John L. Garcia Jr.

I though "jazzy" John would outlive us all. He was a good friend, and an even better mentor to how "the art business" works. In over 25 years -- from the church rectory to Inman square, everyone I knew could do a pretty good John Garcia impression. Armed only with a big soul and tons of experience, he showed us self-centered artsty types how to be social. Even now, during quiet times, I still hear his painfully accurate pontifications booming from the background.

I am posting a photograph I took of John at our kitchen table in Cambridge in June. I wanted to frame the last birthday card John made for Sam, a wonderful watercolor of Spiderman carrying Sam over city rooftops. John and Ciel had signed the inside of the card, but I wanted John to sign the picture itself. John was rummaging through a pile of magic markers when suddenly Sam, in his enthusiasm for the project, added a random black line in the sky above one of the buildings. Ciel and I...

Dear Ciel,

I was shocked. I do not knowif I will be able to express my feelings properly. I hope that my English were better at this moment. John and I exchanged a lot of emails about comics and artists we both admired. We have never met in person but I think that I can say he was my friend.

I will miss his emails. He was a true gentleman.

Jose

Dear Ciel,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. On behalf on myself and the Board of the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, please know that our thoughts are with you, John's family, and your dear mother at this time of sorrow.

Ciel, Millie, John Sr.:
When I heard Millie's voice on the answering machine, my blood froze. John is so much with us, and always will be, that his physical absence is a real wound. My heart and love and prayers for all of you. We will see John again someday.
Love
Libby

Please accept our most heart-felt condolences and sympathy to you Cecile and to John & Millie. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless you all.

Lynne & Steve