memory lane  / Nicholas Fuqua (friend)
"One time at band camp"...that phrase could begin any memory of Jessica. Her wit and humor kept us all from going insane on long hot bus trips to away games and band competitions. She ruled her section with an iron flute! Jessica lived right down the street from me, and walking home from school with her always brought a laugh to my day. Close

Condolences to loved ones  / Ron Ornstein (former teacher )
Condolences to family and friends of Jessica. I remember her distinctly and warmly as an eighth grade student with enormous potential that apparently was fulfilled throughout her too short life. Her maturity, love of learning and life, and concern, even back then, for social justice issues, stand out amongst the thousands of students taught over 20 years. I can picture her smile and hear her voice as clearly now as then. I know she will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her and additionally by all of us who benefitted from her contributions to the greater good. May her life be an inspiration to live our lives fully and conscientiously. Ron Ornstein, former eighth grade social studies teacher, Thomas Harrison Middle School. Close

A Modern Day Renaissance Woman  / William Ewing (friend)
Jess was a modern day renaissance woman, equally at home arguing a legal point as planning a party, equally at home espousing a political view as creating art on the sides of a tuba. Her interests and abilities were only as well rounded as her personality. She was fierce with her loyalty, open and creative with her thinking, quick with a witty response, and encyclopedia like with her knowledge, be it pop culture references or tort law. She was full of life and wanted to share it with everyone willing to smile and have a good time. I spent time thinking of what memory best displayed Jess's depth and quality of character. After some consideration I concluded that no memory I could think of put Jess's spirit on display more so than Jess and Cody's wedding day. I've been able to share in the joy of many friends getting married, but Jess and Cody's wedding touched me deeper in some way. Everything about it seemed to speak something about the two of them. Having the wedding at their own home provided an intimate feeling of family to everyone present. Having their neighbor officiate provided a feeling of community. Asking people to donate to local charities in lieu of gifts showed their generosity. From the memory tree, to the food selection, to the funnel cake batter gifts, everything seemed to express a piece of themselves. After the ceremony Jess was walking around greeting everyone and I went up to her and gave her a big hug. Now for those of you who do not know me well I'm usually not the person to express sentimental or romantic views. Instead I am prone to express myself with sarcasm or irreverence. This was not one of those times. I whispered in her ear that she better not tell anyone but her wedding was the only one that I had ever been to that had made me cry. She gave me a big smile and a hug and promised not to tell. I'm grateful that I shared that with her and with you. Close

Dear Jess,  / Douglas Kobayashi (Special Asst US Atty )

The shock of hearing about you from Janine yesterday has unfortunately been replaced now with the inevitable, heavy reality of your loss.  It's 3 a.m. and I'm sitting here thinking about you.  I can find no solace from sermons of memorials past, as I usually do, in believing that, "her burden has been lifted.  She can finally rest now."  I know not what demons could have possibly ailed you.

You seemed to live your life truly living - taking nothing for granted.  You never lost that marvelous insight of seeing things, especially people, with that child-like (not childish) awe and optimism that most people, even I, lose somewhere in our haste to "grow up".  How blessed you must be to know, appreciate, and cherish the beauty in things as they were meant to be, not how we expect them to be.  Where's the burden in that?

It seems like it was just yesterday that you, Janine, Patti, Reagan and I were having lunch to wish me well in California.  It worked.  Sean & I, after ten years together, just decided to get married (now that we can).  The ceremony is in three days.  I know you are happy for us even if the Lord, according to some people, may not be.  I hope He is because without friends like you, it's sometimes easier even for me to doubt.  Thank you, by the way, for accepting me as I am.  Ironically, I can think of no better advocate to convince Him otherwise than you.

There is "Another Angel in Heaven".  She has returned home.  This Angel came here to teach us to cherish every day and every thing as if it were new and wonderous, to love without conditions or expectations, and to be happy and accepting especially of our self whom there is no other.  In reflecting on this Angel's life here with us, I have found my solace.  Thank you Jessica. 

Go with God my friend.

