John Jeckot Obituary

John Michael Jeckot

AGE: 39 • Collingswood

On January 20, 2013 of Collingswood, NJ, age 39. He is the beloved husband of Nancy C. (nee Lee), devoted father of Anna and Isabel, loving son of Jack and Christine Jeckot and dear grandson of Patricia Bennett. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Lee, his brother Christopher Jeckot, and his brother-in-law Warren Finch (Winnie). He cherished his nephews Austin and Jackson, his niece Zoe and nephew Max and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

John will be remembered for how he always took time to help others. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the 94th Fighter Squadron stationed at Langley Air Force Base. He also did a tour of duty in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. John was a member of the X-Runner Underground. He enjoyed upgrading his pick-up, sharing his knowledge of the planets and stars, and was an avid fan of the Flyers. As a talented drummer he listened to and played along with heavy metal music. He was known to use his quick wit and humor to make people laugh. Most importantly, John always remarked how much he loved "his girls".

Relatives and friends are invited to meet Friday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and again Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 400 WHITE HORSE PIKE, OAKLYN, NJ. John's funeral service will be held 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of his family. An Educational Fund for John's children has been set up at PNC Bank. Contributions may be made at any PNC branch under the name of M. Christine Jeckot. (www.creranfh.com)

Published by Courier Post from Jan. 23 to Jan. 25, 2013.
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Dear John,

Words of sadness are swirling through my head. How do I express the deep sorrow of these passing days in this letter I write to you?

The passing of your Aunt Kathleen on Tuesday, a week before your eighth anniversary of your passing, is a lot to comprehend. At times, almost too much to bear.

I need help from the two of you to allow January not to become such a sorrowful month of the year. I’d like to believe I can come up with a way of doing this. I really need to.

When your father told me Kathleen died, I didn’t want to believe it. How could someone healthy and a young 64 just expire? Not fair! It’s just not fair. Here we go again losing another family member who is young. Lisa, Michael, you and now Kathleen.

Writing my thoughts down does help because it has occurred to me that your Aunt Kathleen enjoyed and admired all that was nature here on our planet and I think of you as the lover of the sky, stars and space. It gives me solace every night when I gaze upon the stars and planets. The two of you have brought these two worlds together for me. They’re not so separate as I once thought.

Joy and beauty not only thrive through our vision but dwell in our hearts. I feel better. Thank you for listening, John. Now, go and embrace the light of your Aunt for Kathleen. Your Dad and I can just imagine the love that will transpire. I need to further practice appreciating, every day, all that is wonderful.

I miss you. And I will love you through eternity.

Hugs. Mom

Christine Jeckot

Mother

January 18, 2021

We love and miss you every day.

Mom

August 4, 2020

Dear John,

You send me light in many unexpected ways. These signs of hope and love have carried me almost seven years since you died unexpectedly.

I can honestly say I am happy. The climb to the top of the mountain was difficult and long. But I made it.

Your father and I have embraced retirement. We planned and worked hard to sell our home of 33 years. All the pieces of the puzzle then fell into place in order for us to buy a home five minutes from your daughters.

Anna, Isabel and Jonna are three lights of happiness. They are beautiful inside and out. Watching them grow is a true treasure. Receiving their hugs and kisses feel as if you are a part every day we are with them. Nancy is sweet to us and we appreciate her love and friendship. She is working diligently to find her happiness as well.

Then, of course, your brother, Christopher and darling Lisa had a baby girl. You have your first niece on the Jeckot side! Mila Jane is beautiful and perfect in every way. Your brother is filled with pride and as parents, we are thrilled for him. Lisa is special and we love having her become a member of our family.

Your sister is happily set up in her new abode and is extremely happy with her location and surroundings on Patricia Lane. So are Teddi and JoJo.

Gifts abound and light surround us.
Merry Christmas, John. We will love you for all eternity and miss you until we meet again.

Mom

December 22, 2019

Dear John,

I want to thank you for the birthday wish, one day after my birthday. As you know, I keep the last birthday card you gave me from six years ago and read it from time to time. It always lightens my heart.

On January 14th I got out of our car and looked down to my feet. I saw a small circular yellow piece of paper with writing and artwork on it. It was upside down so I moved in order to be able to read it. Happy Birthday was printed across the top with a Halloween inspired skull on it. I bent over, picked it up and put it in my pocket knowing in my heart the message was sent by you.

You are always on my mind. Not a day goes by without thinking of you. I will love you always.

Mom

Christine Jeckot

January 18, 2019

I miss you.

December 17, 2018

Christine Jeckot

January 29, 2017

Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

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Christine Jeckot

January 29, 2017

Dear John,

You are always on my mind. These past weeks, months actually, leading up to today, the fourth anniversary of your death, are extremely difficult. There in still lies the questions that will never be answered. Never. But I am able, finally, to pull myself up, switch gears and think about all the positives you brought to my life and our family's lives.

Your humor, your smile, your wit, your knowledge of the things you were compassionate about such as mechanics and astronomy, your desire to help others with their vehicles, most importantly your love of family, all bring a flood of memories that are stored in our hearts and minds for safe keeping.

Our love for you shall never diminish. Our love for Nancy and your daughters continues to grow.

I pray for your spirit. I know you are out there somewhere aware of everything in the universe. You are all knowing and you know that what I write is the truth.

We miss you every day.

I love you,
Mom

Christine Jeckot

January 19, 2017

Dear John,

You have sent me red tailed hawks on more occasions than I can count since you passed away. But I had never heard their call until Christmas Eve morning. I was not familiar with the sound emanating from outside that day. As I peered my gaze through our window, I found a beautiful juvenile red tailed hawk perched in a tree in our yard. He stayed for almost an hour allowing me to think of you and the gifts you have bestowed on us while you were alive and continue to give as a spirit as free as that hawk.

We are thankful you were a part of our lives. You enriched our family with your gentle giant personality and made us laugh as the attentive audience we wanted to be. We are thankful for your wife and three gorgeous daughters who fill our lives with excitement and wonder.

As you see, you continue to give us gifts we can appreciate day after day, Christmas after Christmas, year after year.

Thank you.
Love,
Mom

Christine Jeckot

December 27, 2016

Mom

October 31, 2016

Mom

October 31, 2016

Dear John,

Never would I allow your birthday to pass without saying Happy Birthday. You were our greatest Halloween treat. So sweet and precious you were as a baby and child. We were very excited to have a son who would be a brother to his older sister. You were our little munchkin. Some called you John John. I called you my pumpkin. All three of you were my pumpkins.

Speaking of pumpkins, Elizabeth and I both got tattoos on our left wrist in your honor. This was a big decision for me and it took three years to get up the courage to have it done, but I did it and I am so glad I did. Every time I look at it, I think of you. Not that I need a tattoo to think of you as I already think of you several times a day. I took the plunge and although mine is much smaller than yours, I have a pumpkin tattoo too. It is very special to me that your sister and I did this together.

