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I havn't been on Mud in a while. Just read this post tonight. Feel free to ask for any help you may need James.

Wes in Athens
 
JamesR,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Your son is a true hero in my eyes. I'm a 10 year Army vet and my last duty station was Ft.Riley. I'm currently a contractor and spend quite a bit of time in Iraq. I'll remember your Son and your family in my prayers.
Looks like the 40 is going to be a rewarding project. I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted and let us know if there is anything you need. By the looks of the responses here on Mud, I'm sure you'll be taken care of.
Merry Christmas to You and Yours!

73!
de KB3GUN
 
Reporting for Duty...Count me in on team cruiser!!! Pennsylvania born served in Army 1983-86 Chaplins Assistant Fort McPherson , Atlanta Ga. Liked it so much I decided to stay in the area. I've been in the woods my whole life ---No finer place to be. Say the word help will be provided. Henry Ga. Cruisers
 
(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.)

This thread is quite emotional for me, my parents both died recently and my interest or renewed interest in all things Land Cruiser but particularly the 40 series started again after they were gone. As a kid we had a 40 series and although it was long ago it was always the favorite vehicle for the whole family. The 40 series are a link to those times and the years they lived in Papua New Guinea surrounded by Land Cruisers.


I can't imagine a better vehicle for your plans, 15 years seems a long time in the world at the moment but it's not that long for a 40 series. If you can, stick with the I6 I would - it makes the vehicle that bit more special.

I wish you all the best with your plans.

Malcolm
 
Reporting for Duty...Count me in on team cruiser!!! Pennsylvania born served in Army 1983-86 Chaplins Assistant Fort McPherson , Atlanta Ga. Liked it so much I decided to stay in the area. I've been in the woods my whole life ---No finer place to be. Say the word help will be provided. Henry Ga. Cruisers
Attention all Georgia Cruiser members please follow link
https://forum.ih8mud.com/ga-georgia-cruisers/183590-athens-ga-soldier-fj40-killed-iraq.html

It is time to get started helping this guy. We have club funds and need to do a wrenching trip to athens, ga. ASAP.
 
This thread is quite emotional for me, my parents both died recently and my interest or renewed interest in all things Land Cruiser but particularly the 40 series started again after they were gone. As a kid we had a 40 series and although it was long ago it was always the favorite vehicle for the whole family. The 40 series are a link to those times and the years they lived in Papua New Guinea surrounded by Land Cruisers.


I can't imagine a better vehicle for your plans, 15 years seems a long time in the world at the moment but it's not that long for a 40 series. If you can, stick with the I6 I would - it makes the vehicle that bit more special.

I wish you all the best with your plans.

Malcolm

Malcolm, I am sorry for your loss. My mom died 10 years ago and it's still hard. My dad will be 91 next month and he's really slowing down.

Today I moved Josh and Jackson's FJ so that it is in front of the carport. It positioned so we can park the family van in the carport and have the FJ close enough to work on it. I'm excited about getting started.

The support and encouragement from the folks on this forum is unbelieveable and very encouraging. I hope to bring honor to Josh's memory while preparing his FJ-40 for Jackson. I'm sure they'll both be pleased.
 
James,
I'm new here and just found this thread. I am lost for words. I can only think of Abraham Lincoln's letter to a grieving mother:

I pray that our Heavenly father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of liberty.

-President Abraham Lincoln, letter to Mrs. Lydia Bixby of Boston upon the loss of her sons in battle, 21 November 1864.

I have served with many of these superb men and women many times over the years, first as a soldier, then as a diplomat, and hope to serve beside them one more time before I'm put out to pasture.

God bless you and your family and your son's family. This is a magnificent thing you are doing for your grandson and his father's memory.
 
Hello All,
Leslie and Jackson are coming down this weekend. This will be their first visit since the FJ was delevered. I'll post some photos of them this weekend.
 
JamesR,
I ran across your thread today for the first time, this being my first time on this forum trying to find some help in restoring my FJ40. I am truly touched by your story and my heart goes out to you and your family, especially Jackson. I can say from personal experience that he will truly be thrilled to one day drive his Dad's FJ. I lost my dad(James E L Jr.) when I was 10 years old. He was a Special Agent for the IRS, (investigating money laundering crimes). When he passed we were asked what of his we wanted to keep. While my sisters picked his favorite shirt or hat and LP's or small piece of furniture, I wanted his landcruiser. For 15 years my Brother-in-law (and sister who raised me after my dad's death) kept the landcruiser in their yard. While being a huge rust eyesore to them, they knew they couldn't get rid of it, it had been one of the few connections I remember having with my father. During that time Eddie (my brother-in-law) completely rebuilt the engine to where it runs with no problems at all. Everything else seems to be falling apart though. Nevertheless, this past month I was finally able to get it here in Raleigh, NC (where I too am a teacher) to drive and fix up. I am thrilled to be able to drive it, but with it also comes a huge piece of my dad, whom I never really knew. What you are doing with Josh's FJ40 will truly mean a lot to Jackson when he is old enough to understand.

