Jonathan Wooden "J.J." Sandifer

My little brother JJ, I remember the day you were brought into this world to be the 8th and final piece of our Sandifer household. I was immediately impressed because I had just watched the movie "The Karate Kid" and I was told that my new brother would have the same name as one of the characters....Johnny. I was so excited! What an irreplaceable brother you were to me. You probably don't remember, but I used to carry you around in my arms when you were just a little guy. I used to tease you and play with you, and your personality was so fun and entertaining. Growing up with you and the rest of my brothers and sister was a gift like no other. You were growing into a young man so full of life, but even more than that, your Christian faith was beginning to blossom. It was clear that your Saviour had taken root in your heart because of some of the things you would talk about. That truly puts a smile on my face. There are many tears left for me to cry, though. Here it is about a month later and I still find myself thinking of you nearly 30 times a day and experiencing waves of sadness and loneliness. I miss you so much, you will never even know. I find much comfort in the ironclad promises of God in his word, that I don't have to grieve as one who has no hope. No! Rather, there is an appointed day when there will be a great gathering of all God's family..."And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other" (Matthew 24: 31 NIV Holy Bible). On that day, JJ, we will be able to physically embrace eachother for the first time in a long while. That great gathering will have no parting, no end! I will long for that day in my heart, and I will miss you until the day that I die. Wait for the rest of us JJ, for it won't be long until we all meet again. You will not be forgotten.

Love, your brother always, Steve

JJ Thank you for always being my friend.No matter what. You have always been in my heart, and you always will be. Thank you for loving me for so long, even if I didnt always show it. I never questioned your love, because you were so great at loving me. I will always remember your warm smile, and your excitment for life. You are a big reason I am the way that I am.

My heart goes out to the Sandifer family. I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of JJ. The loss of a little brother is something I know all to well. You all were there for my family at our time of loss, and I want you to know we are here for you. The strength of family and the memories you have will be a great comfort when you need it the most.
May God bless you and your family during this time and always,
~Angela Trammell & Family

JJ, I was always so proud of having 5 brothers. When we found out there was going to be one more baby in our family, I remember hoping so badly for a sister. What a surprise when they brought you home - I was selfishly dissapointed, yet I can still clearly remember the moment that I surrendered my "covie" to you, the greatest expression of love I could offer. You carried it until it went from a pink blanket to a tattered gray rag. I loved being your sister, and the leader of the 2nd half of the Sandifer gang. I loved having you and Tommy trail behind me, in the many adventures throughout our years together. I always admired your free spirit, your eccentric ways, hearing your laugh billowing throughout the house. I always thought you had the best parts of all of your siblings' personalities combined, and when I look at my brothers now I can see you in thier expressions, thier gestures, and I can hear you in thier voices. But you had something else special that none of us had - that ability to make everyone admire your peculiarities and wonder where you would be going and what you would be doing next. I didn't think you would be leaving us so soon, but then again you came into this world a miracle and left shrouded in a mystery. JJ, my heart will bleed for you forever, and I am continuously touched by meeting new people every day that thought of you as a brother, a sister, a son, a friend, and many other things. It is a great tragedy that the world said goodbye to you so soon, but the world will continue to speak of you, and I will continue proudly remembering the blessing it was to your one sister. I love you, JJ.

Kid J, as I always called him, is going to be missed so much. I'm not so sure J.J. like me calling him that. He definitely didn't like being the "baby" of the family and he was probably the most eager of us to grow up and spread his wings. But I called him that regardless, it was an endearing name to me. In childhood I think most brothers and sisters resent each other as was the case with me and J.J. but as time went on we became very close, sharing many great experiences and personal thoughts. I know that JJ loved me and I loved him.

I'm going to miss my slightly eccentric, quirky, and unique brother. I loved who J.J. was and the man he was becoming. I've been simply amazed at all the friends that J.J. had made in his short 21 years here. It was an incredible experience to meet many friends of his I had not met before and the hilarious, caring, and moving stories they had to tell of him.

I think I can safely say that J.J. made a positive difference in just about every person that he came across. I certainly know he did with me. I miss my brother and friend. But I know there will be a time and place that I'll see him again...

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive through this ordeal.

