Hello All (1 Viewer)

[cdv3286]

As all the others before me just had to drop a line and say that I think it is awesome what you’re doing.
As a cruiser owner - My cruiser was given to me by my father when I turned 16 and it and the memories of working on it with him are some of my most cherished possessions. I can only imagine how this one will be cherished. As a fellow Soldier with 3 tours to Iraq... let me just say while I fully believe that the sacrifices of my Brothers and Sisters in uniform are that of heroes... I also believe that the families that left behind... deserve just as much respect, admiration and the title of hero. People like you and your family are the reason we are willing go where our country asks... thank you for ensuring that any American Soldier that stands on foreign soil...never has to do so alone. Please know that your son is truly an American Hero...and you are truly a Soldier's hero.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Not much has been posted on this thread in a bit but I've been working with JamesR on some of the problems with Josh and Jackson's 40. I'm hoping to see him in a few months and try to work on some of those issues. Anyone from the GA, SC or NC or anywhere else who would like to lend a hand please post up AND send me a PM.

 

[Trollhole]

I'm assuming since you got it started that you figured the white wire went to the battery. You need a fuseable link in between.

 

[77HesterSue]

JamesR,

I've just come across your post almost 2 years later and am very touched by your story and the outreach of this forum community. I work as a hospital chaplain supporting patients and their families. The death of a child, no matter their age is always tragic and unnatural. We expect to say goodbye to our parents and perhaps even our siblings, but never to outlive a child. Time may help lessen the grief you feel about Josh's death, but you will never be the same.

I appreciate your plan to keep Josh's FJ40 and build it for Jackson. It is a great way to honor your son and give a legacy to your grandson. No matter what you accomplish with the 40, it has the possibility to help heal some of your pain and loss. Sitting in it can bring you closer to Josh. The last time I saw my father before he died, he visited me and rode in my Toyota Tacoma. I would sit in the truck and talk to him, remembering how it felt when he was with me there physically. I kept the truck much longer than I intended because I didn't want to "lose" the memories of where my dad had been.

I want to encourage you to not be too hard on yourself about finishing or even starting the build. It may be that keeping the truck out of the elements until Jackson has interest in working on his dad's truck is your "job" for now. It's okay to let this unfold as it will. This forum will continue to be here and willing to help when the time comes to move forward.

May you and your family know God's comfort in your feelings of loss and grief. May you enjoy and love Jackson, a great gift of life from Josh. I will continue to keep you and your family in prayer.

Jennifer

 

[Southeast Overland]

Sorry everyone - I thought I posted a link here.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/sc-upstate-cruisers/324116-hamom-father-soldier-killed-iraq.html

I am arranging a wrenching weekend to get Josh and Jackson's 40 up and running strong again. Please check out the link above.

We are tentatively looking at the weekend of Jan 16-18th, 2010 which is MLK weekend. I've enlisted the help of several, local TLCA clubs and a bunch of members are stepping forward with offers of wrenching assistance, parts, and monetary donations. Starting last night I believe we are already up to appx $200 in donations!

We plan on having a scoping weekend where we look over the 40 well and make a list of what needs to be done - this will hopefully happen soon. After this we will prep and get all of our ducks in a row for MLK weekend where we hope to tear the 40 apart in a whirlwind build.

If anyone wants to get involved feel free to PM me or post up.

 

[mudpig]

I have only just found this thread, but my deepest sympthies for your families loss. I think this is a great thing that you are doing, and i think i speak for everyone here when i say that i was really touched by your story. Keep up the good work, lets these guys help you, they know what there on about and i think we would all love to help and be proud to help you in you work.
keep up the good work! Wish i could be there to help!

 

[Lynchmobracing]

I too have just found this thread, so I am grateful it got "bumped".

JamesR, my sincere condolences on your great loss. We are priviledged that your son worked to protect us. I am sure God takes extra-good care of our fallen military heroes.

Good luck with the project, and I truly agree with 77HesterSue that whether this 40 is done tomorrow or in 10 years (or whenever) it will be fine, let your heart and gut dictate the speed at which you work while you heal from this huge loss.

P.S: To fellow MUD members, if you follow eventhough's link him and a bunch of other great folks are working on quite a plan for helping JamesR, and donations of all sorts are welcome (time, money, parts, etc.) - Thanks to eventhough!

 

[Southeast Overland]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the support from everyone!

FYI we are lining up some corporate sponsors but need more. Please spread the word and let me know of anything you find!

 

[twoturtlesracing]

My Deepest Sympathies...

I only just today found this thread, but I will pray for you and your family, and you have my deepest sympathies. I think it is a wonderful thing that you are doing for your son and grandson and wish I lived closer so that I could help you wrench on it! Thank you for raising a Hero. His sacrifice, as well as yours and his other loved ones, is appreciated.

God Bless

 

[JamesR]

Hello All,
Leslie and Jackson were down this past week. Jared, Josh's brother, Leslie and I talked about the wheeling trips that we'd taken and the trips that Josh and Jared took. Josh and Jared both had jeeps (XJ's at the time). We laughed, cried, laughed some more. I told her about MUD and the responses that have been shared. She was amazed that so many people, that don't know us, never met us, have shown such compassion and gratitude toward us and Josh.
Thank you for your kind words, your willingness to support this project, and your love for this great nation.

 

[HENDOG]

Mud

Hey you are Family. Thats what we do here. At times we are quite disfunctional but Family none the less! I was a Chaplains assistant in the Army (83-86) I know that will come as a shock to most who read this post but as they say the good Lord is'nt done with me yet!!! Can I get an AMEN....Then I served as a Crewcheif 67V Pennsylvania National Gaurd, Fort Indiantown Gap Army Airfield. We just recently buried my Father (a WWII Vet) at the National Cemetary there. We 'll all be together again, Until then we have each other.

 

[Southeast Overland]

I finally updated the main thread with parts we need. Please see https://forum.ih8mud.com/sc-upstate...m-father-soldier-killed-iraq.html#post4871879. I'm trying to consolidate my posts down to one thread. Me thinks that is what Mr. Woody would want.

I also REALLY need help from someone to contact vendors!!!

Thanks!!!!​

 

[landcrusher909]

This is a story worth reading

 

[pbgbottle]

Bump not forgotten

 

[vtcruiser60]

Bump.... not forgotten.

 

[pbgbottle]

Bump how’s his son making out over the years

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Just wondering how is the family doing now?
Jackson should be at middle school...
Hope all went well!

Cordially Yours
Dimitrios
Cold warrior/Greek Navy serviceman, working together with US Navy allies at US Naval Base Nea Makri (a few miles away from Marathon battlefield), 1987-1989.

 

[JamesR]

Thanks for asking. He''s 14. He has 3 half brothers and a half sister. They all live in TN. We don't get to see them very often but we facetime etc. He's smart, healthy, and has a lot of traits that his father had.

 

[pbgbottle]

Thanks for asking. He''s 14. He has 3 half brothers and a half sister. They all live in TN. We don't get to see them very often but we facetime etc. He's smart, healthy, and has a lot of traits that his father had.

That’s awesome ,, glad to hear ,, thank you for the update

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Thanks for asking. He''s 14. He has 3 half brothers and a half sister. They all live in TN. We don't get to see them very often but we facetime etc. He's smart, healthy, and has a lot of traits that his father had.

You're welcome James, all the best to your family!