Your daughters were here with all of us as we sang Happy Birthday to you this weekend. We honored your memory with song and laughter and shared hugs of love.

We miss you more than words could ever express. Please keep watch over your beautiful wife and daughters. They light my life. Thank you for being a wonderful son.

Happy Halloween.
Love, Mom

Christine Jeckot

October 31, 2016

Dear John,
We miss you every single day.
Love,
Mom

Christine Jeckot

July 3, 2016

Dear John,

You are in my thoughts and prayers every single day. I think about you so many times throughout the day that it is impossible to count.

Today your father and I left the mountain house for home. I asked you to give me a sign so that I would know that you heard me.

About an hour into the ride back, you came through with a sign. A beautiful red tailed hawk crossed over six lanes of traffic, right in front of our car, as it made its way east. I turned to your father and said, "John answered my request for a sign.!" He didn't notice the hawk, he was driving in traffic but I explained to him that I had asked you to send a red-tailed hawk and to have it fly right in front of our car and you did just that.

My eyes began to fill with tears. You heard me! I know it! I also know that I will see you again and no one could ever convince me of anything different.

We love and miss you every day.
Mom

Christine Jeckot

April 22, 2016

Dear John,

Every night when the sky was clear over the past several weeks, I found myself engaged by the sight on one particular constellation in the south. No matter when I went out the back door, I would look up at it and wonder what stars I was fascinated with night after night.

One evening I happened to be watching a show on the History Channel about the three large pyramids. The thought was that the pyramids were built to line up with the three stars in Orion's Belt. That must be it, I thought. Those are the stars I have been looking at over the past several weeks.

Then it dawned on me. I should look for the app that you had shown me on your phone several years ago so that I could confirm the constellation. So I purchased an app and went outside and pointed my iphone directly at the three stars in question. There it was, Orion's Belt. I thought, ok, now I know what I am looking at in the sky. I love this app!

January has become a tough month. Every day we get closer to the 19th, the harder each day becomes. I try my best to bring happy memories to mind about you as a baby, child, adult and father as much as possible. But the days that surrounded your death creep in without notice. They are very difficult to suppress and going to sleep each night can be a monumental chore.

Believe me, I know you don't want this for me or anyone else that you love. I want to honor your memory with joyfulness. Those thoughts are easier to bring to light than they were three years ago. I am working on this all the time.

The 19th of January came. Luckily your father and I had the opportunity to spend the day with Jonna and then Anna and Isabel joined us after 3:00 pm. They bring us such joy. The same joy your sister, brother and you brought us when you were children. No doubt there were difficult times but those memories have faded away and the happy moments boil to the top.

Around 5:30 it was time to take the girls home. The five of us piled into the Magnum and took off as the sun was setting quickly. As we drove, I was sitting in between Jonna and Isabel in the back seat, while Anna sat upfront with your Dad. Your Dad made the most beautiful slide show of your daughters to the music of Remember Children. I proceeded to show Jonna and Isabel the sideshow. Your Dad pulled over and we played it again for Anna. They shared some of their memories with certain photos as they came up. It was a sweet moment to share with them.

We finally pulled up to your house and your Dad turned off the car. As soon as he did, Anna made a dash for the front door as your Dad followed close behind with Jonna in his arms. Isabel and I were taking our time as we walked away from the car when she suddenly pointed to the moon and said to me, Mom-Mom! Look at that star right next to the moon. I replied, Yes, I see that. I wonder which star that is. And then I remembered that I had the app, Sky Guide on my phone. I told Isabel that I just purchased an app very similar to the app you had on your phone and proceeded to turn it on. I leaned down and showed her how it worked. She was quite impressed with the way it showed the stars and the fainted drawings of the constellations such as Pisces and Aquarius. Isabel then asked if she could hold my phone. I handed it to her and she pointed it up towards the sky and stopped. Right in the middle of the screen was the constellation, Orion. Isabel pointed to the wings on Orion and said, Mom-Mom, that's where heaven is. Surprise and awe came rushing over me. I repeated what she said in my head. I recognized that this sign was meant for me. It was amazing. Standing next to me was your sweet little, five-year old daughter and she had just unknowingly delivered a message I needed to hear on that day. She had no idea this was the third anniversary of your passing.

All the previous weeks of watching Orion, seeing the show on the History Channel, buying the star app and sharing it with Isabel, had all come down to this moment, a moment to treasure. My heart was touched. My hope was renewed. I saw the promise. We will be together again, in heaven. After all, I was shown it clearly through the eyes of your daughter.

God bless your soul.

Love,
Mom

January 30, 2016

We LOVE You and MISS You and hold you close in our Hearts every day! Love, Aunt Kathleen & Uncle Hans

January 19, 2016

Dear John,

Where ever I am so are you. I feel it and know it. I ask for signs so that I may be reassured and a sign is given more than not. There are too many to list here but the showering of the white feathers in California was an unbelievable experience and the juvenile hawk that came to visit your sister, Dad and me in the Poconos are two of my favorites. Please continue to reassure us that you are here, everywhere.

Your birthday is quickly approaching. You would be turning 42, but you will stay forever young in our hearts and minds. Your family will be here together to celebrate you on Halloween. Anna and Isabel requested a giant chocolate chip cookie decorated with an orange pumpkin and Happy Birthday written on it for you. They are such dear little souls.

I cannot imagine you not knowing exactly where your girls are and what they are doing day to day. You must be so proud of them and your wife, Nancy. Jonna is delighting us with her every visit to our home. She is quite precious.

Please don't forget to join us as we sing for you on your special day. Your Dad will play the piano as he always does.

We love you,
Mom and Dad

October 3, 2015

DearJohn,

Not a day goes by without having several opportunities to think of you. I am sorry I haven't written to you in quite a while but our lives took on serious responsibilities with the illness and death of your Mom-Mom Pat and the aftermath as well as the travel for your Dad's new musical adventure.

You are present wherever we may be on any given day. As we make our travels on the road, I have time to reflect and I never fail to find you along the way. You say hello in so many special ways. Be it a red tailed hawk swooping down across the road right in front of our car's path, (This happened in March in North Jersey and just last week on 76 in PA. Coincidence? I think not.) or the dragonfly that comes to visit whenever the girls are in our pool, (Especially the day a dragonfly sat on top of the vacuum pole as I vacuumed the bottom of the pool.) or the ever present CAT machines working on the highways and I wonder if your skilled hands worked on one of them to perform repairs, or a Penske truck pulling in front of us when it seems to be out of nowhere.

