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Uploaded: Thursday, May 7, 2009, 1:26 PM
Gunn teen was smart, gentle, parents recall
Junior JP Blanchard left behind a lifetime of good memories
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by Jay Thorwaldson
Palo Alto Weekly Staff
Photos
 
View all photos (6)
| Surrounded by a score of comforting relatives, Jean-Paul "JP" Blanchard's parents looked back on the life of their son late Wednesday afternoon with some sweet memories of his life -- a shield against thinking of his death Tuesday morning.
"The kids had it right," his mother, Kathleen Blanchard, said of comments and online postings about her 17-year-old son, known universally as "JP" to friends and fellow Gunn High School students.
"He was smart, funny, had a great sense of humor -- and was sweet," she said, citing a sensitive consideration for others, a love of animals and an ability to play musical instruments, sports and games well. He had an artistic talent and wrote well, she said.
She and JP's father, Jean-Marc Blanchard, sat in their backyard in their south Palo Alto home, on a cool and breezy day, and recalled their memories of their son, occasionally pausing to choke back emotions.
About 20 relatives, from a grandmother to uncles and cousins, circulated in the house, a comforting presence during an unthinkable time, the parents said.
The family moved to Palo Alto in 2003, from Burwyn, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, because both parents got new jobs, they recounted. Kathleen is an attorney for Genentech and Jean-Marc is a professor of international relations at San Francisco State University, residing on Emerson Street with JP and his two younger sisters: Chloe, 15, and Isabelle, 10.
JP's death, an apparent suicide on the Caltrain tracks at West Meadow Drive, came as a shock to the family and friends.
"Everybody was surprised," and no one sensed any problems, she said.
But the family now is focusing on his life. A "Celebration of Life" memorial service Saturday morning has the theme of "Gentle Giant," Jean-Marc noted. The theme refers not to JP's size but to his being "a giant of gentleness," he said.
And it refers to the impression he made on others, from friends and teachers to young children and animals, Kathleen added.
"He loved animals," and they seemed to return that, she said.
"I think they could sense what a sweet guy he was, because when he was walking home from school animals in the neighborhood would follow him home. Sometimes he would have to chase them off so they wouldn't get too far away from wherever they were," she said, adding that both dogs and cats would trail after him.
"He's had this kind of charismatic personality," Jean-Marc recalled. "One time we took him over to a friend's house because his sister was due to be born. ... The sons were following him around but they couldn't pronounce his name. They called him Jean-Palm."
"We swore he would be an evangelical minister," Kathleen added. "Even lately he always seemed to attract kids because he was so kind to them and joyous and he enjoyed playing with them. ... We went to a gathering with some family friends out at Coyote Point and all the little kids would just run around chasing after him. And he was sweet -- he let himself be chased. It wasn't beneath him because he was a teenager."
"At family gatherings he had this ability to insert himself into any group and start playing with them, whether sports or games.
"He had a funny thing about him, because he's so bright -- very, very bright -- he sometimes would look like he wasn't paying attention in class, because he looked like he was doing something else. The teachers would try to catch him, ask him a question, and he'd answer right on the spot.
"One teacher said, 'A lot of people try to multitask, but you're the only one who really can multitask,'" she said.
"And he's so generous. He would save up -- it was his idea. He began to earn an allowance at a certain age, and it was his idea to put some of the money into savings, a portion for pocket money and a good portion for charity," she recalled. He would decide where to send the charity money at the end of each year, often deciding to give it to a children's fund.
"And another generous thing I remember: One of his teachers told me that in class they had this exercise, and students had to pair up. This one student in class had a sort of disability, and the other students never volunteered to go with that person. So even though he had gone with somebody else he volunteered to pair up with this other person," Kathleen recalled.
"And he just naturally did it so it didn't look like some sort of charity thing. The teacher wanted to reward him with some class points for being nice like that, and he refused. He said, 'I'm just doing this for the exercise.' You know, he didn't want to treat it like this person needed charity."
He fit well in family gatherings and was lucky in games but a good sport about winning or losing, such as when he came in second in a Cub Scout "Raingutter Regatta" in which small boats were blown around a raingutter course with straws.
"He immediately went over and shook the other boy's hand," Kathleen recalled.
