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Christopher Jolly Obituary

Christopher M. Jolly. Christopher was born December 14, 1971, and died suddenly at home on July 13, 2007. He is the son of Lawrence and Elizabeth Jolly of Phoenix. Chris recently relocated to Phoenix from San Francisco where he had been employed as a WEB designer and project manager. He was an ASU graduate and throughout his short life had a multitude of interests, including film study and screen writing. He was our "mad cook" who loved to prepare awesome gourmet meals but still really loved Wendy's burgers! He could recall every Simpsons TV episode and recite all the dialogue on cue. Chris is also survived by his beloved brother Ian and his adorable nephew, Christopher James Lopez-Jolly (Chris' special little "monkey") and little Christopher's devoted mother, Denise Lopez. Chris' immediate and extended family members include aunts, uncles, and cousins Mercedes Duarte (Frank, deceased), Lillian and Luis Calderon, Danny Calderon (Nancy), Liz and Tim Dodds, Yvonne, Jim and Matthew Robberts, Lillian and Debbie Duarte, Justin Duarte, Tracy Stombres, Luis Manuel Calderon, Walter Chamberlain and Leland Jolly (Kay). Special "family" Katie DeVries, Elida Jashari, Annette Blackburn, the Perry family of Green Valley and Meyers family of Seattle also deeply mourn his loss. His grandmothers, Rose and Margie, predeceased him as did his grandfather, Bythal Jolly. Chris will also be lovingly remembered and missed by his wonderful best friend, Brandon Green (Jessica) and goddaughter Colby Green and Beckett Green, ASU fraternity brother Spike Spangler of Chicago, Mike Martin of Brazil, as well as countless other friends and colleagues in San Francisco and throughout the country. Chris was a good man with a zest for life and all it had to offer. He was truly a gift on earth for his parents and brother. His smile and kindness will be missed forever by all who knew and loved him. Marci, you remained in his thoughts and in his heart. Sleep well, our precious boy, for we know you are now at peace. A celebration of Chris' life will be held in the near future and anyone who wishes to write a remembrance can mail it to his parents at 2721 E. Pierson St., Phoenix, AZ 85016. Thank you everyone for your incredible kindness, loving thoughts, and visits during this most tragic time in our family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Jolly

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Chris Livingston

January 31, 2008

I was friends with Chris in 4th - 8th grade, and we did alot together, living only a couple blocks from each other. Chris was always a great friend and a friendly and positive person. I heard through the grapevine of his passing and am sad to discover that what I heard was true. I just want to offer my condolences to Chris' family, I know you have suffered a great loss. I still remember spending the night and eating tons of tangerines off your tree. I know Chris is in good hands and even though I have not seen him for many years, I will always remember him as a great friend.

Liz Jolly

December 25, 2007

...and so it is, my beautiful son, that Christmas this year was like no other. The tears flowed and the day passed thankfully quickly. We put your smoked salmon under the tree and your picture among the ornaments that your Dad, Ian, and little Chris managed to put up last night. Brandon and Spike called. Jim gave me a beautiful silver heart necklace with you in mind--"gone yet not forgotten though we are apart, your spirit lives within me forever in my heart." It says it all. Sleep, sleep my son 'til we talk again. Love you always, Mom.

Liz Jolly

December 14, 2007

Dear Chris,

Today would have been your 36th birthday. We miss you so much each day, but we know your spirit is with us throughout the house. You were a wonderful son and we are just thankful that you are resting peacefully now. It has been rough, but knowing this makes it a little easier for us. We will meet again, my son. Just know that you were loved very much. Mom and Dad

Liz Jolly

October 13, 2007

My dearest Chris,
Today marks three months since you left us. Dad, Ian and I miss you so much. Each day has been a challenge for us and we think about you each moment. The grocery store is very hard to go to since I see so many of your favorite foods like pistacios, Mother's Iced Cookies, rosemary and so many more. Brandon has been over many times and he is doing OK considering. He has been a Godsend to us--a truly beautiful person and friend. Baby Christopher is growing so much and today Ian, Katie and I took him to the pumpkin patch. The approaching holidays will not be the same without you in your red sweater near the tree but your presence will be felt, we know. We have a beautiful new pup - Oskar Von Strudle (a German Shepherd) and he has brought us a lot of joy and comfort. I told your Dad that you sent him down to take care of us. You would just love him. I know how much you loved dogs. We are still getting beautiful cards of remembrance. You made a mark in the world, son, and you will never be forgotten. With all my love, Mom.

Suzanne Maineri

August 23, 2007

To the Jolly family and friends: I was lucky enough to have known Chris at Virage. When I think of Chris, I recall big bursts of laughter and silliness and his generous and kind spirit. He is certainly one of the people I remember most from my time there. Chris will be in the hearts and memories of so many people, his spirit lives on. My love and prayers go to you all.