Your father and I keep your memory alive with your daughters. How can we not? You are our beautiful son and their wonderful Daddy. They are so perfect and lovely. I know that you are watching over them, us and me. I feel it. Although I tear at the thought of you gone from our physical world, I am working very hard to accept your death on an every day basis and as well as to understand you had your path and we all have ours. Your path may have taken you away from us sooner than we expected or wanted, but I must accept it and get on with it. I know you want it this way.

I promise to remember you in a way that brings you honor to the life you had with us, your dear wife and girls. Your Dad, Elizabeth and Christopher love and miss you so much.

I love you,
Mom

Christine Jeckot

July 16, 2015

Dear John,

Two years have passed and the hurt doesn't subside but the love we have for you grows as if you were still here through the endless memories we hold. Memories that bring a lightness to our hearts in any given moment of our day.

When we speak of you, a smile will surely surface, not only a display on our faces but in our hearts too. The true John stuff that only you were capable of doing or saying at the precise moment needed is what we must remember. Your unique personality made you bigger than life. There was only one you. Therefore, we mourn.

We send love to you in our daily thoughts.

Truly,
Mom

January 21, 2015

We LOVE YOU and MISS YOU every single day, John! Love, Aunt Kathleen

January 19, 2015

We love you. We miss you. We hold you close to our hearts.

Mom

January 18, 2015

Dear John,

Christmas is fast approaching and I find myself thinking of you so much and wishing you were here to enjoy the holidays with your wife and daughters.

When I am going about my day, I may pause and scan through the files of my memories so that I may relive a moment in time when you were alive. I have recalled you wrestling in the basement of Lincoln Avenue with your brother in your Collingswood singlets on the carpet, riding your bike with a full leg cast, playing baseball or soccer in Knight Park, working on one of your cars in the driveway, watching you dance with Nancy at your wedding or holding one of your precious girls on your knee. I thank God for all of these precious memories.

John, you were so many things to so many people. You were a son, grandson, brother, nephew, friend, uncle, husband and father. You were funny, smart, talented, loving, loyal, helpful, endearing and handsome man.

We wish you a heaven full of love as you live in a world we cannot fathom. We know you are there, here and we will be with you again.

All of us, your family and friends, love and miss you.

Merry Christmas.
Love, Mom

Christine Jeckot

December 22, 2014

Dear John,

We will be celebrating your birthday today as we always have because we can't imagine it any other way. You are our Halloween baby.

Your father and I talk about you so often and revel in the memories we have of you as a man and as a child. Just today we drove past Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. As we passed by the sidewalk that lead up to the front door, I could not help but privately reminisce about your birth as your father had a conversation with your Grandmother in the front seat of our car. We were incredibly happy to welcome you into our family of three. We knew we would name you after your father, as well as after my brother who passed as an infant and as it so happened he was also born at Our Lady of Lourdes some thirty years earlier. As a matter of fact, I was born there too when the hospital was just one year new.

You were the sweetest baby. The cutest little boy you could ever imagine and handsome to boot as a grown man. You had the awesome talent of making people laugh, so quick with a joke, so fast with the comebacks. You made our lives better.

We wish you were still here. We wish we could see you one last time and say all the things that were left unsaid. We wish so much you didn't have to go.

Please know I see you in the clouds and in every gloriously colored sunset. I see you in the moon and stars. I see you in a butterfly as it dances across our yard. I see you in your beautiful daughters. They are so amazing, John.

We had the privilege of having you in our lives for thirty-nine years. You gave us love, laughter and three delightful granddaughters.

We wish you a very Happy Birthday. We wish you love for all eternity.

Happy Halloween, to my little Pumpkin Head.

Love, Mom

Christine Jeckot

October 30, 2014

Dear John,

Upon the referral of my friend, Mary, I just finished reading a beautiful written book entitled, “Proof of Heaven” by Eben Alexander. Although I truly feel in my heart that you are in heaven, reading Dr. Alexander's book affirmed my beliefs by describing his incredible near death experience with such great detail and conviction.

Interestingly, butterflies are an important part of his experience. I found this portion of his episode to be very powerful for a couple of reasons. One being most definitely the story my mother shared with me during a conversation we had while she was in the ICU. I surely did not know, at that time, she was only days away from dying. The other reason is the recurring presence of butterflies I have been exposed to since her passing.

Recently I was speaking with my friend, Marie about these experiences and she brought up the fact that butterflies symbolize death or rebirth after death. She further stated that many believe that these beautiful creatures represent the souls of those who have recently departed from this mortal world. This was news to me, as I had not heard this before.

How perfect I thought, considering my mother took such delight in reliving her event of standing in a room full of illuminated butterflies. You could tell their beauty stunned her, by the expression on her face and the sound of her voice as she recanted those moments.

This theme continued the morning after your Mom-Mom Teddy died. Your Aunt Madelyn and I were sitting and talking at our Mother's breakfast table in Texas having tea and coffee respectively, when a very large butterfly in the back yard distracted us. We couldn't take our eyes off this butterfly of unknown origin as it flew closer and closer to us and then suddenly crashed right into the window next to us with a bang. We were so startled! I do remember saying that maybe Mother was saying hello.

When the day of her funeral arrived here in New Jersey and her coffin was carried to its resting place next to Dad at the cemetery, a Paper White Butterfly appeared and lilted silently around the head of Mother's casket. Time seemed to stand still. My sister and I elbowed each other in the side, as we giggled inwardly at the sight. Ever since, when I see a Paper White, I can't resist saying hello to your Grandmother.

In the meantime, unbeknownst to me, my friend, Marge took a liking to raising Monarch Butterflies at her home in Florida, due to failing numbers. The very time I was struggling with your loss she called me on the phone and managed to lift my soul in just moments. She went on to explain that before each time she releases one of her butterflies, she kisses it in the name of your girls and asks the butterfly to pass on that kiss to you. I smile at the thought of this sweet and thoughtful gesture.

When your father and I were in Dacono, CO a couple of weeks ago, I was standing by the stage where your Dad was setting up his equipment along with the rest of the band. Suddenly I noticed a Monarch Butterfly as it darted across the sky, back and forth it went, as if trying desperately to get my attention. I watched as the butterfly flew to my right and landed softly on the steps leading up to the stage, right behind your father. I thought it was quite curious of a place to land. Before long, another Monarch made its appearance and both of the butterflies flew rapidly back and forth, across the air space between myself, and the stage. They seemed to have super powers because of the speed in which they flew. Soon they soared together higher and higher as they encircled each other. I remembered thinking they look so happy as they performed their dance. Then in a flash, they were gone.

In different parts of the world, a butterfly is considered a good omen. So, I say, keep the butterflies coming. I'll be sure to enjoy each visit.

Spread your wings and soar, John. Look out for the butterfly kisses!

Love from your Mom.

Many thanks to Mary, Marie, Madelyn and Marge.

