When I think of you / Andrea Beck (Old Friend)Read >>
When I think of you / Andrea Beck (Old Friend)
Dear Jody,
Wow, what can I say?You are no longer here. I often wonder what I would have said to you had I picked up the phone and made one simple call.It’s been so long, oh how our lives have changed.
I wasn’t even sure if I should write something here, but after much thought; how could I not?
Although it was never in the master plan for things to work out between us, I’d like to think that you are part of what made me the person I am today, and that I took part in making you the person that you had become, that so many came to love.
I remember us sharing our dreams, our hopes, sitting on the beach at night staring at the stars.It was all so long ago, but seems like yesterday.
I remember how excited you would be when we would walk into a music store, your eyes just lit up, I remember how your charming personality would light up a room, I remember how you would make me laugh, I remember how you would hold me and how I never wanted you to let me go.
I also remember your greatest fear about death, leaving this earth in the same manner as your father.I guess it was part of the master plan.
I’m glad you followed your heart, as I ultimately did the same, even though it took us down very different paths.
Although there were bad times, you have never been too far from my thoughts and I will always remember the time we shared.
I remember the frist time I met Jody. Bekki and Jenn Able was on the hood of my car, driving around the parking lot of Wendy's . We couldn't have been older then 16 . The cops seen the girls on the hood of my car, and came into the parking lot . Jody, being the manager, had to come out and see what all the the bright lights were about. Some how Jody got me out of trouble. Jody gave me some great advice that night ,"Shawn don't be riding around the damn parking lot with girls on your car." That night we went and jammed at his place . The way jody played his guitar, amazed me. Any song I could name he knew. He showed me riffs and licks that I thought was impossable. Jody's music has inspired me and his advice has led me aways in the right path. Jody, I will miss you . God speed to you ,and a safe journey home my friend.
Thoughts.../ Matt Martin (Friend and former Bandmate)
To friends, family, fans, and all of us eternal bandmates,
You'd probably expect me to start a letter or an apology like this one by saying..."Sorry I couldn't be there".... and that's just what I'm gonna do. Except, this isn't an apology for my absence.This is really an explanation of the parts of me that are still there and will never leave Okeechobee or any of you behind.
For all of us, this has been an unexpected shock to the system. Loss always hurts the people that truly love the one that's passed.
Jody was one of the first guys I got to make music with in Okeechobee,and WOW, what an intro to 'Chobee style that was. Never before and never again will I make music with a player with as much fire and gusto for the stage as Jody. He really was an inspiration to the way I made music through my drums and percussion. The winks I got onstage after one of his solos always reassured me that it was, not only OK to go for it, but here, on his stage, it was expected and appreciated. "Play like you're never gonna play again every time you play."
Jody and I shared a few hard times in our friendship together. While watching the passing of both of our mothers, we often searched for a few moments of lightened conversation and encouragement from each other. Jody's always been good for that smile that a friend needs sometimes to reassure oneself that there really are others that understand where you are and where you'd rather be.
My best times and best memories of him will always go back to the stage.The winks, the gestures, the animal with an instrument that I always wanted to be. Jody, no matter where he is,always has been and always will be a lasting inspiration and a reason for me to look forward to that "next time".
In ways that I'm not sure I can explain, Jody will always be with me and the rest of us for as long as we carry all the memories that he's given each one of us. In the same way, we are all held together by what we've given to each other. I'm there now, as my heart will always be with each and every one of you, (us), every day. I carry memories, some pretty damn good ones, of our tight little circle of friends. Ed and Lisa, Norm, Rooster, Amber and Buddha, Shane, Paul, Skip, Carl, the whole Timmy Bast crew, my dad and stepmom, my Aunt Jane and Uncle Del...all of you that I've met as a struggling boy, and through your help and guidance, have become a better man and a damn hot drummer. I thank you now and forever and with everything that I am in this life, no matter how short it is, or where it takes me.
"Play like we're never gonna play again everytime we play"
Matt
P.S. Here's a song I wrote.....about a girl....whoops, sorry guys, broke a string....
My heart breaks for the loss of such a sweet,loving,caring,talented man. Jody you will always be thought of and missed everyday by the people who were lucky enough to have known you. Sleep peacefully!
Forever Remembered / Chris Selph (A Fortunate Friend)
A friend, an inspiration, a legend. Jody will always be remembered.
Your music and memories will always bring a smile to our faces! Thanks for the good times! Close
Jody's Legacy / Christopher Snowden (Personal Friend)Read >>
Jody's Legacy / Christopher Snowden (Personal Friend)
Jody gave great competition at pool, inspirational acoustic performances, and his own unique style of personal wisdom for any topic you might have thrown his way. For everything you've done, I will never forget you.
When tomorrow starts without me/ April Selph (Friend)
When tomorrow starts without me.
And I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry,
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d thought
I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do.
It seemed impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad ,
I thought of all the love we used to share,
And all the fun we had.
If I could re-live yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I’d say goodbye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here in your heart. Close
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