On occasion, we get a phone call that changes things... it changes the way that we look back and it changes the way that we look forward. On Tuesday of this week I received one of those calls... I answered the phone to hear Jimmy Taylor's breaking voice on the phone. Without hesitation I asked what was wrong... Jim said, 'It's Jerry' and he went on to tell me that Jerry had landed the H1N1 Flu Virus and had been in the hospital since March 7th with a bad case of pneumonia. Needles to say, my heart dropped as he went on to explain that Jerry probably was not going to recover and family members were headed to New York to be by Jerry's side. More news came from Jim early on Wednesday morning that Jerry had passed away. From the moment of that first call, my heart ached and my mind opened up to the many memories I have that involve Jerry, Jimmy, and the Taylor family. From daring each other to drink pepper juice, to skiing off the roof (sorry Ed), getting snow-mobile's stuck in trees, getting sent home from ski trips, playing Johnny Quest at Boysen Reservoir, sneaking into the Wind River Canyon train tunnel, many other too numerous to name... not to mention a good number of other memories that should never be shared publicly :-).
Jerry, you may no longer be with us physically, but you will never, ever be forgotten... a large bit of your spirit will live on in all of us who crossed your path. Rest in God's Peace, my friend....
Friends... There will be a memorial for Jerry in Nyack, NY this Saturday @ 2 pm... Flowers can be sent to Joseph Sorce Funeral Home, 728 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994
Posted by: Mark Calhoun | March 25, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Mark, that was absolutely beautiful. That is a great way to be remembered!! Jonni
Posted by: Jonni Fargo | March 25, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Mark, if you would please give Ed, Myrna, and Jim a message from me. I don't have any contact info for them. Let them know that I cannot fathom their loss of a beloved son and brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to them from my soul. I loved Jerry, and today felt a small piece of myself taken away. That being said, I will not ever be able to repay the Taylor's for everything they have done for me in my younger years. I just want to say I am sorry for their loss, and I want to say thank you.
John Shepherd
Posted by: John Shepherd | March 25, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Just a note to say what a great person Jerry was. Very funny! I am sad for his family. I haven't had contact w/Jerry since our 10yr reunion but have many memories of our HS years. My heart & blessings go out to his family and children.
Stacie Venzor Byrd
Posted by: Stacie Byrd | March 27, 2011 at 03:54 PM
How awesome Mark that you were able to be with Jerry's family and give his service. I to have many wonderful memories of ski trips and camping trips with Jerry & his family. I was completed shocked when I heard the new of Jerry's passing from my parents. I will cherish the fun times we had growing up. If possible could you provide me an address for Myrna & Ed and Jimmy as well? Thanks
Lenette Yost Schnee
Posted by: Lenette Yost Schnee | April 04, 2011 at 09:59 AM