An Amazing Person By Anyones Standards  / William Ewing (friend)
Jess was an amazing person that changed my life. I have racked my brain to remember the first time I met Jess. On one of my first nights of college I went to a pepband party. Through the fog of time I still remember some things from that night: talking to Kathy and Rachel, watching Sarah dance on the counters, drinking my first college beer, and thinking that it was a mistake not to pack my trumpet when I left for college. I can easily picture Jess being there greeting me with all the others, tenting her fingers while making a Mr Burns reference, but I can't be sure. I wanted it to be true, I was upset that I couldn't be sure, but I realized it didn't matter. What I do know is that soon after joining the pepband Jess and I became friends and because of that there were plenty of things I did remember. I remember that she would always convince me to help start the dance party when everyone was standing around, I remember serious conversations where her probing interest helped me explore myself. I remember her teaching me to mix bourbon and coke in the proper proportion(half and half). I remember at football games putting down my trumpet and hanging out with the Jess and the other old ladies instead, I remember her out singing others during drinking songs. I remember being adopted into her circle of friends, I remember chinese buffet on sundays and going to see bad movies afterwards. I remember becoming friends with Nora and being greatly amused at hanging out with both sisters at the same time. I remember sharing Foxfields and New Years, weddings and vacations. I hope to never forget. Jess was an amazing person by anyones standards. She was a friend, a daughter, a sister, and a wife. To Cody, John, Jay, and Nora I send all my love and my deepest sympathies. Close

At a loss for words  / Suzanne Sirotnak (colleague)
Since hearing the news on Monday, I have been at a loss for words but not for emotions.  As an avid cyclist, I am angry that this unecessary and senseless accident occured.  As a colleague, I am full of grief and sorrow that I no longer be greeted by her bubbly smile and personality.  But I also caught a smile on my face today as I remembered her warm smile and laughter.  Jess touched our lives in many ways.  As a colleague, I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to work with her.  To her family and friends, I extend my deepest, most heart-felt condolences.  No one can dispute that she had a personality and presence that filled a room.  I bet heaven is bursting at the seams right now. Close

Just one thing to add...  / Josh Krupnick (Friend)
When I was thinking of what to write here I kept coming back to one story.  Whenever I would see Jess she would tell me that I had to see Cody again, since the one time we had we were like two peas in a pod, and she was convinced we'd become fast friends.  Honestly, I don't remember this well, I think she was referring to a random football Saturday like five years ago at Beth's house, but I hope we can prove her right.  I just thought Jess was great. Close

Slideshow '99!  / Eric Greiling ((friend))
Jess, I am so glad that we got to know each better during our 4th year.  You, Beth, & Tina made working on the Pep Band's Banquet Slideshow a lot of fun!  Slideshow '99 Rules! (complete with raised fist)  I also enjoyed how you and Tina would liven up my office hours after your Bartending class.  The past few years have been really great as well (weddings, New Years parties, Costa Rica).  I was honored when Abbe and Evan asked me to be Natalie's godfather and I was ecstatic when they told me that you were going to be the godmother.  I was really looking forward to coordinating with you how we were going to spoil Natalie rotten and I'm devastated that we can't do that together now.  You are caring, smart, and funny, all I could ask for in a friend.  I love you for being you, a great person and a wonderful friend.  I miss you already. Close

She was simply awesome.  / Kristine Price (friend)
I didn't know her nearly as well as most, but I was blessed to know her as I did. Jessica made me feel like I was an old dear friend. Her energy and awesomeness will be missed. She just rocked.   Close

Forever in my prayers  / Debbie Leonard (cousin)

With special prayers to my dear cousin you will forever be missed. 

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Thank you Jess  / Wendy McKenzie (Rachel's Mom )
I didn't have the opportunity to meet Jess but feel I knew her through my daughter's many warm references to "my friend Jess."  I am grateful to Jess for the wonderful friendship she shared with Rachel - all our children should be lucky enough to have a Jess in their lives.  My deepest sympathy to Jess' parents, her sister, her husband and her many, many friends.  A tragic loss. Close

Blessed to know her  / Angie Hall (friend)

I have only known Jess for a few short months, but I already considered her one of my two best friends. It's really hard to write about her in the past tense. I wish we had more time together to cultivate our friendship, but I feel blessed to have known her for at least a little while.

Jess had a beautiful spirit. She was very intelligent, yet still humble. She had an inspiring thirst for knowledge and understanding. She was fearless and ambitious, but in only the most benevolent way. She had an optimistic view of life and people that was inspiring to a cynic like me.

I will miss our Obama cheering sessions. And my vocabulary will surely suffer now that she's not here to use her vast knowledge on me. I will miss that sparkle in her eye when she smiled and her absolute transparency with her emotions. My soul aches.

I pray for Cody and Jess' parents and sister. No one should be a widow at 30-something and no one should outlive their child. I will continue to pray for God to provide you comfort and strength.

Jessica, I love you and I will miss you dearly. But I know that someday we will meet again in the afterlife. Until then, I will do my best to honor your memory. 

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A beautiful light  / Amy Marie (Friend)
I met Jessica less than a year ago. She was everything I wanted to be. She was confident, beautiful, successful. We got to know each other in very deep ways in a short amount of time. I am devastated. I can't believe such a beautiful light was taken out of this world so soon. I will always miss her and look up to her. I am so sad I will not see her again but thankful that she will always be looking out for us. I never got to meet Cody or her family and my heart breaks for all of you, and all of us who knew and loved her so much.

