[JamesR]

Originally Posted by huston53

JamesR
When ever you are ready to rebuild your sons truck please let me know. I live in Loganville, GA (about 30 min from Athens) and will be more than happy to help you out. My huband and I have restored a few FJ40's in our time. We also belong to the Georgia Cruiser assosiation and I'm there are plenty of people that can provide informaiton or support if you need it.
Like you, I have a family member in the military and am always worried about what may happen, but I am proud of what my brother does for this country.
And please tell your and your sons family thank you for the sacrafice, dedication, and hope that they give to all of us during this time.
Again, if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks, I teach at JP McConnell Middle School on Ozora in Loganville.
I'll pray for your brother.
Tell me about the Georgia Cruiser Association.

[kkt]

Ga. Cruiser link on this board:
http://forum.ih8mud.com/ga-georgia-cruisers/

[JamesR]

Originally Posted by Basserine

Wow!!

I know for sure now that MUD is the right forum to be in. From everyones posts, it just proves what a great bunch of people are here.

But, ( Ya, there is always a but), Maybe we should ask JamesR what he needs and or is willing to accept. I feel the same as everyone else about helping, but it is his project. That being said,

James, please let us know what you need or are willing to accept.

The response I've recieved is amazing. I shared this with my wife and she was speechless. I am going to the bank tomorrow (Sat.) to set up a Josh and Jackson FJ account. I spoke with Leslie (Josh's wife) and she knows he wanted to build it, not restore, it. Leslie believes Josh shared a lot of ideas with an army buddy, in Iraq, about Josh's goals. I'm going to try to find his buddy and ask him.
I know there are a lot of parts that came with the FJ - for instance a new Mile Marker hydrologic winch - a 5 speed tranny. Josh wanted these installed. I don't know that type of 5 speed. I also know that Josh spoke of the heater, or lack there of, and the leaks from the engine. (I don't know if I should rebuild the 6 or go with the V8 swap. I've read the posts in the FAQ and I'm still not sure. I'm leaning toward a rebuild becuase I almost positive that is what Josh would have wanted to do.) I am willing to accept any type of help, advise, mechanical assistance or anything.
So I guess I'm saying, and I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, I'll take any and all help I can get. Josh was indeed a hero. One way I have to honor his service to our country, honor him, and honor his wife and son, is through this project.

[k9crazy]

Originally Posted by JamesR

Thanks, I teach at JP McConnell Middle School on Ozora in Loganville.
I'll pray for your brother.
Tell me about the Georgia Cruiser Association.

James, I am on the BOD for Georgia Cruisers. While we are not terribly active on our MUD forum, we are a close group of friends that help each other out when we need it. We have regular monthly meetings and would love to have you join us. We have a TON of experience with restoring, building, and wheeling these trucks and would be happy to share what we know with you. We are also a huge knowlwdge base for parts, service, etc. in the area. Visit our website at www.georgiacruisers.org for our meeting time and locations. Be sure to let me know if you are coming and I'll be happy to introduce you around.

I am also on the BOD of Upstate Cruisers, and we are very active on our MUD board (http://forum.ih8mud.com/sc-upstate-cruisers/). While not as close to us in Georgia (I live in Norcross), UC is also an incredible group of folks with amazing knowledge and resources. Please feel free to visit us online and keep an eye out for our events to maybe come and visit UC too!

On a more personal note, my thanks to your son for his service, and to your family for your sacrifice.

[huston53]

That's funny.
I teach at Loganville High (well the freshman academy).
Please look at the messages from KKT and K9crazy about the club.
I usually go to the Cruise In at the Loganville Walmart on Saturday's. If you plan on coming out some time let me know and we can meet.
Who knows, maybe my husband and I met your son at one time... I think I have seen his truck driving around the area in the past.

Hilery

Originally Posted by JamesR

Thanks, I teach at JP McConnell Middle School on Ozora in Loganville.
I'll pray for your brother.
Tell me about the Georgia Cruiser Association.

[LC_Hamma]

James - How bout starting up a thread in our forum with a list of parts you need? Then, our club could gather the parts, from plenty of hoarders round hear, & you could pick 'em up at a club meeting. I know I could almost build a complete truck from my extra parts

[DanKunz]

I am happy to help in any way I can...a benefit wrenching session annually sounds like a good idea. We could help you modify the truck every year until it is ready.

[crustyman]

God bless you and yours. Thank you goes out to your son for protecting our country and our families

[Rigger]

My deepest sympathies to you, James, to Jackson, and to Jackson's mother. And to all of your family. Some people give more than others. Your son truly gave all he had.

[jibber]

God bless you JamesR. My wife and I will have you and your family in our prayers. We are gratefull every day for your son and his great sacrifice for our great nation. It would be an honor to help in any way we may be of assistance.(we live in Newnan, GA) I'll be in touch.

[Hugh Heifer]

I am an Army Vet way up in Rome, GA and will be glad to lend a hand as well. If you need something hit me up and I will be glad to help out where I can.

Go Army!

[89s rule]

So sorry to hear of your loss. My father passed when I was 2 and he also loved offroading. You are doing an awesome thing for the little guy. Please let us know how we might be able to help. Also please keep us posted with build details and any question. This is a great group and forum! My prayers are with your family during this time and as Jackson grows up.