Until we meet again,

Douglas        

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Celebrate her life  / Audra And Jason Zeibel (College friends )
We are sorry we can't be there today. We hope that it is a celebration of Jess' life and all the goodness she brought into the world for so many.  We will forever remember Jess.  Her smile and her enthusiasm were contagious! Close

In memory of Jess...  / Jeremy Jones (HHS Friend )
I knew her in high school. What I remember when I think back about Jess was that we laughed together so hard over everything in life, but nothing specific, as I'm sure so many people can attest to. Saturday night live, mutual friends, and of course each other were common topics of our jokes. Everything was fun with her, and I'm sure she is and will be missed by many people. Anything I can offer to her friends and family, I gladly offer. We have lost touch in the last 8 years, but she will always be in my memory...my prom date once upon a time. She's achieved nothing less than what I would have expected and I'm sure maintained the wit and humor, tenacity and charm I was always able to see and never able to forget. My deepest sympathies to all her family and friends. Best regards, Jeremy Jones Atlanta Georgia, HHS 1992 - 1996 Close

Miss You  / Chad Komocki ('99 Pep Band )

I'll never forget the way that Jess conducted the band.  She had tremendous energy, dedication, and a great desire to make 100 members stay together.  ...The dry erase boards, the sass, and the love for her fellow members.... Jess was one of a kind.  I'm honored to have made music with her.   

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God's newest Angel  / Scooter Wilson (business)
My deepest sympathy to Jessica's family.  God has just received a new Angel to watch out over all of us. May God's arms wrap you in comfort and peace. Close

We miss you, Jess.  / John Buchko (softball teammate )
On behalf of Jessica's heartbroken "Malicious" softball teammates and former coworkers at the US Attorney's Office, I want to offer my deepest sympathies to Cody and Jess' family (especially Nora, who we just met two weeks ago after a game).  In the short three years we've known her, Jessica has always been a joy to be around--a great teammate, a smart lawyer who never took herself too seriously, and a positive, upbeat, fun-loving person.  You are missed, Jessica. Close

Memories of jessica  / Fiona Macaulay (Friend thru softball )

Dear Jessica's family: I am so, so sorry to hear about jessica's passing. I has so much admiration for jessica's passion for life and friendliness. And she taight me a lot about softball! We had some great post softball discussions where I heard about Cody's work and how she'd loved to sell funnel cake alongside you. Wishing you a chance to smile through the tears with all the wonderful memories you have of Jessica. Fiona 

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My deepest condolences  / Anne Shick (Doss) (high school friend )

I am so incredibly saddened to hear about Jessica's untimely passing.  I regret to say that I hadn't seen her since we were both in the marching band at Harrisonburg High School circa 1994, but it's clear from the pictures and tributes that she continued to be an amazing and vivacious person all her life.  I clearly remember band trips with her--that she always made time together hilarious and interesting--and respected her greatly for being someone who knew herself and treated everyone with candor and kindness. 

My heart goes out to Jess's husband, parents, sister, and other family and friends.  I hope that you take some small comfort in knowing that Jessica made an impression that lasted over 14 years, and that you are in the thoughts and prayers of all who knew and will miss her.

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Jess was everyone's friend  / Stephanie Ridgeway (Glover) (High School Friend )
Jessica was everyone's friend in high school and that's how I'll always remember her. She always had a smile and was always ready to help anyone. Unfortunately I lost touch with her after high school and have since moved out of state. Please know that her family, friends, loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. She will truly be missed and her memory is an inspiration to me. Close

The boy whisperer  / Liz Rabenold (Friend)
I don't know why I'm so affected by her passing, but I am.  I didn't know her that well, having only first met her at her wedding.  And what a wedding it was--one of the most beautiful weddings I've been to, and I've been to many.  Simple, yet classy.  Anyway, she stayed with Carey and I in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, and spent much of the time playing Wii sports with my 8-year old son.  He was mesmerized.  He couldn't wait to get up in the morning to play with her, and insisted she watch his favorite cartoons.  She actually gave him a run for his money in playing Wii baseball, and the kid is good!  At the end of her stay, she gave him a Wii game that we all played for days, and days, and days....  The game, "Raging Rabbits(?)", is a bit unorthodox, what with the flinging of cows and pulling worms out of a rabbit's teeth, but a hoot nonetheless.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that she touched us, and we will miss her dearly.  Close

Song in my heart  / Beta (friend)

Jess,

I've been thinking about a song that says what I need it to say.  Doogie's podt reminded me yet again for the song.  It's called "For Good" from the Musical Wicked.  I feel like it should be called Because I Knew You.  It says so many things I cannot.  Yeah, there is part that relates to the plot, but just try and ignore that part. 

This is the line that says it all to me:

"I do believe I have been changed for the better"

I love you Jess and I will never forget that.