Jon Silvers

August 21, 2007

To the Jolly family: my sincere condolences for your loss. I had worked with Chris at Virage and would see him here and there in San Francisco. He was an enormously popular person and had a great wit and sense of humor. He will be missed.

Heidi Kelley-Reed

August 14, 2007

the Jolly family,
I am so very sorry for your pain and loss. I knew Chris in elementary school and actually I could consider him my first true crush, in life. He was always very kind and sensitive to me and it sounds like he touched many lives as an adult. These are memories that I will carry. I pray a prayer of peace for your family at this time. Heidi Kelley-Reed

Dea Lawrence

August 14, 2007

Chris Jolly was a good and loyal friend to me. The news of his passing has left me shaken and saddened that his wonderful light has been put out. Not only did Chris make me laugh but he would laugh at/with me. He was a great listener; the perfect audience. "Tell me another story," he would say and I would happily oblige. His witty observations on life, his intelligence and warmth....all priceless. And he was always up for a cup of coffee. God bless the Jolly family, his friends and loved ones.

Sean Hannafin

August 13, 2007

Dear Jolly Family,

I had the opportunity to meet Chris while we were still in grade school. I remember him with a fantastic smile and the ability to always make me laugh. The news of his death has touched many of his friends that have lost touch with him over the years. Our hearts go out to your family and we take solstice in the fact that we had the chance to get to know him and have him become a part of our lives.

Denise Lopez

August 13, 2007

It has taken me quite a while to write in this guest book. I think because I knew the second I did, it would mean that Chris was really gone. He was very special to me, and I know my life won't be the same without him. I will never forget the first time I met Chris. I had heard about him in high school. He was Ian's infamous older brother, but it wasn't until college that I had chance to finally meet him. I met Ian, Brandon and Chris at George and Dragon. For those of you that don't know, Chris was quite the charmer. So, he took one look at me and my friend Jenny and asked "okay, so which one of you is interested in my brother?" I wasn't at the time so we both replied neither. He flashed that beautiful smile of his, pulled his chair closer and bought us both a drink. From that moment on he went from Ian's infamous brother to the older brother I never had. I found myself waiting for Thanksgiving and Christmas to come. Not for turkey or presents, because it meant Chris was coming home to visit. I will never forget when I found out I was pregnant. I was so happy, but I was also terrified. I remember Chris kissed me on the forehead and rubbed my belly. and I knew things would some how be okay. When it came time to name my son, it was pretty easy for Ian and I to decide. There was no one else in the world the two of us loved more. And eventhough it kills me that he is gone, I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with him. I will forever see his spirit when I look in my son's eyes.

Jessica Burdman

August 9, 2007

Dear Jolly family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Chris was a friend and colleage, and I will always remember him as a huge personality with a sensitive and caring heart. I was so shocked to hear of his passing, as were so many of his friends and workmates here in San Francisco. Please know there are many of us out here who are thinking of you during this sad time.

Don Donoughe

August 8, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Jolly,

I hired Chris at Maus Haus and considered myself a very close friend over the last 3 or 4 years. We just finished up a project together for CHW a couple of months ago. He was a great person with a ton of friends, we all loved him at work. He made us laugh with his unbelievable wit and sarcasm. We will all cherish the fun we had together, especially our trip to Microsoft together. After we decided to close the business, he stayed on board to make sure all of the projects were finished, he was a class act. He was a loyal employee, a trusted buddy and a constant source of entertainment. Chris will really be missed by all of us at the Haus, especially me.

Vince D'Aliesio

August 6, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Jolly and Ian,
Chris and I attended Camelback High together, we were teammates on the JV Football Team, and I remember Chris as a really nice guy, always said hello to me, and never had a bad word to say about anybody. I received an email from a friend this morning about Chris' passing, and I'm definitely in shock.
This puts into perspective that we all have a greater purpose, our time is limited here, and some of us are taken before others because we're needed in a far better place.
I will always remember Chris as I remember him from our first meeting Freshman year, Camelback High School in 1985: as a nice guy that extended his hand to a shy kid that needed a friend.
My sincerest condolences to you.

Ian Jolly

August 2, 2007

I debated with myself on whether or not to actually write something regarding my brother. All of my family and friends have been so supportive in this tough time. They have said beautiful things, all true about Chris. I always knew his soul was far different than mine, yet he was always more than my brother. He was one of my best friends. I could always count on him, and confide in him. He always helped me, yet I could never help him. I spent half my life trying to be like him, and the other half just trying to figure him out. San Francisco will forever remind me of my brother, and it will also haunt me. But he will always be in my heart. Chris was never a religious man, but he told me once that when he was finally gone, he would be at peace with himself. Because he would always call me a prince, I always called him a king. As he lay there before me - the last moment I saw him - I told him that I would find him again. That we would talk about anything - like we always did - that I would hear him laugh again - and that we would be brothers again.