Jessica, you are such an inspiration to me and I will try to honor your memory by being the best I can be. You taught me so much in such a short time. I love you and I miss you and my heart is breaking!!!
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I will miss you forever!  / Aida Spencer (Friend /Co-worker )

Jessica was my dearest friend and I can’t bare the thought of not being able to see her again. I will miss her smiling face and beautiful spirit. She was kind hearted, always willing to go the extra mile. I am grateful to my friend Debbie Pereira who introduced me to Jessica. I feel bless to have met her and for her to have open her heart to me as friends. I e will missed our gym time together; it is not going to be the same without her. Cody, I pray for your comfort during this difficult time; Jessica is watching over us from Heaven.
She will be missed by all of us in TTB and especially me. I will never forget her, I missed her already!

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Take Heaven By Storm  / Leslie Nelson (Co-worker)
I did not have the personal relationship with Jessica that so many of you had however I did have the privilege of working with her on several projects--what an intelligent, warm and giving person!  I had tremendous respect for her knowledge and professionalism and always enjoyed working with her.  To those of you who loved her: you are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you peace.  May the emptiness in your hearts be somehow filled with your wonderful memories and the love you shared that transcends one's time here on earth. Close

Fearless / Amy Greenberg (friend/co-worker)

Jess and I started work at TTB together under the same program (Presidential Management Fellows) and ended up being thrown into a lot of the same travel/training/meetings because of it.  I can't think of work without her (and don't want to even try).  She was a force.  She managed to combine being strong and fearless with being open, caring, and funny.  I always wanted to be more like her - and I still do.  I want to express my sincerest gratitude to her and my deepest sympathy for everyone struggling with her loss.

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On Bell Night  / Jen Alluisi (friend)

I've been having trouble writing anything here because I simply cannot wrap my head around the fact that such a vibrant, fun, loving, beautiful spirit could be gone from this world.  All of my love to the Bungards and to Cody and his family as well - I have been and will continue to pray for all of you.

My memories of Jess are many, and the one that stands out the most is not just one moment but a series of moments that took place over several years: Bell Night.  When I first moved to Charlottesville (with Amanda Easter) after finishing school at W&M, Amanda and I were looking for a crew to hang out with in our young, single days.  Amanda of course knew Jess and also Shana Pardue quite well already, and while I had met both girls and some other Pep Band folks before, I didn't really know anyone else in town.  We four ladies became close and went out on the town quite often, but the one thing that could not be missed was Bell Night.  The four of us - and sometimes others if they were available, but nearly always we four girls - met once a week for dinner at Taco Bell.  And we talked, and laughed and shared the weird, the difficult, the funny...  We were sometimes there for more than 3 hours!  And it may sound a little silly and inconsequential, but I absolutely treasured those hours - still do.  We could have solved the world's problems on Bell Night (and might have just done that a time or two!).  So Jess - we will all miss you more than I can ever express, and you'd better believe that every time I eat a bean burrito, you will be in my heart.

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We will miss you  / Betsy Ingersoll (Beta's mother )

The first time I met Jess was when she came up to Northern Virginia to help Chris (Beta) move back to C'ville to attend Nursing School and to become Jess' roommate.  What a great girl!  Our other children got to know her also and really liked her.  She was so beautiful at Chris and Jason's wedding.  We will all miss her terribly.  Jack's and my thoughts are with Cody, Jay, John, Nora and all of her friends. 

 

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A devasting and tragic loss.  / Mona Hupp (Friend, biking buddy, coworker, )

Words cannot express my sadness.  I'm heartbroken.  I will miss her terribly.  She was such an indomitable spirit.  I'm better for having known her and feel lucky to have called her my friend.  

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A joyful reunion...rememberin-g a laugh...  / Jennifer Simmons Kaleba (from Harrisonburg High School )
Two memories stand out for me and both include Jessica laughing.

The first is of Jessica in the junior year musical Oklahoma. Jessica played Gertie -- a character known solely for her outrageous laugh. Jessica played Gertie with such enthusiasm it was hard for even the cast not to laugh along.

The second is of Jessica at our 10-year high school reunion, where her joy was made evident through her laughter and obvious happiness with life and love.

This is a sadder world for lack of her laughter.
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My thoughts are with Nora and family  / Bryan Eckstein (Nora's friend )
Nora,

I hope you are able to celebrate the life of your sister this weekend with family and friends. My thoughts are with you.

Bryan Close

So sad for all who loved her...  / Jess Howell (Friend of Beth's )
I probably only hung out with Jess 5 or 6 times, but she wonderful and fun and full of life... the kind of friend anyone would be thrilled to have.  I'm so saddened to hear about this tragedy and wish comfort for all who loved her. Close

Simply the best...  / Carey Cummings (Friend)
I was lucky enough to meet and become friends with Jess during law school.  I just knew that if we had a class together it would be much more enjoyable with her in it!  Plus, I would get to study with her, which was always to my advantage.  She always made me laugh and taught me that there are very few worries or stresses that can't be cured with chocolate cake.  Jess came to visit me and my family a couple of weeks ago here in Pittsburgh and we all had such a great time.  She played lots of Wii with my stepson, who thought she was just about the coolest person, ever.  He was right. Close

No one compares  / Kara Fontaine (friend / coworker )
No one compares. Jessica, you touched the lives of those around you with mountains of wholesome energy and left an imprint in all of our lives. I grieve for my loss, your families loss, the world’s loss- the loss of a person who was intelligent, motivated, energetic, beautiful, and purely good.

It may seem a small comfort now, but as the days and eventually months go by I will take comfort in seeing those imprints that you left on all of us- weather I see that imprint in the way someone who knew you handles a tough situation or if it is a simple hand gesture

Jessica you warm a place in all of our hearts in a way that no other will. We were all blessed to have known you- weather that time was years or simply days.

Thank you for being so wonderful and sharing your brief time with all of us. We love you and will miss you forever.
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