For Good from the Broadway Musical Wicked

ELPHABA
I'm limited:
Just look at me - I'm limited
And just look at you -
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
(spoken) For both of us
(sung) Now it's up to you:

GLINDA
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

ELPHABA
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:

GLINDA
Because I knew you:

BOTH   I have been changed for good

ELPHABA
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

GLINDA
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

BOTH
And none of it seems to matter anymore

GLINDA ELPHABA
Like a comet pulled Like a ship blown
From orbit as it Off it's mooring
Passes a sun, like By a wind off the
A stream that meets Sea, like a seed
A boulder, half-way Dropped by a
Through the wood Bird in the wood

BOTH
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better?

GLINDA
And because I knew you:
ELPHABA
Because I knew you:

BOTH
Because I knew you:
I have been changed for good.

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Remember the happy times  / Susan Stewart Evans (co-worker)
Seeing the happy, smiling Jess in her photo album tribute has really brought her loss home to me.  She was one of those rare co-workers that everyone loves to work with because not only was she was so incredibly bright, but also she was so much fun to be around.  The world has lost a shining star.  Jess, you will be missed.  My sincerest sympathy to Cody, your families and your friends. Close

Treasure the Memories  / Rita Butler (co-worker)
I will treasure the memories I have of Jess. The tragedy of loosing her hurts. She was such a friendly person, easy to be with, and fun to work with. I will miss her laughter and beautiful “self.” My deepest sympathies to Cody and all her family and friends. She touched so many lives in so many ways. Close

Thank you, Jess  / Chris Rasmussen (friend)
I have known Jess for over 20 years. We went to elementary school together. My first memory of her is from second grade -- we had a conversation about how our middle names rhymed. In fourth grade, we took string orchestra classes together. In fifth grade, we had Reading. We weren't friends, or enemies. We were just classmates.

There was an open lot in the neighborhood called the "Minipark" where kids hung out in Morgantown. It was there, one summer when I was about 11, where I ran into Jess. An argument between her friends and mine erupted. Only one punch was thrown -- Jess knocked me over with a fist to the stomach. I still remember lying on the ground, gasping for air, watching Jess and her friends walk away. I didn't see Jess again until college. (For the record, neither Jess nor I could ever remember what the fight was about, but I'm sure I richly deserved the punch.)

When Jess arrived at UVa years later, we had a great laugh about our last encounter. The next year, I was Director and she was Conductor of the Pep Band. This is when we knew each other the best. Over countless practices and events, we worked together -- good friends, but in an oddly professional way for two 19 year olds in the Pep Band!

It is from being Director that I learned to speak confidently in public -- a skill I use every time I pick up a piece of chalk to start a lecture. But the only reason I learned anything from being Director, or had any success at all in that role, is because I had a fleet of motivated, dedicated, and talented friends helping me every step of the way. And there, in one of the most crucial roles, was one of the most motivated and talented people, Jess.

I wish I had taken the chance to show my appreciation and say: "Jess, because you excelled in your role then, I excel in my role now. Thank you so much for that gift."

The night before my wedding, I wound up reminiscing with Beth and Jess. It was very special, talking with college friends, but also someone from my childhood. Seeing her again in Costa Rica, and meeting Cody for the first time, these are wonderful memories for me. In Costa Rica, Jess still called me "Doogie" -- I relished this. :)

But now, my friend is gone. I miss her terribly, and my heart hurts for those who were closer to Jess than I was. May she rest in peace, and may all of us who knew Jess remember the profoundly positive impact she made in all our lives. Close

Spirited, happy, lively example to us all  / Keri Schwab (high school friend )
I knew Jessica as an older, mature, happy  and fun-loving basketball player. She was happy, mature, sophisticated (to me, a 7th grader) and so friendly, accepting, and willing to talk to 'younger' kids. She was a leader, a role model, a triumph in every way. Close

My Condolences  / Andrew Graves (H.S. Friend )

 

My thoughts and prayers to the family, I remember Jessica for her many talents, frequent smiles, and spontaneous laughter. 

I am so sorry

 

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Jessica was an example to all of us.  / Maria Dove Keyes (High School Friend )

My heart is breaking at the loss of a beautiful soul. Jessica reached out to all she met, and made life better by her sincere heart and her quick wit.

I will forever remember countless lunches, rain or shine, in the courtyard at HHS. We would huddle together in the winter months and joke around to stay warm. On warmer days, we would enjoy the sun while taking a break from classes. Jessica helped everyone feel comfortable and was the first person to laugh and bring joy to our group on difficult high school days. I will always recall her beautiful spirit and all she gave to the world.  We have lost a light in our lives.

My deepest prayers are with Jessica's family and husband, and I will continue to think of them as they begin to heal. She was very special and will forever live in our hearts.

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