Mom

August 24, 2014

A year and a half ago you left this earth all too soon.

We miss you dear, John. Just as we do your brother and sister, your Dad and I love you more each and every day. You are our angel in the sky. We believe you are watching over us and so proud of your wife and children as they carry on.

There are times when we struggle with the loss of you and a tear or two may fall. There are many times we remember you and this brings a smile for all.

I pray for your soul each day my son. Keep us in your view.

Love, Mom

July 22, 2014

I remember John as a kid, I was 2 years older and John was really likeable and mature. I saw the terrible day he got hit by a car and broke his leg. I felt bad then, now i'm really saddened to know hes gone. I will pray for his salvation and for strength to come to his family. Im deeply sorry for your loss.

Richard Allen

May 30, 2014

Dear John,

PLease watch over us. Especially Nancy, Anna, Isabel and Jonna.

Isabel told me that she wishes she could see you and Anna is becoming anxious because of the fact that Father's Day is coming. I have to admit I am too.

Hear my prayer.

Love, Mom

Christine Jeckot

May 16, 2014

Dear John,

I am feeling especially sad this week. I truly thought I was doing alright until each passing day brings me closer to Mother's Day. The thought of this holiday is pressing against my heart with such force that I feel at times I can't breathe.

Yes, I am thankful for my family, your Dad, our beautiful daughter and son and our wonderful grandchildren but it isn't the same life without you here. I don't want to complain to you but it is downright horrible that you died. It sucks the life right out of me when I least expect it. I may look like I am ok on the outside but on the inside I am torn to pieces.

I may be impatient, distracted, frustrated and unfocused and out of control. I feel ill with worry about what you went through. I am afraid there is no cure for a mother like me who asks herself the same questions over and over. Questions like, why didn't I know? Why didn't I see? Aren't I supposed to know what was troubling you? I didn't do enough. Did I fail?

Things that seemed important to me before don't carry the same meaning. Life cannot go back to normal no matter how hard I try. It is taking every bit of my strength to carry on as I did before you died.

I pray for your spirit every day. I pray you feel loved where you are and know that we all love you. There is not a second of the day that I am not aware of your absence.

We miss you, John. I miss you. I so wish this was all a dream and I could wake up to see you walk through the back door.

Love,
Mom

Christine Jeckot

May 8, 2014

Dear John,

I had a dream about you but all I can remember is the fact that you looked and sounded great. It was you. Whenever I am able to recall you from a dream I feel as though we actually spent time together. Come and visit me again real soon, won't you? This time though, stay a bit longer.

I love you,
Mom

Christine Jeckot

April 23, 2014

Dear John,

I feel nearest to you when I am with your daughters. They bring light where it is dark. They bring laughter where there are tears. They bring love when it is most needed.

Every time I look at one of your photos a tear comes to my eyes because I miss you so very much. My heart even seems to stop for a moment as I remember you are truly gone.

I struggle between wanting to honor you in my thoughts and words with the many memories you have given us and the true sadness of your absence in our lives.

I don't believe I will ever be the same person I was before you died because you took a part of me with you. But in all honesty, I glad you did.

Your sweet girls are growing so quickly. Jonna's personality is beginning to emerge. She has the largest bright smile you can imagine. She loves to laugh out loud and has found ways to make us laugh right along with her. Jonna, just yesterday, started to do her own version of waving hello and goodbye. Isabel is as adorable as a three year old could ever be. She is at the age where she is learning to express herself and recount experiences she has had as well as being full of questions that never end. She likes school, she comments regularly that she LOVES to paint and dresses herself every day making sure she has matched the color of her articles of clothing and shoes perfectly. I especially love her genuine hugs and dear kisses. Anna's focus is on discovery and her friendships. She truly loves to read. As soon as I drop her off at home she grabs a book and heads for the couch. I rarely can get her to say goodbye because she has her head buried in a new book from the library or purchased from the school book fair. Anna loves horses most of all and is anxiously awaiting horse riding lessons during this spring. Both Anna and Isabel get a real kick out of observing and playing with Jonna. Jonna, on the other hand, can't take her eyes off of her sisters as she studies every move they make.

Your family misses you. Your Dad and I miss you. I know you miss us too. You will always be our John. Big, strong, funny and loving.

Love, Mom

April 4, 2014

If John could write to us, maybe he would say...

Dear Mom and Dad,

When you are dreaming or on your own
Remember that you are not alone
We will always be, you and me
In your heart and soul where no one sees

Pick out the brightest star and there I'll be
Shining down on you a gift from me
I will always know where you are
Look within yourself I'm not so far

Remember, Mom. Remember, Dad. You are not alone.

Trust me when I say to you this day
Life is special, live, laugh, don't delay
I send my love and joy to you
Don't worry so, I am fine, it's true

If our kingdoms seem like worlds apart
We are closer really in our hearts
It won't be easy for you now that I'm gone
Please keep your faith, you must be strong

Remember, Mom. Remember, Dad. You are not alone.

Love, John

Mom

March 10, 2014

You're so very welcome. It's such a small thing for 2 people who have done huge things for all 'our' kids. My love to you and Jack.......always!

February 26, 2014

Thank you, Marge, for your everlasting support, generosity and friendship.

Christine Jeckot

February 25, 2014

John,

The pictures of your life play in my mind over and over again. You are with me every moment of the day. I will never let go. None of us will because we love you and miss you so much.

Isabel continues to speak of you every day I am with her. She shares stories and her memories of you. Today she asked to see a photo of you we have up on a shelf. I took the framed photo down and explained it was taken on the day you married Mommy. I handed her the photo and proceeded to take care of Jonna. As I was feeding Jonna lunch, Isabel came into the breakfast room, showed Jonna your picture and said, "Jonna, this is Daddy!" Isabel placed your picture on the table where she was playing with some toys as if to include you in her day.

Isabel was only 2 1/2 when you died. I find her recollection of you amazing. She reminds me of you, especially her little sense of humor and her facial expressions. She has an infectious laugh too.

Your daughters are all beautiful and special. They bring us joy and love. Thank you for becoming a husband and father so that we could enjoy your sweet daughters. You have given us much to be thankful for today and all of the tomorrows we will see.

Your father and I love you so very much.

Mom

Christine Jeckot

February 20, 2014

Dearest Son,

It pains me every time I read in the paper or on line that someone has died suddenly from an overdose. This is happening with much to much frequency and unfortunately brings back those sad feelings about how you died, how we didn't know how badly you needed help, how shocked we were when we learned you died from an overdose. We never thought this would happen in our family. It happens to others, so we thought. But now we know it can happen to any family from any community or background. There are no boundaries.

How in God's name do we stop this horrible epidemic? Should I be doing something other than reading about it? I pray for an answer.

God bless you, John. You are a good soul. If only we had known. If only. If only. If only.

