Condolences from across the Atlantic  / Cheryl Werner (Former Roommate )
I'm so sorry to hear that we lost someone so vibrant and full of energy and someone who made me laugh every night when I came home for the brief summer we lived together in DC. I still think of her whenever I step in Gordon Biersch and her many stories of the crazy staff there. She will be missed! Best wishes to Cody and her family. Close

Friends of the Rappahannock will miss you  / Jenn Allen (Friends of the Rappahannock )
I only just met Jessica a couple months ago when she started volunteering with our organization.  In May, I was fortunate enough to work with Jessica over a two-day period in our River Guide training - Jessica had volunteered for one of our most important positions - helping to safely guide our river interpretive trips to educate the public about the Rappahannock River and its conservation.  It was obvious to me immediately of what a strong and amazing woman Jessica was - Jessica was very enthusiastic about becoming a river guide, even to where she was practicing her paddling skills on her own.  Jessica guided her first river trip just last Saturday... our trip leader, Carol Brooks, informed me after the trip that Jessica did a great job as one of our new guides.    

I will miss Jessica - and if the river could speak, I imagine it would thank Jessica for volunteering on its behalf.
Jenn Allen Close

Jessica was full of life and passion and joy  / Jessica Traber (Friend from High School )

Jessica was full of life and passion and joy.  That's how I'll always remember her.  Although we fell out of touch since high school, I feel confident saying that she lived her life more fully in a short 31 years than most people live in a lifetime.

It was wonderful to see her at the reunion.  She was so happy and in love.  She seemed like she was walking on air. It makes me happy to know that she had so much joy in her life.

My heart goes out to the family. 

 

Close

Everyone loved Jess. Word.  / Kathy Greiling (Friend)
Jess was one of the first people I met when I joined the Virginia Pep Band, and the initial impression I had was of a self-assured and quick-witted girl who led a bunch of yahoos (er, wahoos?) with a deft hand. Jess was certainly all those things, but she was also creative, thoughtful, and brilliant.

During our years together in Charlottesville, I remember Jess conducting "Boogie Down" after a UVA win, singing karaoke to Madonna, recovering from parties by going out for Chinese food, watching our favorite tv shows, and tubing down the James River in the summertime. After college, I was always thankful that we remained close—Jess danced beside me at my bachelorette party and saw me get married, and I was honored to do the same for her. We went zip-lining in Costa Rica, swimming at the Outer Banks, and rang in many a new year.

My world is smaller without her in it. When I felt ugly, Jess made me feel beautiful. When I was down, Jess could always find something funny to say. When I needed help, Jess was the first to lend a hand, never asking anything in return. It’s an immeasurable loss, but I take comfort in my wonderful memories and know she brought laughter and joy to all those around her.

One thing I’ll be forever grateful for is the fact that Jess brought Cody into our lives. I’m not sure he knows what he’s gotten himself into, because now he’s saddled with a whole gaggle of Best Friends for Life! Thanks, Chief!

I miss my friend. I’ll carry the memories of her wit, vivacity, kindness, and love with me all my life, and one day I’ll tell my children about their wonderful Aunt Jess. Close

My Deepest Sympathy  / Gonzalo Vallecillo (Friend and co-worker )

At times like these, we realize the limits of our language.  Words can not express what Jessica meant to us and how much we are going to miss her.  She was a wonderful young Lady who, on a daily basis, positively contributed to the lives she touched.  I want to express my deepest sympathy to Cody, Jessica's parents, siblings and other friends.  I will always cherish the good times I shared wit Jessica.  Jessica will always be in my prayers.  May God rest her soul.  May God also comfort us and give us strenght to get through our grief.   

Close

Gone too soon  / Cattleya Wongkongkatap (Former Roommate )
I had the pleasure of living with Jess during the summer she started working in D.C.  I will remember her as a fun-loving, vibrant and outgoing person.

Just a few months ago I bumped into Jessica while she attended a conference in my building.  How could I mistake her?  That curly, bouncy hair stood out in a crowd. 

We had lunch, laughed and caught up on each other's lives.  Jess was so friendly and had a wonderful way of putting people at ease that, though we hadn't seen each other in years, we conversed as if we spoke every day.

I am lucky to have met her.

My condolences go out to her friends and family.

Catt. Close

Warm Hugs  / Kate McGuire (Beth's Mom )
If my arms were long enough, they would reach out & hug all of you who hold Jess dear. My deepest condolences to Cody, her family and her many friends. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Close

A Tragic Loss  / Marc Sorini (Professional Colleague )

I had the pleasure of working with Jessica on several issues during the past few years, and to catch up with her at the occassional social occasion (e.g., the TTB Holiday Party).  She was a fine lawyer with a promising career, tragically cut short.  Any loss is painful, but the loss of so much potential is obscene. 