"It didn't take a lot to teach him. He was always thoughtful. If you had a plate of food on the table and there was a last piece he always asked if you wanted this last piece" before taking it.
Kathleen showed a pair of small earrings JP brought back from a school field trip, which he had purchased from a museum gift shop for her instead of buying candy. He also brought back a stuffed animal from the Monterey Bay Aquarium for his youngest sister, for her collection.
Jean-Marc said he was impressed with his son's quiet maturity.
"He seemed to be mature beyond his years in many instances," he said. "We participated in this Unitarian Church in Burwyn, and they had a group for teenagers, or young teens. And a lot of it had to do with sexual themes. The teachers always remarked that he had things to say that were sophisticated beyond his years."
"When he was even younger than that, he was once asked what he wanted to be when he grew up," Kathleen added. "His answer was, 'I want to be a good man.'"
After a pause to regain composure, the parents recalled his artistic abilities, his writing skills, his sports coordination and sportsmanship. They cited his interest in engineering as a career and his abilities in math and science.
Then they returned to the solace of their relatives.
Related stories:
■ Gunn student remembered as 'smart, caring' classmate who loved music, video games
■ Time, place changed for Blanchard memorial
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Posted by Saddened PALY parent, a resident of the Charleston Meadows neighborhood, on May 7, 2009 at 1:34 pm To the family and friends of JPB: There are no words to comfort, no action that will bring back precious life. May your hearts and minds mend as best they can knowing that we suffer for your loss as your neighbors and fellow parents. May we all grow stronger and more responsive to reading the glimpses of insight our children may share,may they forgive us for our under-estimations, and may we forgive each other. Peace be upon all of you
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Posted by Angelina, a resident of Stanford, on May 7, 2009 at 1:46 pm I am so sadden by the lost of your beloved son. He definitely touched many lives.
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Posted by very sorry, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on May 7, 2009 at 1:54 pm
So very sorry for this tragic loss, and deepest condolences to the family and friends of this beautiful young man. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
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Posted by SF, Paly parent, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on May 7, 2009 at 2:37 pm To JP's family: May GOD give you comfort and peace during this difficult time, we are all grieving with you for the loss of JP and we pray that he's now resting in peace. GOD be with you all.
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Posted by Sad Person, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 2:37 pm I still cant believe it. He was such a great person. I remember him from the tennis team and being very congenial, especially around little kids. He was a counselor at a summer camp. I will never forget the time he was with the coach's daughter. He was playing with her, drawing, making sure she was happy when it was scorching hot and sunny.
WHAT HAPPENED?????????????WHY?
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Posted by a friend, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 2:59 pm I had thought I went through the day without crying, like I have for the past two days, but this just resparked it. JP was a great person... I still don't believe this happened, even after thinking back on everything.
Why him, I still wonder. RIP, JP. Everyone misses you. Hope you're doing well in Heaven, and I hope the family is doing well. We're all praying for you.
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Posted by NFamily, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 3:45 pm Dear Blanchard Family,
Thank you so much for sharing the photo's of your lovely son and family. Seeing the photo's of the good memories of JP with your family is heartwarming, during a deeply sad and painful time of loss.
He's a beautiful boy, and even though my son's and I did not know him, I'll always remember the twinkle in his eye and sparkle in his smile, from these images you have kindly shared.
Thank you, again, and much love and wishes of support to all of your relatives and family members. God bless.
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Posted by Friend, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 4:03 pm JP was just one of those people that you could count on to make you feel better when you were having a down day, I only wish I could have been the same friend he was to me.
He was on another level when it came to being nice
People are only truly gone, when they are forgotten, I for one, will never forget JP, and all of the ways that he touched my life.
RIP buddy, i'll see you when i get there. meanwhile, look over me.
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Posted by A fellow Everytown Member, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 5:15 pm The day I found out it was JP, I couldn't take my mind off of it. Him and I had become quite close at Camp Everytown. I can not get the image of him and I singing I believe I can fly with the rest of the group. To those who wish to slander his name I wish to you to keep your words to yourself. JP was an amazing person, and he always had a smile to shine on that rainy day.
RIP JP
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Posted by Sad Person, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 5:16 pm Why did you do it? What was the thing so flawed with your life that made you think death was the only solution? You were such a nice person with such a bright future...Why?