Love, Mom

February 2, 2014

Sunday Night, January 19th

Dear John,

I try to forget and even deny that you are gone. I feel as if I am living in a holding pattern, a pattern that has already lasted an entire year. You know the saying, “Time heals all wounds”? I am living proof that time alone cannot heal a broken heart. This overwhelming sadness will surely be with me forever.

Even though your father's heart is as broken as mine, he has been my incredible partner as always. I could not have gotten through the past twelve months without him. He loves and misses you so very much.

We miss your smile, that handsome face of yours and the way you could make us laugh. Your family and friends miss being with you. We are so proud of all you did in your life. You were a wonderful son, brother, husband and father.

Yesterday I watched a movie your Aunt Madelyn sent me called, “Home for the Holidays”. The final sound track was a song entitled, “The Very Thought of You.” The lyrics and melody hit me like a ton of bricks. It was as if the music was pulling my thoughts and feelings right onto the screen.

I am thinking of you always. You encompass my thoughts.

Love,
Mom

Mom

January 23, 2014

My Dear John,
It's taken me 1 whole year to write this. I Love You and Miss You terribly. I held you as a baby in my arms and I massaged you and tickled your back as a 6'5 grown, handsome, and loving man. I used to have young male clients that came to me for massage. I would start to feel a bit intimidated that just maybe I was not going to be able to help these young and buffed young men. (Do they need super deep tissue and techniques I might not know?) THEN—I would think of you and just imagine that it was my “John” in my care. It always worked like magic. Thank you for that!!! You ALWAYS made time for me during each and every one of my visits back east. Even though it was and always is hectic to try and see everyone, YOU always made the time to see me---even coming up to the MountainsJ Thank You, John!
One of THE worst days of my life except for last year on this day when you went to heaven, was the day we had to say goodbye to my baby brother Michael. I was SO scared! Someone suggested I drive my Mom to the church and I said, “I can't.” YOU immediately took over and said “I'll drive you, Aunt Kathleen.” Your Dad drove Mom. You were my hero. You also had the courage to get up and speak during the service. I was amazed and so proud of you being able to do that. You also drove me to the luncheon afterwards. I felt comfort in you taking care of me, John. Thank You! You will always have a Special Place in my heart and I KNOW that you know thatJ)) I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER AND know that you're taking good care of and watching over your Mom, Dad, Elizabeth, Chris, Nancy, Anna, Isabel, Jonna, Austin, Jackson, and ALL of us. I know we will be together again one day! Love, Hugs, and Kisses, Aunt Kathleen

January 22, 2014

Mom

January 22, 2014

Mom

January 22, 2014

Dear John,

I speak to you several times a day. I pray you are alright. Do you hear me?

I look for you in the clouds. I look for you in the stars. Do you see me?

I yearn to hear your voice. I yearn to hear your laugh. I want to see your face. I want to see your smile.

Pray for us.

Love, Mom

January 3, 2014

Dear John,

Please know we love and miss you more than ever. I honestly cannot fathom Christmas without you. This time last year we were so excited that you finally landed a job that had real promise for you and your family and your future. Little did we know that we had barely a moment in time left with you here on earth.

Your father and I saw the movie "Philomena". We had a general idea regarding the premise of the movie before we arrived at the theater. In the story, a young girl gives birth to a baby boy in a convent in Ireland. Fifty years later she tries to find him in America because he had been adopted when he was almost two. By the time she locates him, she finds that he had died years earlier. It was so sad, it was almost unbearable to watch. I felt so overwhelmed with grief. This movie had just hit too close to home and my heart.

On the car ride home I couldn't even speak to your father. I know he felt sad too. But as the car rode along and we made a turn onto the ramp to Cuthbert, there stood a construction vehicle with the word "CAT" imprinted on the side. Of course, every time I see one of these pieces of equipment, I think of you since you worked for Caterpillar as a diesel mechanic.

I then reflected on the movie and thought, we at least had you for almost 40 years in our lives. The woman in the story only had less than two.

Then it hit me. I could almost hear you saying, "Mom, I lived. I was alive. You have to remember I lived my life." I then realized how sad it is that I keep thinking about the fact that you died. How you are not here and how the pain in my heart doesn't stop for one moment. But, for your sake, I need to remember the happy memories of when you were alive. Because you did live. You were happy boy full of life. You loved, you laughed, you married and had three beautiful daughters. You most certainly did live. The proof is all around us. I must work toward living in the memories of your life.

You were and still are a fine son, John.

Love, Mom

December 20, 2013

Dear John,

We missed you during this first Thanksgiving without you knowing quite well it was your favorite holiday. We missed your voice, your smile, your energy and your ability to make us laugh.

We all were very grateful that your Aunt Ellen and Uncle Bob lovingly opened their home to us this year. It felt good to be together with family.

I am trying to be thankful for the time we had together with you.

Love to you dear heart.
Mom

November 29, 2013

Dear John,

On January 20th my life was changed forever. I still cannot believe that you are gone and that I will never see that incredible smile of yours ever again. Today is a struggle just like the day before. I watch life go on all around me and wish that you could come back and take care of your family. You should still be here.

I don't look forward to going to bed because as soon as my head hits the pillow I begin the ritual of playing the same pictures over and over in my mind of that night. This is a living nightmare.

The other part of all of this is that I know in my heart that you would not want this for me, any of us, to feel this kind of pain. I actually feel guilty for feeling so sad. Why?

I am so sorry, but I feel as if I am being tortured by some cruel joke. I want this to stop. But it can't. The only way this pain will stop is if you come back.

You are our dear son. I wanted to grow old and die before you. Was that too much to ask of this life?

I pray to God that you are truly all knowing and feel nothing but love. Love will keep us together in mind and spirit, in heart and soul. I will never let go of you.

Your Dad loves you. Elizabeth and Chris love you. Nancy, Anna, Isabel and Jonna love you. All of your family loves you.

I carry you with me through every minute of the day.
Mom

November 20, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

Christine Jeckot

November 3, 2013

John,

I hope you were able to appreciate the way your family celebrated your birthday on Halloween. We miss you so much. We talk about you all the time. Everyone was so supportive of us knowing it was your birthday and tried to understand how difficult it must be to celebrate your day without you present. We are grateful for them and of our family.

Your Aunt Madelyn flew all the way from Colorado to be here with us. Aunt Ellen and Uncle Bob and cousins Erin and Brian sent beautiful flowers as well as your Uncle Mike.

Your whole family was here as we sang Happy Birthday to you and supported your dear girls as they blew out your candles. Your daughters are so beautiful and special in every way.

I know you were here in spirit as you sent too many signs for me to ignore.

We will love you always.

I miss you. You were my little pumpkin.

Love, Mom

November 3, 2013

Dear John,

Nine glorious months, almost forty years ago, I had the privilege to carry you in my body until the day you were born.