Dan Mullen

August 1, 2007

Liz, Larry and Ian--- The saddest experience in life is the passing of a loved one. There are no words that can comfort, but there is the knowledge that many lives were very positively affected by Christopher. I only knew him as a pre-schooler who, when being dropped off at his school for the first time, was not very happy. As I recall, subsequent school days were just fine. I'm sure Christopher was a loving young man who made differences in many lives. Liz and I offer our prayers and condolences.

Spike Spengel

July 28, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Jolly & Ian,
I thought of Chris as my own brother. His character, convictions and creativity were inspirational. Most of all, he was a loyal friend; the man who was there for you at your toughest moments laughing it away for you, the man who would go to battle for you on principal alone. He will always be with me.

Gloria Perry

July 25, 2007

Dearest Liz, Larry, and Ian,
My heart is in so much pain, my other son Chris is gone. I loved that little boy that I pottie trained at age 2. I cried at his wedding and I will continue to cry. for him. - Gloria Perry

Yvonne Robberts

July 25, 2007

Liz, Larry & Ian,

My heart goes out to each of you for the hurt you are going through. I can't even begin to imagine the loss of a child or sibling. Christopher was definately one in a million and I am so honored that I could call him cousin. I have such wonderful memories of this remarkable young man whose journey ended too soon. All of you live forever in my heart and soul. Chris, until we meet again please help us with our jouney...

Love Eternally,
Yvonne, Jim and Matt

Debbie Duarte

July 25, 2007

Liz, Larry & Ian:

I am still in absolute shock over Chris' passing. I remember that beautiful little boy and how he loved to grab and kiss my sisters and I. He would give each of us a special name. I was 'Wonder Woman'. I watched him grow into such a beautiful man who was beautiful both inside and out. His hugs always made me feel safe. Since he was little, I'd call him my 'handsome prince'. When he grew up, I'd say "Hi, my handsome prince", and he'd just beam at those words. He was so good, kind, loving and affectionate. He never shied away from being affectionate towards other. He loved from the depth of his soul. With God's grace, I'll see him again and get another one of those 'Chris hugs'. I thank God for sharing such a beautiful soul with us, and we are all better for having had him in our lives. Liz and Larry, may you find peace and solace in knowing that God loved you enough to bring that beautiful soul into the world through your love for each other. Ian, what an honor it is to have a man such as Chris for your brother. The greatest gift is that your son is forever your son, and your brother is forever your brother, and Chris is forever our 'special boy'. We have been so blessed.

liz dodds

July 25, 2007

I hold the fondest memories of Chris from childhood into the fine young man be became. His bright light will now shine down upon us with great vibrance. We will hold all memories close and dear to our hearts. We will always be here to lean on and lend a loving ear.
Love, Liz, Justin and Tim

Lillian Duarte

July 25, 2007

Dear Liz, Larry & Ian,

Chris was such a special person, I remember so vividly what he was like as a child, rambunctious and funny, and with the most loving heart. As he grew up into a strong and vital man he always retained that childlike youth and was such a loving and caring person. I am so proud that he was my cousin and that I got to spend so many special times with him. He was my movie companion as we were growing up, I still remember when I took him to see Superman. He was certain he could fly like Superman did in the movie that he attempted to jump and try to take off in flight like his super hero.

He will always be a super hero to me and I know that someday we will all see him again.

Please know you are all in our hearts and thoughts always and that we are here for you for whatever you need.

Love you Chris forever!

Lillian

Claudette Carroll

July 25, 2007

Lliz and Larry, Please accept my sincere condolences at this very sad time. Although I have not seen Chris since he was a young boy his presence in conversations with you and friends was as if I had just seen him. I have been informed of his life through the years and now of his untimely passing. May you find the strength to deal with his death and the Peace to know that he is not gone but at a different level to watch over you and love you.

Jay & Rocky Sweat

July 25, 2007

Larry & Liz, We were shocked and saddened by the news about Chris. Please accept our condolences during this difficult time and know we are there for you as your "mountain friends". Our thoughts and prayers and with you.

Kim Carey

July 25, 2007

Dear Larry and Liz,
My heart goes out to you and Ian. I remember so clearly our conversation, Liz, the last time you were in the dental office. Having lost my sweet Beth just a year ago, I truly know there is no greater grief. I also know that words are of little comfort. I will be praying for you all for the peace and strength that only God can give. In Christ's Love,Kim

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