Jessica Janice Valentine

Everything seemed better when Jessica smiled.

I honestly don't remember our first interaction in school, but it was either junior high or high school. She was another kid from base who had moved to town and was now one of us. I assume we had a class together and hit it off. We just clicked! For the next 30+ years we would stay connected the best we could given the miles between us.

I remember some of her her first jobs, Burger King & a frozen yogurt shop, TCBY (The Country's Best Yogurt). I'd run in to her work so we could plan our next adventure in the big town of Jacksonville! It may have been simply riding around town in my MG with the top down listening to an Outfield cassette tape or finding a Marine to give us a ride on his motorcycle. Either way, we just wanted to enjoy life!

Her most fitting job was at Sears in the mall! Whoever hired her to stand at the entrance of Sears to get people to apply for a credit card was a genius. EVERY Marine that walked by, stopped and filled out a credit card application just to get 5 minutes to talk to her. Some of them even filled out multiple applications just to talk to her. I'm not exaggerating either. Those guys were a sucker for a beautiful girl, and Jessica was always a beauty.

We spent many days together at the beach on base and then returning in the evenings to hang out with our favorite Marine life guards. We'd often go to El Mex and listen to the cover bands who played The Beach Boys and other groups from the 60's & 70's. We'd sing on the top of our lungs, dance and just have fun. We were young, carefree and just "living our best life".

After high school be both attended our local Community College. At lunch we would meet up at the Womens Fitness Gym to do a class workout and then head back to campus. I don't remember what classes she took or if she even had a major, maybe because we both were holding our breaths for the call from a modeling agency to contact her.
Well, the call came and I had no doubt she was headed for great things. She got a place in the city, and we drove a van together to New York to move her into her new apartment! Two small town girls in the big city. I'm sure it was obvious we weren't from there. She adapted quickly and was soon traveling the world in a modeling career she had always dreamed about. I was so darn proud of her!

A couple years later, I moved to Kansas and we continued to keep in touch. I loved living vicariously through her adventures. She would tell me about all the famous people she had met while hosting at a restaurant in NYC. I visited her serval times and she showed me around. It was a very exciting time. A few years could go by, but we always picked right up where left off. That's just what we did.

In 2011 my husband and I met her and Gabe in Estes Park for a mini vacation. Time hadn't changed either of us or our friendship. She was still my beautiful, graceful, fun loving friend that I grew up with all those years ago. It was a wonderful reunion. I loved seeing Jessica as a mom. She adored Gabe, that was obvious.

At the first of the year, I happened to see a Facebook post of someone checking on Jessica to see if she was ok. I immediately reached out to her to see what was going on. It was then that she told me about the stomach cancer. We faithfully communicated with each other until she passed. One text we shared between us read:
Melody "I know we have not been the best at staying in touch over the years, but I consider you one of my besties. We share a lot of memories together, both good & bad. I love you like a sister and would drop everything if you called and said you needed me. I hope you know that! I love you "
Jessica "I do know that about you and I'd do the same for you. Some friends you can pick up right where you left off no matter how much time has passed, that's when you know the cords run deep. We have that. I love you too"

We prayed for God to fully heal her, we both knew He could! He had healed her before when we were in high school. She had what she called warts up & down her legs. The church laid hands on her, prayed over her and they were completely gone the next day! We prayed for another healing miracle. He healed her, just not the way we wanted, but the way He wanted. She is whole and in perfect peace. She stands in His Holy presence. I will see you at Heaven's Gates JJ!

Miss you everyday J.

Jessica was one of a kind, so warm, compassionate, loving, beautiful and genuine. Love you and miss you Jessica.

I am so sorry to have heard of Jessica´s passing!! She truly was a brilliant light, that smile!! She will always be in my thoughts and heart.
Sending prayers to her family and friends!

Jessica always felt like home. She was comforting and an easy friend to talk to, no matter how much time had passed. I will miss her. I am so sorry about the battle she had to fight, but I know she is fully whole back to her joyful self now. Much love and peace to her family.

I´m stunned as I sit here trying to believe what I´ve just read about Jessica passing. It is truly devastating to hear this. Jessica was so unique in the most beautiful and eloquent way imaginable. I am remiss for not staying in touch with her over the years, she has accomplished so much since we last spoke in late 2005. Through the years I watched her on Facebook and was so impressed with all she had accomplished. Most heartfelt condolences to Gabe, Janice and the entire family. God Bless you all, Brad.

I loved her, Pat Thomas

When we became neighbors in high school, we quickly became best friends. You will always be a beautiful amazing person in my heart. I'm so glad you had such a happy and successful life and that there are so many thst love you and cherish every moment they had with you. I love you my friend

As beautiful as you were, your inner connection and soul, that made everyone be seen, heard, and loved was by far the true beauty of you. Much love to Gabriel and your family. I celebrate you continuing to spread the love in your glory. Such a quiet angel! Jessica, I am grateful you graced the lives you touched and the lives you will continue to touch!

You were the best and most caring woman I could have known. You helped me become the man I am today, and cannot express how grateful I am for you. Olivia and I will always cherish the time you had together. I love you!

I will always remember Jess from High School. She was just a wonderful, cheerful soul I looked forward to seeing in English class every day. She was just a gem of a person. Rest in peace and may God´s peace be with your beautiful family.

Love you Jessica. You were one of a kind. Praying for your lovely family.

My beautiful friend! Not a moment since you passed have I not thought about you. You were taken way to soon and I find myself tempering my anger at that. I reflect on what an incredible impact you made on every one you came in contact with. You literally lit up a room
With your presence, your positivity and your radiance. Your friendship forever impacted me and brought me so much joy! I shall never forget you and our moments of both laughter and tears!! Give me a sunrise Jess!!