The past nine months have been the hardest and saddest time of my life and that of your family.

I now carry you in my heart wherever I am, wherever I go but my arms ache to hold you once again.

Love,
Mom

Mom

October 19, 2013

John, There are moments when I create a dialogue between you and me. Speaking of thoughts that have been left unsaid. Exchanges about the week's events. Imagining how we would tell each other that we are sorry. Sorry that I did not know how deep rooted your addiction had taken you down a path of no return. I imagine, if you could, you would tell me how sorry you are that you left us. That you never would have left us on purpose. That your family meant everything to you. I would respond with understanding in my heart and tell you that your family knows that you did not want to leave. I would tell you that I am so very sorry that you were suffering and that I just didn't see your problem. You would tell me how you could not bring yourself to tell us how bad things were for you and that you hid the truth from us. Thinking you were protecting us. All along I thought you were suffering from depression. I had no idea. I just had no idea. You would tell me that you love me and that you love your Dad, sister and brother. You love Nancy and your dear girls. I would tell you that I love you, your entirely family loves you. I would ask you if you are free from pain. You would tell me that you are at peace and I would be so relieved when you tell me that we will see each other when the time is right. And I would tell you that I miss you and it hurts to not have you here. John, at least your suffering is no more.

Mom

September 23, 2013

Dear John,

I have created a world with you in it. A world where I may not be able to touch you or see you but a world that brings me a glimmer of hope from time to time.

Last week, for instance, I decided to water all of the flowers that grow in containers in the yard as the sun began to set. The weather has been quite kind to us during this past month when the usual temperatures take us into the 90s.

As I made my way around the yard, I knew that I would end my watering journey near the last place I saw you alive. That was Monday, January 14th. The day after my birthday when we had the opportunity to spend a good part of the day together. A very special day I hold close to my heart. The last day we spoke, the last day we laughed together, the last day we hugged and said, "I love you".

While watering the last flower pot, I inched my way towards the end of our walkway and came to rest where I relived the moments up to when I waved goodbye as you drove away. I then realized the sun had turned into a huge orange ball as it started to make its way toward the horizon. I stepped further into the street so that I could get a better look. It was then that I was completely washed with the glow of the sun. The sun was incredibly beautiful. I cried as I thought of you and felt a warmth of emotion pour over me. Then I recalled the words from your poem, "I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun." I felt connected to you at that moment.

Yesterday and last night weighed heavy on my mind as the seventh month mark was approaching. Nothing I could do would stop it from coming. Thank goodness I was able to be with your children while Nancy was at work. Jonna woke up just after midnight. She is such a dear soul, John. She is beautiful, sweet and perfect in every way. I enjoyed my alone time with her. As I looked at her, she brought me back to when you were born and how elated your father and I were to have a heathy baby boy to add to our family. You were our very own Halloween baby. You truly enjoyed sharing your birthday with this special holiday. Halloween was your day. Orange is your color.

Today I woke up, went downstairs and flipped on the coffee machine. I talked and petted the puppies while my coffee brewed. As I do almost every morning, I carried my mug of coffee to the breakfast room to read the paper. I picked up the Courier Post and I was intrigued by the heading in the middle of the page. It read, "FILLING THE SKY TO SAY GOODBYE." The paper was folded in half so I opened up in oder to look at the color photo that was under this heading. I could not believe It was a picture of a group of children and adults letting go of orange and black balloons in honor of a little boy who had tragically died last week. In this photo, the sky was full of ORANGE and BLACK balloons. Incredible.

I feel you John. I know you are there. I hear your voice in the moments I am able to capture the quiet.

You were our little pumpkin and will always be.

We love you,
Mom and Dad

August 20, 2013

Thinking of you. Every hour of every day. The main people that help me regain focus, on what is truly important and to remember to live in the moment, are your daughters. They bring light to me and your father, your wife and your siblings whenever we are with them. We love your girls so much and we love you.

Mom

August 14, 2013

John,
Reese finally got to meet Anna! They were so cute together as if they had met and played together their whole lives. Isabel is adorable and reminds us of you soo much. Jonna is so precious and made us all smile so much. I held her every chance I got! This was my first trip back to New Jersey without you there. Seemed so different from past trips. You were on my mind the whole time we were there. Everyone misses you so much. The girls are so blessed to have amazing support from your family and their mom loves them dearly! I pray for strength for your mom, dad, Elizabeth, Chris, Nancy and your beautiful girls! Love ya cousin ~ you are missed and will never be forgotten!!

Kelly Zawada-Trevena

August 8, 2013

Six months. I cannot help but feel incredible loss and pain. Life will never be the same without you. But I must share my experiences of the last twelve hours leading up to this time as I share them with others.

Last night I could not go to sleep. As twelve o'clock approached, I was reliving the minutes up until the moment we viewed your lifeless body at Our Lady of Lourdes.

I was crying. Then I prayed. I begged for the hurt to stop. I was feeling the weight of your loss on my chest which make it difficult to breath. I wished the tortured thoughts of you gone would somehow ease.

Mercifully I fell asleep.

I awoke this morning thinking about John. Six months. In his honor I walked downstairs directly to the beautiful handmade rosewood box that contains his urn and opened the lid. This box also contains a framed photo of John and a laminated copy of his obituary as well as the prayer card from his funeral. I read this handpicked poem for John out loud.

"I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave behind when day is done."

When I was finished reading this poem, and every time I finish reading this poem, I remind myself that John would want for all of us to do exactly what this poem says to us. To remember him with smiles. He had a vibrant smile himself and he reveled in the quest to watch others smile and laugh when he said something witty or funny.

I proceeded with a few simple chores and then tried to get a hold of my sister, Madelyn. She didn't answer so I promised her I would keep my cell phone with me in the message I left on her machine.

As I made my way down to the basement to change a load of wash, I put my cell phone down but noticed a message on the face of the phone out of the corner of my eye so I picked it up.

The message read, "FaceTime Failed. John M. Jeckot is not available for FaceTime." How did THIS message, of all messages appear at that time? I completely lost it. Are you kidding me? No. This isn't funny. I KNOW I can't see my son face to face. This is the only thing I want in the world to be true.

This particular spot in my basement has special meaning to me. This location at the washer is where I relive the time John surprised me when I turned around and he gave me a big hug. He then shared with me that he had just learned he finally landed a job after being unemployed for quite awhile. This particular place in our home is where I relive a very special hug from John that occurred about three and a half weeks before he died. There were other hugs after that one, such as on my birthday, but this was huge because of the extreme happiness I saw in him and felt for him.

After letting it all out, it hit me as I recalled the cell phone message. John is not available for FaceTime. A smile crossed my face as I asked, "John, did you just do that?" I can't help think you did, this kind of joke would be right up your alley.