I never had the pleasure of meeting Jessica's family, so I can only offer the condolences of a stranger.  May time heal your tragic loss.

Close

So sorry to hear such sad news  / Kat Good-Schiff (Friend of Cody )
I am so glad I got to meet Jess and see her wonderful smile. I am so sad to hear of her sudden death. Cody, my thoughts are with you. Close

An Unbelievable Tragedy  / Kara Reynolds (friend)
Jess was one of the most vibrant and warm women I have ever known.  Our lives our emptier without her.  My deepest condolances to her family.  She will be missed. Close

I'm so sorry.  / Chip Amoe (Friend)

I am terribly saddened to hear about the loss of Jessica. She was a wonderful friend and I knew her well from our time at Pitt Law and through her involvement with the law school alumni here in DC.

We recently started the first ever DC Pitt Law Alumni Chapter and Jessica was one of the first people to volunteer to help me orgainize it and she was instrumental in helping to put together our very first event, a Thursday night "Bar Review," similar to the ones we used to have back in Law School.

Her spark and her energy will be terribly missed. My sincere condolences go out to her family friends and to her new husband Cody.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all and with Jessica.

Sincerely,

Chip Amoe

Close

There's an angel in heaven  / Lynn Macbeth (Evan Macbeth's mom )
I am heartbroken that such a special person has left us.  She is my granddaughter's godmother.  We were only together 3 weeks ago for the baptism.  I know that Natalie has an angel watching over her now. She will always be remembered in a special way and Natalie will hear such wonderful stories of her godmother. Close

Unforgettable / Sparky Clarkson (classmate/Washie)
I have been out of touch with her for years, but I still remember one Thursday night that Jess did a poem (I think by Wakoski) for the Wash. This was an angry poem, and Jess really got into the words, into the rhythm. She was loud and bold, not reading the words so much as inhabiting them. It was a great performance, and remains one of my fondest memories of the Wash. Jess was an amazing person, and the world is a lesser place in her absence. Close

Heartfelt Condolences to Cody  / Hannah Sturgis (Friend of Cody )

Cody:

I am so so sorry for your loss.  I can't imagine what you're going through right now.  Please know that all of your brothers and sisters from KWS class of 1996 are thinking about you and sending our love.  Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do.

Love always,

Hannah

Close

Sorry for your loss  / Kim Jackson (I'm a friend of Noras )
I am so sorry for y'all's loss.
My thoughts and prayers got out to you Nora and to the rest of the family.
May Gods peace be with you.
Close

condolences / Rich And Sandy Hoffman (Abbe Macbeth's parents )
Our sincere condolenses go out to Cody, Jess's parents, her sister, and all her wonderful friends.  In our hearts, she will always be the leader of the band.  Our granddaughter, Natalie, could not have had a kinder, more loving or caring Godmother.  She will be in our hearts always. Close

A Positive Impact!  / Ellen Mickey (friend/Co-worker)

As a friend and co-worker of Jess, I remember her first day at TTb and how upbeat and positive she was then and continued to be everytime we spoke.  She made a positive impact on my life and the lives of all those she came in contact with.  She will be missed, but it does help for me to know that she is watching over us all.  My prayers and thoughts are with Cody and Jess's family, now and in the hard days to come.

 

Close

One of the best...  / Sarah Buss (friend)
Jessica was one of the best people I've known - always positive and optimistic, always seeing the best in every person she met, always so full of life and energy!  Her presence and example encouraged me to be a better person...and I trust that her resonating energy will now touch so many more than she ever could have done in her physical form.  I love Jess and truly appreciate her.  Blessings to Cody, her family and all of her many, many friends. Close

Condolences / Charlie Straub (Co-worker/Friend)
My thoughts and prayers are with Cody and the entire Bungard family. As a co-worker and friend of Jess, I am struggling with my loss. As a husband and father, I am struggling with their loss. I want the family to know that Jess had such an enormous impact on our office. Her workplace changed for the better in her presence and for the worse in her absence. Close

A Great Friend  / Debra Lefing (Friend)
I honestly cannot express how much Jess will be missed. Writing this, I am shocked and deeply saddened that I will never see my law school roommate again. I don't think I would have made it through law school or living in Pittsburgh without Jess....From our watching reality tv shows together, gossiping about school, or talking each other through late night studying sessions, she always made everything a blast.
But more importantly, besides the laughs and fun we always had, she was truly one of those people you know would be there for you throughout your life, cheering you on....
Jess will never be forgotten and I am fortunate to have been able to call Jess a great friend. Close