I cant stop thinking about it. God, Its killing me.
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Posted by Person, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 5:23 pm We should find out what made this happen. Obviously, he was a nice talented person with a great personality and traits. It was shocking when I heard he suicided. He seemed so happy when he was alive. People like him are the last people who come to my mind when I think of "suicidal".
We must answer the question "Why", and find a solution to whatever made him do this. For the future of everyone else. For the sakes of the community.
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Posted by sophomore, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 5:39 pm [Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
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Posted by A Mom, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on May 7, 2009 at 5:49 pm I don't personally know the boy and his family. But the past two day after I heard this sad story, I can't help crying. I led my two kids visiting the track site where flowers and notes waving. My boy is in Terman and he was crying yesterday evening when we were there. I saw so many good wrods on JP and seemed I knew him already. I can't imaging how his family will go though all those painful times. Kid like him, such a handson and talented boy, should have a beautiful future. Why this happened to him? How do we parents can learn from this tragety? How can we know more inside world from our teenager son or daughter? How can school involve to prevent this disaster happen to student? Can we community do something?
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Posted by justsad, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 5:55 pm [Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
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Posted by Gunn Parent, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 6:15 pm My deepest condolences to JP’s family. JP was a bright light while we had him, and the world is a better place because he was here.
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Posted by TT, a resident of another community, on May 7, 2009 at 8:32 pm By now, everyone understands JP was a great kid. But there is absolutely no inkling as to what led to his self destruction. There has got to be something. Does anyone have a clue?
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Posted by tliu, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 9:27 pm This is a great way to remember JP
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Posted by Student, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 10:02 pm It's really sad to see such a person go. One in a million.
It's really not up to me, but I think it would do justice to figure out what could have possibly been so horrible that he felt he had to commit such an act - whatever it is, it must be eradicated.
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Posted by Napoleon, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 7, 2009 at 10:34 pm I remember one day when I was young, my father and I talked about a kid who committed suicide. That day I promised him I would never commit suicide because of all the pain I'd cause around me. I remember thinking that day that I wouldn't ever have to deal with one of my friend committing suicide because I would never let them. I thought I knew JP but he kept his emotions hidden from everybody. From the stories I have heard which may or may not be true, it just seemed that only a few people needed to be there maybe just to listen to him about whatever was bothering him.
The thing I'm going to miss most about him is that nobody ever could go without laughing when he smiled. Whenever he smiled, it was as if his face was emitting the definition of glee and joy. He could make a witty joke out of anything, and even if the joke wasn't good it was impossible not to laugh with him as he started to smile at his failed joke. He often made many people's days better just by being there, and he often did for me.
When I first saw him in 7th grade, I thought he was really cool. He was always at the center of the circle, making people laugh. He was good at everything and was really really smart, and I envied him a lot. We were good friends in middle school, but we kind of faded out in high school, until about 2 weeks ago. Several of my friends say that they had gotten closer to him recently, and even my teacher said that JP's personality was finally starting to shine through to him when they started to talk about baseball. I can only interpret this as a last attempt to get his life on track, but nobody will ever know JP Blanchard's secrets.
We will never forget you.
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Posted by Nora Charles, a resident of Stanford, on May 8, 2009 at 1:18 am I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Jean-Paul sounded like the dearest boy. May you take some comfort in your wonderful memories of your remarkable son. God bless you.
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Posted by Nora Charles, a resident of Stanford, on May 8, 2009 at 1:29 am Sad Person, I feel terrible about the loss of your friend. Your comments have touched me and you are in my thoughts. Some things in life will always be mysteries; please try not to feel so tortured by "why." I hope eventually you will be able to take comfort in your friendship with this remarkable sounding young man.
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Posted by SH, a resident of the Community Center neighborhood, on May 8, 2009 at 4:41 am Some people are so good, God needs them more than we do.
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Posted by Bobby Goodall, Terry Goodall, Kyle Donahue, Gregg Gruschow, a resident of another community, on May 8, 2009 at 6:04 am Me Kyle and my twin terry would go to ACP camp with JP, those were some of the best years of our lives and JP's humor was the highlight of my day when he used to live in Berywn. My consolation goes to the parents of JP iam sorry you lost your son he will always be remembered. Gregg went to New Eagle Elementary with Jp and always got into detentions with JP. Gregg and JP had a business where they sold school supplies to other students in return for nickels, dimes, or quarters. those were fun times... Rest in peace JP.