I must smile for him today. I must carry a smile in my heart. For you, John, I can do that.

Mom

July 21, 2013

John, I awoke at 5:30 this morning as I was lying on my stomach. Did you wake me? I could have sworn you said to me with a pause between each phrase, "Mom. I'm here. I love you." Right after that I felt a quick, firm but gentle touch my back. I want to believe this really happened because it would bring me great comfort to know you were able to communicate with me. I know that was your voice I heard. I love you, too. Your Dad and your entire family love you and miss you so much.

Mom

July 7, 2013

Dear John,

I only have a picture now, a frozen piece of time
To remind me of how it was when you were here and mine.

I see your smiling eyes each morning when I wake,
I talk to you, and place a kiss upon your lovely face.

How much I miss you being here? I really can not say,
The ache is deep inside my heart and never goes away.

I hear it mentioned often that time will heal the pain,
But if I'm being honest, I hope it will remain.

I need to feel you constantly to get me through the day,
I loved you so very much. Why did you go away?

If only I'd been asked If I would take your place,
I would have done so willingly leaving you this world to grace.

You should have had so many years to watch your life unfold,
And in the mist of this watch me, your Mom, grow old

I hope your watching from above at the daily tasks I do,
And let there be no doubt at all, I really do love you.

Mom

Mom

June 20, 2013

Christine - John hears you loud and clear - always did and always will. You both will carry that special love and bond between Mother and Child throughout eternity - nothing can break it. Love.......Marge

June 17, 2013

Dear John,

I could not let this day go by without telling you how much we miss your presence. Especially today on Father's Day and your brother's birthday. We have made our best effort to celebrate both occasions. It's just that...you aren't here to celebrate them with us.

If that was you who blew out all of Chris' candles before he could, well, we were able to see the humor in that moment.

Elizabeth and Chris miss you terribly. As a mother it hurts me more than anything because I can't do anything to help them. As is true for Nancy and your girls. They all seem to be coping well on the surface but I cannot imagine how they feel inside. It helps us all to be together, I do know that. There's strength in numbers you could say.

We all try to do our best to help Nancy out. We want you to be proud of our efforts to help your children too. But you were a super dad and no one will ever be able to fill your shoes. They simply want you to come home. So do I.

By sharing stories of our memories of you with each other, I can appreciate the happiness I feel. Although the surge of laughter comes and goes, it gives me hope and security to know that we will never forget your incredible sense of humor and sometimes "interesting" way of looking at certain situations. You had a real knack for playing with words. That's talent and you had it.

If you can hear me, I want you to know that we all love you so very much.

Mom

Christine Jeckot

June 16, 2013

Nothing makes us love someone more than the loss of them.

Mom

June 8, 2013

Dear John,

I want you to know that your daughter, Anna told me that every time she sees a large bird flying through the sky she thinks of you. Apparently, the last time the two of you were staying in the Pocono house, she explained to me that you both saw an eagle flying over the lake. I am sure that was an awesome sight as Anna was very impressed by this experience and holds onto it by honoring your memory this way.

She also told me that you were very good at imitating a turkey. Of course, I laughed at the thought of you performing this impression for her. This statement came about the day after Jonna was born because we saw six wild turkeys in the front yard of a homeowner on our way back home from the hospital after your girls met their new sister.

Anna is doing well. It does our hearts good to see her smile and laugh. Anyone who knows her well, knows what a great belly laugh she has and how much she likes to use it. I witnessed you making her laugh time after time. What a wonderful gift you gave her and all of us with that wit of yours.

Isabel is quite the comic. She constantly comes out with the funniest comments. I think she is an old soul. If it is possible to get a funny gene, then she had to have gotten it from you.

She doesn't understand the concept of death as she has been asking quite a bit lately when are you going to come home. This is difficult to hear and heartbreaking at the least but on the other hand I want to believe that she will never forget you even though she is only two years old. I promise we will all keep you alive in your daughter's hearts.
Your family will NEVER forget you and the many gifts you gave us.

I so wish I could see your handsome smiling face.
Love, Mom

Christine Jeckot

June 3, 2013

Dearest John,

Four months have passed. People say time heals. I don't know how that can possibly work. I cannot grasp the concept. We think of you all day long as we go about our day. The sorrow we feel hasn't lessened, nor do we expect it to any time soon. It will always be there. I'm afraid we will have to learn to live with our loss for the rest of our lives.

Your Dad had a dream about you and shared it with me a few days ago. He went on to tell me the dream began when he noticed from the house that you were out front cleaning your truck. Your Dad was very anxious to share some news with you so he went outside and walked over to you. He described as you continued to wipe off your truck, he asked you if you knew that the dude from Slayer had died. You replied simply, "Yes, I know." After a moment or two you stopped what you were doing and looked up at your Dad and added, "I know everything." As your Dad stood there pondering your statement. He realized Nancy had joined you and watched the two of you walk down our street, hand in hand, busily talking with each other as the couple you were.

"I know everything." I so pray your statement is true. That you now do know everything about, all that is, in this universe. I have to believe you were with us on Friday when your dear sweet baby Jonna was born. She is so sweet and tiny like Isabel was as a baby but she looks so much like Anna as an infant.

Nancy was incredibly brave and strong through her entire labor and the birthing process. She is a wonderful mother and daughter-in-law. You certainly knew exactly what you were doing when you chose Nancy to be your wife and the mother of your children. You could not have made a more perfect choice.

I'll love you until the end of time. Mom

Christine Jeckot

May 20, 2013

Dear John,

I have to tell the truth, I was fearful of this day as it approached during the past several weeks. This is my first Mother's Day without you in 39 years.

As I awoke this morning, tears filled my eyes because I knew I was not going to see you today. I prayed to you and asked for your help to be strong for the sake of the rest of our family. This won't be an easy task.

Why can't I regularly dwell on the countless happy memories I have of you? I guess my heart keeps aching for your presence.

I will try my best today to remember each and every Sunday of Mother's Day past with lightness in my heart. It's true I could count on seeing your smiling face getting out of your truck and receive a great big hug with your girls in tow. And how you would gently coach Anna and Isabel to wish me a Happy Mother's Day, too. Nothing else could have been sweeter.

You made me the mother of my first boy. You were a good and happy baby. So easy going. Recently, as I looked at the front of 211 Park, I could almost hear you calling to me through the door when you were barely one year old, "Mama! Mama!" while you were playing on the front porch with your sister. You were an early walker. Always on the go. Your favorite toys were your match box cars and as we all know, you never tired of your four wheel friends.

In my heart, in the still of the morning, I imagine you saying, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom." And I answer, "Thank you, John. Thank you for the beautiful Mother's Day memories."

I love you, Mom.

