Remembering Jessica  / Gretchen Ulrich (childhood friend )

To Jessica's family my deepest condolences.

For some reason Jessica popped into my head today. We were childhood pals and I had not spoken with her since she left Morgantown West Virginia many years ago. I thought I would track her down on Facebook only to learn of this awful awful news. I am sorry that I did not track her down earlier. We would have much to talk about it. It seems we chose the same profession.  To her parents and her little sister Nora that I remember well I am so so sorry for your loss. And to her husband as well you all have my deepest sympathies.  I spent many happy hours playing with Jessica in that big house Webster Avenue and I will always remember the fun times that I shared with her.

~Gretchen Ulrich

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Condolences / Kathy Moore (Co-worker)

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Jessica.  I worked with her at Fitzgerald & Associates in Charlottesville a few years ago.  She was a good friend and co-worker.  She was a hard worker and had a wonderful sense of humor always kept us going.

My deepest condolences go out to her family and many friends.

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USAO/Malicious Prosecution Team  / Charlotte Manning (Former Colleague/Softball Teammate )
I was deeply saddened to learn of Jess's death and terribly sorry to have missed her funeral. My deepest condolences to Cody and Jess's other family and friends. I very much appreciated the brief time that we worked together at the U.S. Attorney's Office and when we played together on and off the softball field with the Malicious Prosecution team. I compiled a softball team photo album that I mailed to Cody. I also wish to share it on-line with Jess's family and friends. My deepest sympathy, Charlotte Manning http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0JcsnLlkzYsLQ Close

A light has gone out.  / Sarah Schulz (co-worker)
My condolences to the family and friends of Jessica. I had the pleasure of working with her during her 4th year at Virginia. I just read the in memoriam section of UVa Magazine. I immediately went to the computer & discovered this site. I could not believe that such a young, vibrant person was no longer out there - laughing her infectious laugh and lighting up the room. Though our shared work experience was relatively brief, I always enjoyed her days in the office. She was a wiz at all things technological. There was never a task she couldn't handle, all the while entertaining me with fabulous Pep Band stories! I know that her presence is dearly missed. Close

No Words  / Terry Cavanaugh (Friend of the Family )

There are never words that can express how we feel at such a time. I had not seen Jessica since she was a child, but if her parents are any indication, she was one of the best. John & Jay - I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for all the family.   TC

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I am truly saddened...  / Aron Kaufman (friend)
I just learned the news today, and I'd like to offer my sympathies to her family and friends. I knew her well in college as a fellow Pep Bander and she was a terrific person and bandmate. She embodied the true spirit of the band and of a UVA fan, and as conductor, as Chad mentioned, she did a great job keeping (or trying to keep!) us all together. We may not have been the best sounding Div I-A band, but we played and cheered for our teams like no other band did, and Jess made sure that we played and cheered our butts off.

I am angry and sad knowing how much Jess had ahead of her, what a good person she was and the influence she had on all who knew her. Life just isn't fair if things like this can happen.

I'll miss you Jess.



Love,

Aron
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a quote that reminds me of Jessica - in tribute  / Jay
"I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or
catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit."

-Dawna Markova

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Inspiration / Beth Freeborn (friend)
Jess was truly great at taking risks and trying new things. She lived life without really being afraid. Anyone that knew Jess knew that she really treasured life and enjoyed living in the moment.  I know that she taught me a lot, and I hope I continue to learn from her. Close

Reflections on such a beautiful person, Jessica  / Sheila M. Hightower (Former Co-worker )

To Jessica's Husband, Family & Friends,

I was truly saddened to hear this news.  My heart, my prayers are with the Family.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Jessica for little over a year when she worked as Special Assistant in the U.S. Attorney's Office.  She was quite a dear of a person --you all should be proud of that.  So loving.  She was indeed a people person, full of life and so caring.  Although I am now retired, I see her smiling face and have only wonderful memories of her on the job; the family I know will truly --truly miss this wonderful heart of a Lady.  You all will keep the wonderful loving memories well and alive in your hearts, as I will.  My prayers are with your family for peace, strength and guidance from God; may the caring and encouragement from your loved ones and friends never stop.

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Condolences to you and your family  / Ginny Mason (Former co-worker of John, her father )

Dear John & family: 

Words cannot adequately express the shock and sadness we felt when we learned of Jessica's accident.  I think she and Naomi, our daughter, were in middle school together.  Know that you are in the prayers of many during this difficult time.  I've been gone from the CSB for quite a while now but had to respond when I learned of this tragedy.  Our congregation here is southern Alabama will be keeping you close in prayer.

