there is anything I can do dont hesitate to contact me. I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed by the Marines and the Corps
July 24, 2008
To the family and friends of Sgt. McColley,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.
I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.
The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave young men like Sgt. McColley.
If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Sgt. McColley to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or
[email protected].
May 25, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt McColley!
Drew Smith SSgt (ret)
February 29, 2008
Mac, I have been writing to the boys and missin' y'all so much these past couple weeks. I think about you and them often. You and Marcellus made a great team. You could work with anyone diligently to get the job done. You were and are easy to talk to and be around. You are the guy that everyone liked and could talk to about anything. You are a great Marine, my brother. You will never be forgotten. You have enriched my life just by knowing you. Thank you.. Semper Fidelis.
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and all your family & friends as we share this 2nd anniversary. We will never forget their service and sacrifice. Mary (Mom of Lcpl. Nicholas Sovie 7/28/85 - 2/17/06)
Leslie Abendschoen
February 10, 2008
John, Susan & Cheryl,
I just want you to know that I keep you all in my prayers. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Eric and also you all. I hope that you are healing and doing well. Much love-
Leslie
Timothy P. Trant
December 29, 2007
John, Susan and Cheryl:
I was visiting Quantico National Cemetery on Christmas Day to lay wreaths at the graves of my son, Ryan Matthew Trant; my father, William T. Trant; and my brother, W. Michael Trant, all of whom are laid to rest in Section 12. I found, at the base of my brother Michael's grave, that a wreath had already been laid there. And this is how I learned about the Sgt. Mac Foundation and of the service, courage, heroism and sacrifice of your beloved son and brother Sgt. Jonathan Eric McColley.
I want you to know how deeply sorry I am for your tragic loss, and to express my heartfelt appreciation for Eric's service to the Marine Corps and our nation and for his ultimate sacrifice.
I lost my younger brother, and my best man, Daniel Patrick Trant, on 9/11 in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Danny was a municipal bond broker with Cantor-Fitzgerald on the 104th Floor of One WTC. While he was able to borrow a cell phone to call his wife following the initial attack, his remains were never recovered from the ashes that once were the north tower.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your example of service, as both a Marine Corps and a Navy family, which I am confident contributed to Eric's decision to enlist. I am eternally indebted and grateful for his role in the Global War on Terrorism, both in Iraq and the Horn of Africa. No one appreciates more than my family the sacrifices that the son's & daughter's of this great Nation are making on our behalf to ensure that those, like Danny, who perished on 9/11, did not die in vain. Cheryl, while I do not know the dates of your tenure aboard USS ENTERPRISE, I am aware that she was among the first to launch airstrikes into Afghanistan on 7 Oct 2001, in response to the terrorist attacks on the people of the United States of America.
I also want to express my appreciation for the wonderful work you are doing through the Sgt Mac foundation, which you established in Eric's memory; and in particular, for the wreath I discovered at the base of my brother Mike's grave. I will also make every effort to contact Mr. Paul Deasey, whose name was on the tag on my brother's wreath, identifying him as the generous donor who made the laying of a "Sgt Mac" wreath at my brother's grave possible.
I am a former Navy chief petty officer who served alongside my Marine Corps brethren in amphibious assault ship USS INCHON (LPH-12), and I have always held in highest regard and deep appreciation the service and sacrifice of the members of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Please let me know if there is ever anything that I may do for you. I can be reached at:
Mr. Timothy P. Trant
Deputy Special Assistant for Legislative Matters
Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N1)
2 Navy Annex Room 2064
Washington, DC 20370-0000
(703) 614-4757
[email protected]
Once again, thank you for your service and sacrifice!!! My thoughts and prayers are with Eric and your family from this day forward.
August 16, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 26, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt McColley and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Cheryl Newbanks
March 17, 2007
It has been over a year since we all lost our beloved Eric. I think about him all the time and miss him so deeply. It's still so hard to believe that he is gone. The only comfort I can take with me is knowing that his spirit lives on in all of us. God bless you Eric. Love always, Cheryl
Rita Andrews
February 18, 2007
One year and the pain of your loss is still ever so present. I miss you everyday, and pray that you are one of my Guardian Angels. Thank you for sharing part of your life with us. We are so lucky to have known a true hero. With Love Rita
Mary Sovie
February 17, 2007
On this year anniversary I just want to say thank you for your service and sacrifice....you will never be forgotten. I know the pain in the hearts of those you left behind and it forever links our hearts together. We will always share this anniversary date that forever changed our lives, broke our hearts and altered the path of our lives.To all the family and friends of Eric, please know that we pray for you all each and everyday.{{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Mary (Mom of Lcpl. Nicholas Sovie 7/28/85 - 2/17/06)
Garnet Jenkins
February 17, 2007
Please know how Deeply Sorry I was to learn of the loss of Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley, one year ago today.
The price this Brave Young Marine and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Jonathan rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord continue to be with the McColley family.
There will Never be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~
May the Peace of God and your memories of Jonathan, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
His last Buffet '05
January 31, 2007
Megan Maslowski
December 11, 2006
The story below shows that he's still all around us.