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Posted by Norrin Ripsman, a resident of another community, on May 8, 2009 at 7:16 am It was my privilege to know Jean-Paul since he was born. He was a delightful boy with a gentle disposition and an easy-going sense of humor. Jean-Paul was extremely intelligent and had a maturity well-beyond his years -- a point he proved time and again, but especially on a 3-day trip I took with him and his father when he was young. He held his own with us and blended in as one of the gang quite easily. When I saw him last (last year), I was so impressed by how he had become charming, intelligent young man. I could see how proud his father was of him and how his sisters looked up to him.
I cannot believe he is gone. I only know that heaven has a special place for good people like Jean-Paul, who has improved the lives of all around him. And I hope that the Palo Alto community will help to comfort Jean-Marc, Kathleen and their daughters.
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Posted by MK, a resident of Mountain View, on May 8, 2009 at 1:24 pm My deepest condolences to JP’s family.
Everyone misses you. Hope you're doing well in Heaven, We're all praying for you.
RIP
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Posted by Former GATE Consultant, a resident of another community, on May 8, 2009 at 1:30 pm I am very saddened but not at all shocked that someone who sounds so gifted decided there was no place for him in this world.
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Posted by KN, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on May 8, 2009 at 1:53 pm My deepest condolences to the Blanchard family. May you find strength in the coming days to heal and find solace knowing that your son will always be remembered.
To JP, we pray for you to be at peace and in God's presence in heaven.
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Posted by A concerned family, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 8, 2009 at 2:30 pm James,(from the other thread)
Thank you for bringing up this topic about the music and video games. It has been on my mind this entire week. The lyrics of Lynryd Skynyrd have been posted here a couple of times, apparently as music JP liked and played when he was playing an online game: Magic:The Gathering,(also posted here online) which my kid's tell me has alot of violent & wizardry themed overtones etc. From what I have read, and observed, when kid's play these kinds of games hours and hours upon end, it can re-wire their brain, so to speak. I know that sometimes when I am working on a project and spending hours online, that sometimes my brain feels really off base and I have to de-connect for long periods of time. Perhaps when kid's are spending many hours of online game time, plus having the triggers of teenage life stresses etc, it's a dangerous mix.
My family and I send heartfelt wishes of kindness to the Blanchard family and JP's friends. We hope that all the students will be able to keep a good balance as they go through this time of grieving, and also the end of the school year. Take care, everyone, and of each other.
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Posted by Palo Alto Parent, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, on May 8, 2009 at 4:01 pm The lightness of words will never make up for the loss of a young life. As fellow parents, we feel the pain of JP's family, and our condolences go to them.
Still, let me try to say this: it is not your fault.
I lost my best friend since childhood to suicide more than 10 years ago. He was kind, smart and lively. We enjoyed each other's company growing up together. He started suffering from depression after going to college.
For years I kept blaming myself and thinking/dreaming about him. When we had our first child, I held the cherished bundle in my arms, the same thoughts popped up again: only if he were still around, only if I had done something...
With help and time, I realized that it was not my fault. I wrote a lot; finally I was able to get over with the guilt and the haunting thoughts, after 10+ years.
I found out that survivors of suicides have heavy burden and deep guilt in them for a prolonged time period. They are gone but we are left without even a chance to say goodbye. I understand the feeling someone felt ˇ°driven crazyˇ± wondering why.
Today I still feel sad and miss him a lot, but I should only live a good life, or twice as good a life, for myself, and for those gone too early. The mission is meant for us left behind to carry out.
A lot of people visiting this site are the fellow Gunn students of JP's. I just wanted to share with you my experience in a 10-year period, put things into perspective, and hope your young hearts less burdened.
It is not your fault...
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Posted by OhlonePar, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on May 8, 2009 at 4:14 pm A concerned family,
I think most of us will never be in a position to know why it happened. I'd like to be careful about speculating why it happened in this particular instance. There's a thread on causes of teen suicide that I think is a better place for a more general discussion of the role of games and music.