Peace & Blessings:  Ginny & Steve Mason

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Learning Basketball in Morgantown  / Rosalind Parkinson (Family friend )

Jessica and John (her Dad) made basketball possible at 2nd Ward school during 4th and 5th grade. I remember sitting on the sidelines watching Jessica and Carrie Dean concentrate completely on the game and on acquiring all the skills they felt they needed to WIN! (They both used these skills for other things too!)

So saddened. So distressed. Thinking so much of Jay and John and all the growing-up years for these girls in Morgantown. George and I are thinking of you all the time now.

love,

Rosalind

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Jessica will be missed  / Chris Dudley (colleague)
I only met Jessica about four months ago at work and probably only got to spend about twelve hours total with her (mostly in meetings), but I was very shocked that we lost her and I regret that I did not get the opportunity to get to know her better and continue collaborating with her on our mutual project. She will be missed. Close

condolence message  / Maria And Pedro Diez (friends of her inlaws )

We did not personally know Jessica, but are neighbors of her inlaws, Frank and Jane Wilmer in Florida.

Our deepest condolences to the family but especially Cody.

Our prayers are with you.

Maria and Pedro Diez

 

 

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4th floor, 583 Brandon Avenue, represent!  / Christie Rears (friend)

For 3 years, I lived in apartment 408. For part of that time, I had the pleasure of being neighbors with Jess, who was living with a bunch of other fine characters (you know who you are) in 402. Things that I haven't thought of in 10+ years are slowly coming back, like how before every Pep Band party we would crowd around one of the hallway mirrors in 402 in our finest to get ready. You could hear her down the hall sometimes, and that was just fine with me. It's a sound that is greatly missed on this day, for certain.

Jess was always ready for anything; rarely did I see her at any disadvantage. She was always willing to lead those Saturday morning practices before home football games, regardless of what had happened the previous night. I remember the old blue VW Golf that she used to drive, sandwiched into a precious spot in the 583 Brandon lot. I remember how she would enthusiastically yell "Yorktown Booooooy!" along with me at men's soccer games. There was never a dull moment with Jess around...

Almost every positive Pep Band memory that I have has been touched by Jess, and I sincerely appreciate that fact. I'm sad that something like this serves as an impromptu reunion of sorts, but it's good to see so many people sharing just how important Jess was in their lives. Thanks for everything, lady!

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We will miss your incredible engery and kindess.  / Briana Shelton (High School Friend )

Jessica,

You and your family will be in my thoughts.  I remember how energetic and positive you were troughout high school.  You will always a good model to follow.

Briana

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You will be missed...  / Rob &. Caroline Koehl (Pep Band )

We were shocked and saddend to hear the news.  I will always remember Jess for her fire and passion in her years of conducting the pep band and for the yin-yang fish tuba that she so beautifully painted which I had the opportunity to play for a couple of seasons.  Our deepest condolences to Jess's family.  Our thoughts and prayer are with you.

Love,

Rob and Caroline

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you will be missed . . .  / Lynisa Michalski (friend from softball )
I am still in shock to hear the news.  I remember a few weeks ago we  saw each other in passing but no time to chat, only to say a quick hello.  Jess' smile, laughter and sense of humor will certainly be missed by all.  To Cody and Jess' family, I am deeply sadden for your loss.  I pray that all the beautiful memories of Jess brighten your days and warm your hearts during this difficult time.  Close

No Regrets  / Carrie Hensley (High School Friend )
While we lost touch after high school, reading this page has allowed me to realize just how much Jessica had accomplished during her short time here. I remember her as one that always had a smile on her face and a good belly laugh to go along with the smile.
She was truly one of a kind - and will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with her, her new husband, and her family during this time. Close

Groundhog Day  / Tina Marino (Pep Band buddy )
There are so many fun memories with Jess, I can hardly pick a favorite.  But how about when we decided that our college career should be like Groundhog day and the morning after graduation we would wake up and be back at SCHLUMPF.  Thanks for being a crazy awesome part of our lives, Jess. Close

Saddened / Julie Forbush (Heishman) ((HS Friend) )

As others have said, the phrase, "One time at band camp..." is how I think of Jess.  I remember her social consciousness, drive to succeed, and drive to argue as some of her endearing qualities.  (And who could forget that LOUD BELLY LAUGH!! - one I still appreciate to this day)  I have kept up with her from a distance through other friends and the news of her passing was quite painful.  I could list the endless stories of high school band, especially as she wrangled her woodwinds, as I wrangled mine.  She always wanted the best from herself, from her sections, from her friends, and from her circumstances.  It appears that all those goals and ideas and plans...they all came true for her.  I am saddened that her life was cut far to short.  To her husband, parents, and family - my heart and thoughts are with you now.  Please know that she was loved and thought of fondly even by those that hadn't talked to her in many years. 

 

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