For those who don't know, I coach an age group swim team, known as the Sharks. Eric also used to be a part of the Sharks. On Saturday morning, we had our first swim meet of the season.
As the coach, I usually try to arrive about an hour early to get things ready. One of the many jobs is to queue up the National Anthem to be played before the meet begins. This particular Saturday was just like any other. I put the CD in and pressed play, followed quickly by pause so that when we're ready, it doesn't take as long to begin playing. So, I received my queue for the National Anthem to begin, and what came out of the speakers, loud enough to fill an entire Natatorium?.....
none other than the first few bars of MARGARITAVILLE!!!!
I couldn't believe it!!!! My embarrassment was quickly followed by a feeling of love and comfort of an old friend, still pulling his jokes and pranks on all of his friends!!!
Needless to say, I went back and played the National Anthem, with a smile knowing that Eric was right there with me.
Johnathan Norris
October 28, 2006
I miss Eric. Not a day goes by I don't think about my fallen brother and the things he should be doing.
Dana Davidson
August 29, 2006
I went to the memorial on New River and it was the most touching experiences I have ever felt. I didn't know Eric but a friend of mine did. I wanted to show my support being a marine wife and all. For the family and their loss my deepest sympathy goes with you, as so does my prayers. May god watch over your family.
Kristen McDannell
June 6, 2006
I knew Eric by seeing him around school, he graduated w/ my oldest brother. I am here to say to his family I am sorry for your loss, and what I knew of him he was a great and fun guy. RIP Eric and god bless McColley Family
Beth Raub
June 2, 2006
Yesterday would have been Eric's 24th birthday. Happy Birthday!
I always wished it could have been June 2nd so he could have one more summer swimming season in the younger age group! As I coach this summer in Montoursville, I will surely share some great stories about Eric! I remember the first time I played the Grateful Dead at practice. He asked, "Hey Beth, what's this country music?" Now I wish he could walk with me in the "Morning Dew."
Megan Maslowski
June 1, 2006
This week has been filled with thoughts of Eric, as it was and is the Memorial Day Holiday as well as what would've been his 24th B-Day. Still, not a day goes by, that I don't have something in my life that reminds me of him. I thank god for the ability to have known Eric and to have been so close to him.
Brittany Miller
May 30, 2006
i really did not know him that well but i do know his parents they talked about him alot and for what he does i think he was a great person he did alot for out contry and i praze god that he did that and if he where her to day i would give him thanks everyday for what he did
Kevin and Maegan Parker
May 29, 2006
We think about John everyday and remember how proud he was to be a Marine. Today and everyday we thank you for your sacrifice. Our hearts are with you always.
Kathy & Don Pawson
May 29, 2006
You don't know us, but we know of you through our son Capt Greg Pawson. Jonathan was a true American Hero. Our hearts share in your pain. We just want you to know you are being thought of today, on this Memorial Day. You are in our prayers. Thank you and thanks to your family for the sacrifice you have all made to our country to make this a safer place to live.
In Christ's Love,
Beth Raub
May 29, 2006
As I do everyday, I remember and thank Eric for his service to our country on this Memorial Day. I miss him so much!
ROBYN GARSIDE
May 2, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WANTED TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. KNOW THAT YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL. GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
MARINE MOM
SSgt Justin Tanner
March 28, 2006
I knew John as "Big Mac" a nick name I gave him when checked in to my shop at 101, and right away I knew this kid and I would be friends, he was always very respectful. When I think about John, I think about all of the BBQ I would have, and just hanging out with John and his best friend SGT Parker those two seemed to be joined at the hip. I'm not a man of many words but to sum up Big Mac all that comes to mind is he was a great kid and a great Marine, I'll miss you Big Mac, and I'll see you on the other side bro, you will never be forgoten, Semper Fi.
Christopher Morse
March 26, 2006
I would like to pass my deepest and sincerest condolences to the McColley family. Eric and I attended boot camp together in 2000. Eric was an unbelievable person and a true friend. His kindness and compassion, for all, will never be forgotten. Eric was a true Marine and I am proud to have known and served with him.
Captain Douglas Thumm
March 25, 2006
My deepest sympathies to the family of a great American Hero! Sgt McColley and I deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005 with HMM-263(Rein). I would see his face nearly every night before and after a flight. No matter how good or bad a day, he was always upbeat and full of cheer. He loved his job and did it extremely well. The pride he took in being a Marine was evident and is a great example to all who met him. Thank you for raising such a wonderful son and allowing him to touch the lives of so many people both here at home, and abroad in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. I know that he is sorely missed and will never be forgotten. God Bless and Semper Fi!