I want to thank friends and family for your expressions of love and concern during the past days since our JJ went to be with the Lord. We (his family and closest friends) miss him so much. Life will not be the same without him. Every day is hard, but we know that we will be with our JJ again one day soon when we are called to our eternal home. We are just so glad and comforted that he was loved much by so many people he knew. Thank you all for being a part of his life .
Dear JJ, you are in my heart every minute of every day, and I miss you so much...one more hug, one more time to be with you...I wish you were still here. Love , mom

JJ, are hearts are simply broken over losing you, but we take comfort in knowing you are looking down on us and smiling that goofy grin of yours. Thanks for being such a good big brother to Linz (even through the torturing!); we couldn't have asked for better and hope you will continue to be her guardian angel and guide her through when she needs help.

Help us find some peace in your passing, because we surely don't understand why and will continue to struggle with it for the rest of our days.

Seems like only yesterday that you were standing on the porch hawking Halloween candy with Raj; sitting on our deck with those orange sunglasses telling jokes and laughing that laugh, and tailgating with us at Hokie games. Words can't express how much we miss you and treasure those times we spent with you during your short time here on earth. What we wouldn't do to have more of the same.

Rest well JJ, because we will be counting on you to show us the way when it is our turn. You know the line all you have to do is whistle (from Casablanca)? Well, all we have to do is look and listen for the screech and know you are there waiting.

Love,

Aunt Donna and Uncle Doug

My memories of JJ were when we were growing up as next door neighbors in Manassas. He was about 3 or 4 years old then, and was famous for saying the funniest things as he followed us around as we played in the house and yard with his brothers. Those 'J.J-isms' and his sweet spirit will live on in my memory forever. With much love and sadness. God bless,

Thank you all for your kind words and great stories to tell about JJ. I think I speak for his family that they all help tremendously in the healing process, and in getting to know JJ a little better now that he is gone.

JJ was a great brother and a wonderful friend. I'm learning now from his friends how much he loved me and my family and kids. My mind is numb right now, but I keep thinking of one of my favorite memories which was when he would visit my house, play with my kids, we'd hang out and tell each other inside family jokes, usually quoting 80s movie lines. It was like a private language only our family spoke, and it made our bond more intimate. There are so many memories just like this.

JJ, I know you were a fervent Christian and we'll see you again in heaven someday. Until then, wait for us and we'll press on toward the goal that you have reached.

I love you, little brother, and will never ever forget you.

Your big bro Brian

I had the pleasure of knowing JJ all throughout high school. Seeing JJ in the hallways always made my day better. He knew how to cheer me up and always make me laugh and smile. One of the best memories from high school was going to prom with JJ, Pauline and Nick.That night was so much fun.JJ had such a passion for life, such a wonderful outlook on things and always made the best of every situation.Probably the happiest and most carefree person Ive ever known.Everyone who knew JJ loved and cared for him so much. I'll never forget his gorgeous smile,and laugh. Im so glad that I met you JJ, you will be missed dearly and you are loved tremendously now and forever.
See you soon my friend.See you soon.

JJ was the best person I've ever known. Some of the greatest times in my life, were with him. Myrtle Beach, Kaua'i, or just around Manassas. This has been the hardest time of my life, dealing with your death. You were my soul brother. You were separated only by blood. I love you more than you could ever have understood. Why you were taken, I may never understand. For now, I just have to accept that God saw it fit to summon you home.
You know the saying "you never know what you have until it's gone?" I knew what I had. I knew that your friendship was a gift. My mom said something to me that has helped me deal with this a little bit. She said that some people go their entire lives without ever having a connection like the one that you and I had. You will be missed by all who ever knew you. I love you, soul brother.

My heart and prayers are with you all. I love you guys.

J.J, I love you and miss you, you are like a little brother to me. I always will remember the first time I met you and your family, coming home to play with Katie from school. You and Tommy had your heads through the banister at your house looking to see who was with Katie to play with. You loved to hang out with us no matter what we were doing. We would get you to do things for us, we would make you be our test dummy on the things Katie and I constructed in your backyard, like rolling down the hill in your dog, Barney's Cage.

Fireball island and video games at your house were always fun. You would always shake the game in excitment before you put it in the console. haha... Playing Jason in the dark in your basment was the best.Recording commericals on to an audio tape were good times too. Me,Katie,Tommy and you made the best forts out of cardboard boxes in your basement. Too bad we never finished the bike trail in your backyard, Jeff and Tommy chopped the big log down too so we could ride our bikes past. It was going to be awesome. Truth or dare was fun too. I remember your dares were the best but worst to get. Once I remember you made me poke a poo in the toilet at your house with a stick.... hahahahaa gross, or scratch a booger off the wall. I remember zoo and canoeing trips with all of your family.