Christine Jeckot

May 12, 2013

Jack and Christine
Deepest prayers for your loss. The loss of a child is so unspeakable. Our prayers and thought are with you. May you find some inner peace as time passes.
Harriet & Rich Gair and Howie, Barbra & Josh

Rich & Harriet Gair

May 11, 2013

John,

I have been waiting months to have a dream about you and it finally happened. The happiest moment of my dream was having the chance to give you a big hug. It was as though we tried to recreate the same hug you gave me by the washer and dryer in our basement when you found out you got your job last December. I'll never forget that hug.

I remember I was doing laundry in the dream. The wash consisted of costumes and Anna tried on a dress that transformed her into an Egyptian Princess all colored in gold. She ran off upstairs to show her mother.

My sister Madelyn was there and we were wondering why you appeared in this dream looking the same as you did when you were in the Air Force. Although you weren't in uniform, you were younger (and thinner). Weren't we all. I guess you appeared as in your former days because I look at your Air Force picture every day.

One last thing. Did you see Anna learning how to ride her bike without her training wheels last Sunday? She was so proud of herself. Your Dad did a great job of teaching her. Isabel is trying her best to keep up as she rode her two wheeler with training wheels. Always wanting to be just like her sister.

I love you, Mom

Christine Jeckot

May 4, 2013

Three months have gone by without you here.

I want you to know that I think your daughters are the dearest souls. Two days ago we were all in our yard and the girls wanted to be pushed on the swings. I had been crying and was trying my best to gather myself so that they would not see. I didn't do a very good job of that as Isabel asked me, "Are you crying, Mom-Mom?" Before I could give her an answer she stated, "Daddy is happy." Her words took me by surprise. I remember thinking, how does she know? And, here is a two-year old comforting me. How special is that?

John, Anna tells me a story about you every time I see her. I should be writing them down in case she forgets them through time. Here is one she told me yesterday morning.

Anna's seasonal allergies have started up and she told me she is taking allergy medicine every morning. She recounted a story about you trying to peel open an allergy pill in order to get it out of its package. (We all know how difficult those can be.) Well, when you finally accomplished opening the package, the pill jumped out as if it had legs. She said it happened this way every time you opened the package until Nancy had shown you how she did it. Anna found this story incredibly amusing. She is quite the story teller. I will never tire of any story about you.

We miss you today and every day. We will love you always.

Mom

April 20, 2013

You will always be missed!!! I am so pleased to have met you and had you in my life. If an hour,a season or a life time....no matter how long or short I will treasure every minute

Kim *Canadian Girl* Astbury

April 10, 2013

Mom

April 8, 2013

You will be missed..........

Mark T

April 4, 2013

To the Jeckot Family...May God hold your John close to His heart.....May Mary wrap her arms around him...You are all in my prayers..May God give you the strength you need in the days ahead..John will be forever with you all in your hearts..He will shine in the dark and you wil see his light..

Maureen Meagher

April 4, 2013

Dear John,
I must admit that it is still unbelievable to me you are gone and I won't see you again walking on the face of this earth. Your father and I miss you so very much as does your dear sister and brother. I just have to believe you are so proud of your sweet family as Nancy is being so strong that I find myself in awe of her power. Your dear little girls bring us much needed light in our hours of darkness whenever we spend time with them. I so enjoy their sleepovers and reading to them in bed at night. Anna is just an amazing young, smart girl and Isabel is such a precious little soul with incredible insight. I know they miss you terribly and we try our best to fill the void created by your physical absence. Please continue to help us in any way possible. We love you forever with all our hearts. Mom

Mom

April 2, 2013

Please use this candle so Mom will have no trouble finding you (years and years from now) - not that she ever would - when she begins her own journey. Your reunion will be amazing and the skys will celebrate the love and devotion!

Marge Reynolds

March 22, 2013

I pray you are in a place where you are free to be you. I pray you are now all knowing. I pray you are able to watch over our family as we desperately try to accept your death. I pray that you know how much we love you. We will always love you. We will always miss you. I pray our spirits will find each other when my time comes.

Mom

March 21, 2013

Mom

March 10, 2013

Mom

March 10, 2013

Miss u brotha,I will give the girls a hug for u each day that I see them.

Bro

March 7, 2013

Aunt Christine, Uncle Jack, Elizabeth, Chris, Nancy, Anna, Izzy, Austin and Jackson,

It has been a little over a month since John's tragic passing and honestly, I cannot go by one day without thinking of all of you. I know that the tremendous amount of love our family shares will help fill the void as much as it can. We are lucky that the Jeckot family is a strong and loving family and I promised that each one of you will be okay. I know it is such a terrible reality you all have to face but John would not want any of you to be sad. He would want his loved ones and his favorite sweet little girls to live each day as happy as they had been. I love you all so much and I hope that as the girls get older, they can truly understand how much their daddy made an impact on people and that this will give them happiness and the strength to smile. Nancy, I hope you can find the strength to smile for your self and your precious little girls. We are so happy that you came into our lives and made John a daddy. This was something that made him so incredibly happy. I could even notice the genuine sense of happiness in Johns smile after sweet Anna was born. He was such a proud father and it was truly beautiful to see him take care of his daughters. Aunt Christine and Uncle Jack, know that you raised a wonderful son who made so many people laugh. After all, laughter is the best remedy for sadness. Thinking about the infinite amount of funny stories of the silly things John has done will make you smile and so proud to have known him. Now is a time to think of these funny episodes only John's sense of humor could create and cherish what he has left behind. <3

Katie Jeckot

March 4, 2013

Dearest John,

Thank you for being you. Thank you for taking your time to stop by and share your girls with us. Thank you for making us laugh. Thank you for being sensitive and compassionate. Thank you for changing the brake pads on my PT Cruiser in December as they are working very well and I feel safe driving my car. Thank you for telling your girls I am a fun Mom-Mom and do all the girly things with them. Thank you for the beautiful birthday day card and its sentiments. If I had known that was the last day I would ever see you, I would have held on to you and never had let go.

Your spirit was bigger than life. I just know you will continue to make a difference wherever you are and that you will look over us. The day will come when I will bask in your shining light along with the many other souls I miss.

Forever you will be my son. Thanks for loving me.

Mom

February 28, 2013

A Native American Prayer (Author Unknown)

I give you this one thought to keep --
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still – in each new dawn.

Dearest John, We miss you. We pray for you. We love you.

Mom and Dad

February 20, 2013

Christine Jeckot

February 17, 2013

I am heartly sorry for your loss...no words can convey the pain from the loss of one so dear...my prayers are with your whole family...

Jinny Stewart

February 15, 2013

My thoughts remind me over and over that you are no longer here. Just know, my heart will never let you go. Happy Valentine's Day, John. I miss you.

Mom

February 14, 2013

Mom

February 13, 2013

Mom

February 13, 2013

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