Megan & Eric Buffet Concert Summer 2005
March 22, 2006
Buffett Concert Summer 2003
March 22, 2006
Mildred Melendez Sánchez
March 18, 2006
Dear Mc Colley Family:
My brother the airman Staff Sgt. Luis Meléndez Sánchez from Puerto Rico lost his life in the same accident. My family prayers and condolences thoughts are with all of them to rest in peace…
Rita Andrews
March 16, 2006
Words cannot express the loss I feel when I think of never seeing Eric (John) again. He was a very good man. His heart and spirit were always in the right place. He had a gentle, kind soul that stays with you. My daughters Stacy and Kasey say he is in Margaritaville. I am comforted knowing we will meet again. With Love Rita Andrews
Michael & Deborah Miles
March 16, 2006
We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Rest in peace Sgt. McColley.
Semper Fidelis!
Michael & Deborah Miles
Proud Marine Parents of
Sgt. Sean H. Miles
KIA 24 January 2006
Al Karmah, Iraq
Brittany Miller
March 7, 2006
To the McColley's
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I never really new Eric,but he
will always be in our hearts.
GOD BLESS
Sarah McCullough
March 5, 2006
I have known Eric all 20 years of my life. He was my brother and always will be. He took care of me, and no matter how mean he and my brother would be to me, I still wanted to hang out with them, and be around them. They made me the person I am today. I am honored to have known Eric and to have been his 2nd sister. Life will never be the same, be because I knew Eric, I have been changed.. For Good.
"Some of it's magic, some of it's tragic, but I had a good life all the way" --Jimmy Buffett
I love you Eric, my brother, my hero, my friend.
jake thompson
February 28, 2006
Eric was my friend my brother. he was the life of the party but the one one that you could turn to in any problem the one that always was there for you the one that could always say the right thing. He will always have a place in my heart as will he in my familes i thank the lord to let me know such a man.
Jennifer Kummer
February 28, 2006
Dear Family and Friends,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your son and friend. Although I did not know him personally, he is part of our family--my husband is also stationed here at New River. Your Son will always be in our Marine Family! May God Bless you with strength and peace.
Traci and Matt Uhrich
February 28, 2006
Our heartfelt thanks for your sacrifice. You are forever a hero in Heaven as you were on Earth. Our prayers go out to all who knew and loved you.
Laurel Thrasher
February 27, 2006
Eric will live on in our hearts. He brought a smile to our faces. Remembrances include fun times at Y Nationals in Charlotte, especially at Alexander Michaels, and late afternoons at the Country Club with Eric, Aaron, and Matt all doing canon balls off the board. Our hearts go out to the McColleys and we send our love. We are so proud and blessed to have known Eric. Love from Laurel, Richard, Ned, and Emma Thrasher.
Jason Estright
February 27, 2006
To the Family and Friends of Jonathan,
My heart goes out to you in this time of loss. I want to thank him for protecting my freedoms. (A life long friend of Bryan Willard and his family)
STACY JACKSON
February 26, 2006
I MET JOHN ABOUT 4 1/2 YEARS AGO WHEN HE WAS 19 AND i WAS 17. I STILL REMEMBER WHAT WE WAS WEARING WHEN I MET HIM, WHICH WAS A GREATFUL DEAD T-SHIRT AND FLIP FLOPS. I WOULD EXPECT NOTHING ELSE. I WILL NEVER LOVE SOMEONE THE WAY I LOVED HIM. HE MENT THE WORLD TO ME. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT HE MENT TO EVERYONE WHO CROSSED HIS PATH. EVEN WHEN I WAS CRYING MY EYES OUT HE COULD ALWAYS MAKE ME LAUGH. I WISH HE WAS HERE NOW TO MAKE ME LAUGH AND TO FEEL BETTER.I HOPE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOU JOHN AND SUSAN. I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME. I THINK ABOUT HIM ALL THE TIME AND THE UNFORGETABLE MEMORIES WE SHARED. I HOPE TO MEET YOU SOME DAY JOHN AND SUSAN, I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE TODAY. TAKE CARE AND KEEP IN TOUCH.
Michelle Norris
February 26, 2006
What can I say about Eric, but that I loved him. He was a wonderful man and although he was my husband's Best Man we joked that day that he was my Maid of Honor. It breaks my heart that he's no longer here and he will always be missed and thought of. How could he not when he helped us get married. Eric was funny and sweet and the best friend anyone could have because he was a true friend. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Cathy Krula
February 26, 2006
From the first time we met Eric at the YWCA he captured a place in the hearts of myself and my kids. His love of life and people was contagious-I looked forward to working with him in the pool and watching him compete on swim team. We left Gettysburg 6 years ago-and on the day before we moved, Eric showed up at my back door-just to say goodbye. As we drove past the Y on our way out of town-my daughter Molly was crying-she hadn't had a chance to say goodbye to Eric. He is forever in our hearts. Thank you Eric for being you!
Cathy Krula
Evan
February 26, 2006
My heart goes out to the McColleys. Eric will be missed. Thank you Eric for bringing friendship and smiles to those who knew you, and thank you for serving all of us proudly. You are missed.
Johnathan Norris
February 26, 2006
Jonathan, or Eric as I call him, was one of the greatest people I've ever met. He was one of my closest friends and my best man the day I was married. His parent's raised thier son right. Eric will be missed everyday for the rest of my life.
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How to support Jonathan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jonathan McColley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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