Well J.J these are just some of the memories I have from hanging out at the Sandifer house as a kid. You will always be rememered!

Love, Lar

J.J.'s passing is a shock to all of us at the NOVA Manassas Campus. Although I was just beginning to know him, I have talked with several faculty and students who tell me about their respect and affection of this bright and special young man who was taken from us too soon.

Please know that the faculty, staff, and students at NOVA will miss J.J. and are very saddened by this loss. May God's grace and love embrace you all during this difficult time and always.

Sincerely, Dr. Johanna Weiss (Assistant Dean of Science)

jj one of the happiest people ive ever known. Went to school with him, we wernt really in the same circle of friends but i just saw you like a month ago. You are now in a better place and you will definilty be missed, We will meet again my friend...

We are neighbors of the Sandifers - our daughter rode the school bus every school day for some 8 years with JJ. While we did not know JJ very well, our daughter, Lauren, did spend time with him during these trips and in classes and we know we speak for her as well in our condolences to JJ's family and friends. Recently Lauren went to the movies and crossed paths with JJ there, the first time in many years. We know he will be missed and how difficult this must be, to lose a child. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I had the pleasure of getting to know JJ last year. I am deeply saddened at his loss. JJ was truly a class act, a dedicated worker, and a very loyal friend. Though I only knew him for a relatively short time, I have some very fond memories of the times we spent together. He always managed to bring a smile to my face. JJ--You will be missed!

JJ was such a good man. His mother calls him a "good boy." Mother's sons always are boys. But he was a man to me. He was on his way in life, and I was privileged to see that, to know him, and to be part of his life. I wish I had had more years with him, but God had other plans.

JJ was fun, intelligent, smart, and hard working. He had a terrific sense of humor and wit about him. I always will remember the twinkle in his eye-- his sly smile-- when he was having fun. His native intelligence was terrific. There was no limit to his potential. He worked very hard to develop that potential. In school, work, relationships, and every other part of his life, JJ was enriching himself rapidly, and thereby enriching the lives of everyone near him. His future was without limits.

More important than any of these things, JJ was a good man. His sense of right versus wrong was keen, and he wanted to be on the side of right. I admired this greatly in him.

God takes each of us when He wants us. JJ was no different from any of us in this regard. Not knowing God's will, we would have been distraught whenever God took JJ. JJ was one of the best of God's creations. I am saddened profoundly that I will have no more time with this wonderful man/boy. My sadness is selfish. I will miss him more than I can express.

Heaven has a flowery field in which Jesus and JJ are sitting together talking about wisdom that is beyond the rest of us. JJ knew much of this before he left us but is learning the rest now. He smiles as he always did and has the same penetrating gaze he always showed in understanding. I know his happiness with Jesus is beyond compare, but I also know he misses everyone he loved here. I look forward to being with JJ and Jesus in that field when God chooses.

God bless and protect JJ Sandifer, one of the best of His creations.

JJ I can't believe your life has been taken from everyone. I have been thinking of some of the wonderful memories of you and your family. I remember when your family moved from California and your mom drove you Tommy and Katie around the neighborhood looking for other children for you guys to play with. I remember your first sight of snow and how we all played in it but you and your siblings had jeans on and sneakers, I remember thinking wow they must be really cold my mom puts plastic bags on our hands before she put our gloves on. I remember watching you petal your first bike down the hill of your driveway. Oh yeah and the snake in the tree house and Steve and Jeff came to the rescue. Those were some really great memories and I feel honored to have been apart of your life. You will be so missed and loved.

The Lampasona Family

I will miss you greatly. I always enjoyed coming into work and hearing your warm welcome. It brought happiness to my work day. You always gave a helping hand when I needed one. I will never forget your everlasting smile and the respect you gave to me.

I really don't don't know what to say. I worked with JJ just a few years ago along with Jeff and they both were a couple of my strongest coworkers, mentaly & physicaly. I am deeply saddened by what has happend, and I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to all of the family through these trying times. If there is any thing I can do to help, let me know.

my heart, prayers and deepest sympathy to the Sandifer family. May J.J. rest in peace. An angel got his wings.