Best Wishes,
James E L III
 
Here are Jackson and Leslie

This is Jackson's first "drive". This is Leslie's second time in the drivers seat.
Jackson_Leslie_at_wheel_FJ40_2_resided_more.jpg
Jackson_Leslie_FJ40_drivers_side_resize_more.jpg
 
This is outstanding!

I'm so sorry for your familys loss! There is no greater sacrifice!
I don't know how I've missed this thread until today!
I couldn't get through reading the opening post to my wife without tearing up.
You have our support. Your grandson will appreciate this more than we can imagine! God Bless!

Keep it up , Mud members!!! Get this vehicle restored! :clap:
 
Do you have an immediate need for parts?? I have some extra stuff, let me know.

Thanks
Brian
 
Dear Sir, i have been a soldier and spend my career as a Police Officer. I can't possibly explain my deepest and sincerest condolenses to your family. God bless you and your wife for having bought up such a fine son. So may enjoy the very freedooms and protections that those like your son have paid the price for. AN old saying,"Those who fought for it have a taste of life and freedom the protected will never know." I honor both your son and your new found efforts on the FJ. Please post a list of parts needed for your build. I'm sure we all have enough parts to donate for a beautiful build.
 
5K in Josh's honor for Leslie and Jackson

Hello Everyone,
I also don't know how many members in this area are runners. (The only time I jog is when I jog my memory. However, I'll be walking in this event.) If possible please spread the word on this upcoming event. If this post goes against the rules of this forum...I apologize. The event will be held on UGA's campus. Please spread the word.
Thanks.
James




Event InfoName:5K For Joshua Reeves' Family
Tagline:Support Your Troops
Host:Scabbard & Blade Military Honor Society
Type:Causes - Fundraiser
Time and PlaceDate:Saturday, March 22, 2008
Time:9:00am - 1:00pm
Location:Start/Finish Journalism Building
Street:Sanford St. and Balwin St.
City/Town:Athens, GA



Contact InfoPhone:706.224.2910 (Bobby Woods)
Email:krytdrgn@uga.edu

Description


The funds raised from the 5k will go to a trust fund for his new born son. His son was born on the same day Spc. Reeves' was killed in combat.

It's $15 to run. We'll give out group discounts to any organization sending 5+ people. There will be various prizes that will be announced as the event approaches. This is a truly great cause-invite everyone you know and come out & run. You can contact myself (Woods) or Benjamin Pitt to register.
 
I just saw your thead and wanted you to know what a great idea you have. When I was in Iraq I would often think of my cruiser ( what I wanted to do to it or favorite places to visit in it when I got home ) to get my thoughts off what mission was next. I hope that someone in his unit has your contact info so they can meet with you, it is so very healing to everyone involed. I recently lost two freinds in Iraq and one is hanging on in the hospital so I too have wondered how to honor a fallen soldiers memory. I hope that this project helps heal the pain alittle, and I agree that it is an excellance way to honor Josh. I will be following this thread looking for any way to help. My god continue to comfort your family. Thank you I am truely greatful of Joshuas service. Sam Weaver
 
James,

Please accept my condolences for your loss, my prayers for your family's greiving and healing, and my salute to your hero of a son.

I'm a veteran, USN 1973 - 1979, FJ40 owner almost 30 years now.

I have parts, you have my support, please advise.

Ron
 
Josh and Jackson's FJ - starter/home/5K

Thank you for the kind words. I am excited about getting their truck running but it saddens me to know that Josh won't be able to enjoy his son during the process. This is a tough week, Josh would have returned to the states this week and he and Leslie would be heading off to Colorado.

I took the starter to the locate parts store to have it checked out. It's locked up. So I'll start with the starter. The carb was/has been removed and it's just sitting on top of the intake. So I'll start with the stuff I know, which isn't very much regarding FJ-40s.

There's a 5K run/walk in Josh's honor next Sat. (4/19) Leslie and Jackson are coming down for that. It'll be good to see them both.

Everyone, take care and thanks again for the words of encouragement.

James
 
Hi James,

Thought about your thread and I thought I would check on how things are going. Athens seems to have several rigs. I remember that the UGA's Anthropology/Archaeology Dept used to have a 40 used in field work years ago (70's-early 80's). I'm sure others are hoping all is well--Greets from Rome!--Dave
 

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