Palo Alto Parent,
Those kids have been on my mind a lot too.
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Posted by Brad H., a resident of another community, on May 8, 2009 at 4:31 pm Dear Blanchard Family,
I don't know if you will see this, or if you will remember me, but I went to New Eagle and Valley Forge with JP. We played soccer with each other and were pretty good friends in school. I hadn't talked to JP since he left PA until a few months ago, when I came across him on facebook and we started to talk again from time to time. Word of Jean Paul's passing reached Conestoga today, and every New Eagle schooler that I've talked to remembers JP as if he left here only last week. I can't tell you how many people said, "I was just talking about him the other day" or "Something that happened yesterday reminded me of him." When reminiscing, everybody had a story to tell about JP, and no one could help but smile as they remembered Jean Paul's charisma and humor. He was the only person I've ever known that could sophisticatedly banter back and forth with teachers in 4th grade. We all feel for your loss and pray alongside you for JP. Our hearts go out to you from your east coast home in PA. Anyone that could still weigh on our minds and trigger such emotions after 6 years without contact is clearly a special person. We haven't forgotten about JP, and we won't anytime soon.
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Posted by James C., a resident of another community, on May 8, 2009 at 5:11 pm Dear Blanchard Family,
I can still remember having Kindergarten with Jean- Paul back here in Pennsylvania at New Eagle Elementary School. We had Mrs. Tyus. What a good, and funny kid. We played checkers in the morning every day before class.
I can still remember the day that he left Valley Forge Middle School in 6th Grade. We had gym class together that day, the last day of school, the last period of the day. He had a piece of paper so that everyone there could sign their name, and that he could take that with him as a memory. Everyone here was so shocked to hear the news, and I send out my thoughts and prayers to you.
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Posted by Maike, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, on May 8, 2009 at 5:31 pm [Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
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Posted by Mother of a 17 year old boy, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on May 8, 2009 at 5:58 pm My heart goes out to you. Life on earth is but a blink of an eye compared with the age of the universe. You were blessed with his bright and loving spirit for 17 years. His love will be with you for a lifetime.
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Posted by Paly Student, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on May 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm Very good article, it captured the personality and lifestyle of JP very well.
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Posted by A Palo Alto parent, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on May 9, 2009 at 12:07 am Sadperson, you need to know that JP wasn't himself when he did what he did. Try to remember the JP you knew, and think about the whole of his life, rather than the last few minutes of it. I know it's hard to do, but he wouldn't want you to be so sad. If you try, you can start to ease out of the pain of your loss a little bit at a time.
If you have someone you can talk to, please talk to them. You're going through such a hard time, maybe the hardest you'll ever go through. I'm talking to you as someone who's lost many people she loved, and as the mom of a teenager.
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Posted by Allen, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on May 9, 2009 at 9:44 am I understand how the news media is on its last legs, and will go to any length to attract readers or pageviews, but can't the Weekly just leave them alone? This story and others on this site seem way too intrusive. I wasn't surprised by anything I read (of course his parents loved him!) but I thought "Why is this treatment necessary???" This and the other stories posted on this site are overkill. Just provide the community the basics and let the family mourn in private.
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Posted by sophie, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on May 9, 2009 at 9:48 am He was a nice kid in my son's Chinese class and he was very smart and kind. I'm so sad when I heard this tragic news, just couldn't believe it. My deepest sympathy to his family, he will be missed by so many.
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Posted by Paly Mom, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on May 9, 2009 at 10:08 am My heart aches for everyone involved; JP, his family and his obviously large circle of friends and acquaintances. He sounds like an extraordinary young man. THIS should be his legacy and in time I hope that this outshines the tragic way in which his life ended.
I recently found out that a childhood friend attempted suicide after being sexually abused by a teacher at age 8. Fortunately, he did not have the knowledge to be successful.
Another friend, with a loving spouse and two-year old daughter, had an acute depression that seemed to have been brought about by a bad combination of medications. Unfortunately, she did take her own life. By all accounts she had only been depressed for a very, very brief time....maybe a week. My point is that it can be a combination of biochemistry, circumstances and opportunity and sometimes is as inevitable as a tragic accident....there just isn't anything that can be done to stop it.