Love Always,

Lauren A Lavecchia

I looked up to JJ and always thought he was a very clever and funny guy. It was very refreshing to meet a guy like him and I'll never forget him. Out of everyone in my surroundings i knew for sure he was going to amount to something big. It's a shame for the world to lose someone like him. I hope he was happy.

To the Sandifer family,
Sending our sympathy and prayers. Our hearts go out to you. May God grant you all the strength you need.

The news of JJ's death leaves our family in a state of shock... a young life suddenly taken from us. Focus not upon JJ's death, but remember the beautiful life that he lived. Please know that we are praying for you. God, the great comforter, can heal your broken hearts. Lean on him.

The McIntosh Family

J.J. It's me, your roommate. I am shocked and disturbed at your death, and despite how often you and I told each other we "didn't like" each other, I really will miss you. You were great to have around and I was looking forward to knowing you throughout life. Rest peacefully.

JJ,

I don't know how to begin and tell you how much I miss you and love you. I really wanted us to grow old together and have our kids play with each other. I will never find anyone like you again. I am glad to say I was with you all the way to the end. You were always there for me. You are truly the best gift that Christ has given me. You will always remain inside of me. Thank you for giving me strength on what I am going to stand for. I know we will meet again brother. May you rejoice with the Father in Heaven. Amen.

To his family: May God keep in times of your loss, I only kept his company a few times, but the time kept with him was well spent ,with deepest sympathy.

I met JJ in home economics class in middle school. I would give him notes to give to his best bud Jake who is now my fiance, and the three of us have had some great times since then. I'm so glad that JJ got to visit us last month, something in Jake always just became so easy and childlike when they were together. It is something that not many people get to experience in their lives, and I got to watch their friendship grow and their personalities intertwine. I truly loved him, him and his loud, infectious and deafening laugh.

JJ was my best friend. We'd been best friends ever since kindergarten, and even before that when his family moved to my neighborhood, and his mom had heard that there was another mom in the neighborhood with a son the same age. He was one of the best people I've ever known. I'll never forget his spontaneity, his cheerfulness, or his laugh. JJ, you were the best friend a guy could ever hope to have. I'll never forget you, or all the good times we've had. I'll see you around.

Love forever,
Jake A. Midkiff

You're the best Gift that Christ has given me. It was great we met and never lost in touch. I'm happy to say I was there with you till the end. We'll meet again brother. Thank you for being my Best Friend.

He was very special to our family and we thank God that we got to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and may the Perpetual Light of God shine upon J.J. and may God comfort you all at this time.

J.J. was like a brother to me. I could write books about the thousands of memories I have with him. Everyone who met him knew what an intelligent, ambitious and creative person he was. If anyone knew J.J., they knew that it was impossible not to have a good time with him. There was never a dull moment.

It brings a great deal of pain to me just knowing that nothing will ever be the same without him. When I found out J.J. passed away, I felt apart of me go with him. I find myself looking back at all the things we did together and how I always knew there would be more great memories to come. I'll never forget J.J. And one day, there will be more memories to come.




"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours."
- Ludwig van Beethoven

To the family of JJ Sandifer.
To lose some one as young as JJ,
can be confusing...............
but TRUSTING GOD can be rewarding.
Psalms 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made
your works are wonderfull
I know that full well........
Friends of MR THOMAS SANDIFER
USPS

To the Family,
As I write this I am still in shock. I just saw JJ two weeks ago at my home. JJ was my son Jake's best friend since kindergarten, and took many vacations with our family, and spent much time in our home. We considered him another member of our family. I cannot begin to tell you how much we will miss him. He had such a good heart and sense of humor. Please know that you are in our prayers, and they JJ will always be in the hearts of the members of the Midkiff family. With much love and deep sympathy.

We will miss you JJ. You were apart of our family. With fond memories, the Kuhn family

My baby...JJ was one of six children, wanted and loved so much every day of my life . There are so many good, and happy memories , all tucked away in my heart , that I will carry with me always. God truly blessed me...Motherhood has been the hightst calling in my life and I have peace that J.J. knew he was loved by his mother. He was a good son in every way, tenderhearted and dear, with a really good heart. I wait to meet him again in our next life with God. All things will be made perfect there.
"Our lives are but fine weavings...
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how
the weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master's plan
And follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide.
Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
And though it's difficult for us,
We still must understand.
That it's He who fills the shuttle,
It's he who knows what's best
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why...
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

I will always love my J.J. My sweet darling child, I will see you again one day soon. Love mom