[bsmith123]

Sounds like you are in good hands let us know bout the account so we can contribute

B smith

[kkt]

Originally Posted by DanKunz

I am happy to help in any way I can...a benefit wrenching session annually sounds like a good idea. We could help you modify the truck every year until it is ready.

Sounds like a convoy to athens ga one weekend with the Ga. Cruisers club and maybe the Upstate guys as well.

[65CRUISER]

James, my family and I are truly thankful for the selfless sacrifice your son has made to protect our lives and country, you and your family will be in our prayers.

[hudyhue]

so sorry for your loss i think you all will be in good hands here .... alot of goood people here! let us know what we can do...

[nat]

to you and the project.

[White Shark]

Hang in there. It's a tough loss, but an honorable one. How is his wife doing? I think that many on the forum are concerned for her as well.

[salute]



..

[2damslow]

They say the only thing tougher than being a Soldier is loving one.
Prayers outbound to your family...

SO whaddya think about posting that list of parts you need? We only have a decade left!

[fjdemon]

I'm former military and currently a security contractor. It's rough to see your friends go way before they should, and to see their families morn. We always had a very good organization that took care of the families. While nothing can ever replace them, it's nice to know that what they did was appreciated. Your son, like many other young men who have made the ultimate sacrifice, was a hero. I'm sorry for your loss. I know if something were to happen to me, I would want my Cruiser to keep on going. I'll keep checking this until some kind of fund is established. I'm from Georgia, so maybe when I get back in the U.S. I'll link up wih you. -Nick

[JamesR]

Originally Posted by bsmith123

Sounds like you are in good hands let us know bout the account so we can contribute

B smith

I won't about parts until the truck arrives and I/we assess it. I'll have a paypal account by the end of the week. I want/need to confirm the account before I post the info.

Once again,
Thanks to everyone.
(I may need to sell my 75 Bronco and buy a FJ-40.)

JamesR

[JamesR]

Originally Posted by huston53

That's funny.
I teach at Loganville High (well the freshman academy).
Please look at the messages from KKT and K9crazy about the club.
I usually go to the Cruise In at the Loganville Walmart on Saturday's. If you plan on coming out some time let me know and we can meet.
Who knows, maybe my husband and I met your son at one time... I think I have seen his truck driving around the area in the past.

Hilery

Hi Hilery,
I'd like to come out to a Sat. meeting. I'm not very familiar with Loganville since I live in Watkinsville. Which Sat and what time do ya'll meet?
Thanks
James

[huston53]

They meet the first Saturday of the month between 5:30 to 8pm at the Walmart there on 78 in Loganville. If you know where Walmart is you shouldn't miss it. We usually go for about 6:30 or so. Send me a pm with your email and I'll give you my contact numbers.

Originally Posted by JamesR

Hi Hilery,
I'd like to come out to a Sat. meeting. I'm not very familiar with Loganville since I live in Watkinsville. Which Sat and what time do ya'll meet?
Thanks
James

[bbalbano]

This Forum is truly one of a kind.. This is a great example of why we fight to protect this beautiful country we live in. As Americans when tragedy strikes one of our brothers, we band together to comfort and aid in any way we can. Rest assured that these men and women will honor their commitments, and this cruiser will stand as a monument to your sons sacrifice. God bless you and your family.

[JamesR]

I have set up an account and I have the link on the blog.

Here's the link to the blog:
http://joshandjacksonfj40.blogspot.com/



Here's the link to the paypal site:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr

This forum is great! Thank you, everyone for the kind words, the encouraging words, and the offers of help. I really think this is going to be fun.

Thank you,
James Reeves

[K7640A]

James, welcome to Mud.

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you, your wife, Leslie, and little Jackson. There will never be enough words to express the ultimate sacrifice Josh did for his country and the loss his family has to bear.

Little Jackson will truly appreciate the noble gesture his granfather innitiated by restoring Josh's FJ. Josh would have wanted it as way for Jackson to remember him when he is grown.

You have found the right place to aid you in restoring Josh's FJ. We are honored to have you on board. Please let us know how we can be of any more assistance. Good luck with the build and best wishes to the family.

Having read all of the replies in this thread, I can only say that Mud is really a one of a kind on-line crowds I am so proud to be a member of.

[cruiserfreek]

im deeply sorry for your loss, im sure the FJ will be of great value to your grandson, a great way to remember his father

[blueticker17]

Thanks to you for your sons service to our country.
Also sorry for ya'lls loss and my prayers are with you.

I live in Gainesville, GA (the real Gainesville, Go DAWGS).
Any help or parts needs just ask.
I am on #2 of my rebuilds/restorations.
Have a fair amount of knowledge and parts laying around.
Would love to help the cause for a soldier.
I went to NGCSU and most all my friends are Army.

[scott67fj40]

God bless you and your family and your son. I am very sorry for your loss. I thank your son for what he did and I consider him my hero for giving his life for us. I will not try to say that I know your sadness but know this, I am very proud of men like your son and will forever be thankful.

[JJS]

This is a great thing you're doing JamesR. I'm sorry for your loss. Welcome to Mud.