While I do think that teens should certainly alert others if concerned about a friend, I want JP's friends to know that this terrible thing was not their fault. There often is an "accidental" quality to suicides that no-one can stop. Please do not blame yourselves and focus on comforting each other and remembering the best things about your dear friend.
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Posted by A Palo Alto parent, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on May 9, 2009 at 10:16 am Allen, this is a community site, and this tragedy affects all the kids and parents in the community. Teen suicide is a serious problem in Palo Alto, and the best thing to do is to communicate with each other so we can try to understand how to prevent it, and try to comfort the grieving kids and adults as best we can.
You don't have to read these postings if you don't want to.
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Posted by student, a member of the Gunn High School community, on May 9, 2009 at 2:53 pm I talked to him maybe a total of two times through a mutual friend, but even I cried yesterday as I passed the intersection of Alma and E. Meadow. Imagining him deciding to take his own life as the train came nearer is the hardest thing to understand. You can tell in the pictures when he was genuinely happy with his family, but even in the prom picture (prom was very recent) the smile looks forced. I could tell he had changed since I first met him , but I never knew to what extent.
Of course his life should be celebrated--he was an amazing kid who did more in his short period on earth than people do with their whole lives. But I only hope that someone tries to find the underlying story beneath this whole incident, whether or not it is shared with the public. For the sake of the thousands of other kids who might have shared his feelings the moments before his death, so that we can prevent this from ever happening again.
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Posted by Freddie, Sarah & Joshua, a resident of another community, on May 9, 2009 at 3:51 pm Jean-Paul,
Tu vas beaucoup nous manque.
Avec tout notre amour.
Your family in France & England.
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Posted by Family Member, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on May 11, 2009 at 2:55 pm Dear loving friends of JP and caring community members ~
Thank you so much for your heartfelt thoughts and prayers for beautiful JP. I would like to share two other poems that were selected in his memory by his parents. Please read them and keep him in your thoughts.
WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
When tomorrow starts without me and I am not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes are 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 loved me, as much as I loved you.
And each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too...
When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For everytime you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.
MEMORY OF ME by Carol Mirkel
I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when life is done.
I'd like the tears
Of those who grieve,
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.
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Posted by Family Member, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on May 11, 2009 at 2:59 pm To all the Palo Alto community and beyond, friends, parents, teachers and family. The Blanchard Family has been tremendously overwhelmed by the support everyone has expressed. We wish to offer our thanks at this difficult moment, but would also appreciate it if anyone has any more memories to share. The Blanchard Family has created an e-mail account that we would welcome any fond memories to be sent to:
InMemoryOfJP@gmail.com
With much appreciation.
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Posted by sophie, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on May 16, 2009 at 2:58 pm My deepest sympathy to the Blanchard's family. JP will always be remembered in our hearts.
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Posted by Adam She, a resident of another community, on May 18, 2009 at 8:38 am I'm JP's uncle is Atlanta. I represent a small part of a large family blessed to include many member across the country in the West and across the sea in the Far East. JP's untimely transition has had a profound effect on our entire family unit and well as his community.
Although my time spent with JP was limited due to living on the East Coast, his unwavering kindness, intelligence, sportsmanship and charisma could not be ignored or forgotten. They say, if you really want to know someone, ask others what they think of that person. I'm very thankful to have the opportunity to get to know JP better though testimonies from family, friends and this blog. (Though some blog comments are to be ignored due to insensitive nature) He was, not just, well received. He was a truly warmhearted, uniquely gifted, individual. He was extraordinary.
In the article above, my cousin Kathy (JP"s mom) states, "We swore he would be an evangelical minister." Another blog comment posted says this, "JP was just one of those people that you could count on to make you feel better when you were having a down day, I only wish I could have been the same friend he was to me." Recalling these statements and others, I believe JP would want people to remember the lights of his life. I believe he would want people to use the lights in their own lives to embrace others in their times of need. We have the opportunity be same friend to JP as he was to so many of us. Lets be the light for others. Lets share in his warmhearted nature. Let us not waver from this.
JP's presence reached many people in many ways, seen and unseen. He will be remembered. His love will be extended. He will, sorely, be missed.
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Front-Page Design
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