Sunday, November 27, 2011

A Celebration Of Life



They say a testament to a man's worth is how many people go to his funeral. ...

Over the past two days, we have shed tears, laughed, hugged family and friends alike, and said our goodbye's to one of the finest gentleman you would ever wish to meet.
From the moment the funeral home opened it's doors for visitation, until laying our beloved Jimmy to rest, a steady stream of visitors said their goodbyes, shared their stories, and offered their condolences.

Although our hearts were heavy, there was a feeling of peace and tranquility throughout the entire service.
His casket chosen to represent his love of the outdoors was hand-crafted by the Amish, using the wood from native trees, hickory, ash, cedar, oak, maple and poplar and was fittingly named Tennessee Woods.

The pastor, filled our hearts by sharing Jimmy's favorite passages from the bible, and even made us laugh, more than once.
His granddaughter wrote a heartfelt tribute to her grandpa, and found the strength to read it out loud.

At the graveside, the pastor asked if there was ONE word, which described Jimmy, shout it out, and a never-ending stream of words poured from the mouths of friends and family members:

Generous
Loving
Brotherly
Genuine
Compassionate
Fair
Godly
Forgiving
Gentleman
Friend
Unselfish
Honest
Loyal

Our granddaughter honored her grandpa's last request, and as we all gathered around his burial plot, the official state song of Tennessee "Rocky Top", played in the background.
A song adopted by his beloved University of Tennessee Volunteers "Big Orange" football team as their rallying song, a song full of fighting spirit, just like Jimmy.
Go rest high on that mountain, Son your work on earth,is done...


Please scroll to the bottom of the page and turn off the PLAYLIST by clicking the LARGE round button, before playing the video.




God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.


19 comments:

Anonymous said...

How fortunate family, friends and acquaintances are to have known such a man! ~RIP~

Sharon said...

Heartfelt condolences.

Marilyn said...

Your post is a loving tribute. May God grant you peace in this time of sorrow.♥♫

DJan said...

Such a wonderful picture to tell the tale of Jimmy's remembrance. I love the shouting out of words that tell who he was to all of us who didn't know him personally. I am so sorry for your loss.

Vicki said...

What a beautiful post. It is so hard losing a loved one. Best wishes and thoughts for the next days to come. He sure would be proud of your blog post. Blessings to you and your family.

Country Gal said...

A beautiful post ! Sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is loosing a loved one . I bet he will be filling the heavens with his wonderful spirit !

Terry said...

Sounds like a lovely service for a fine man.

Betsy Brock said...

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful man, dad, father-in-law and grandfather!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Thank you for sharing this with us.
We remember all of you in our prayers.
love
tweedles

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

What a touching and beautiful tribute and a reminder of the things that are important in life and are important qualities to strive for. I'm so sorry for your loss, Jo. I'm glad that you have found comfort in your memories and among each other.

MadSnapper said...

I have never seen the words shouted, what a wonderful idea and a great tribute to Jimmy as is our post today.

Doc said...

God bless Jimmy

Unknown said...

He was certainly a great man to have a send off like that.

May God hold him in the palm of His hand, and set Jimmy gently down on the other side.

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

I am so sorry to hear this news but how wonderful for you all to have shared the way with this man! What a blessing he must have been to you all!
Tina xo

Unknown said...

You paint a beautiful picture of not only a man, but of his friends and family. It is they(you) that make the funeral what it is. A tribute to a life well lived and well loved.

His memory will live on in all that loved him. And if there is anything that went unsaid, let it go. His work is done, he can do no more. Your life will be forever enriched having shared in his.
God bless you all.

L. D. said...

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man who had shared a lot of love and kindness. It was such a fitting tribute with the gathering and the burial. Think of you at the very difficult time.

myomyohi said...

It sounds like Jimmy was a respected and loved man. How lucky he was to be part of your life, and you his. What a loving tribute. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Myra

Janice Kay Schaub said...

So sorry for your loss. I feel your pain. We visited our granddaughters grave today and its still unbelievable but its a comfort to be near her at her resting place because we know we will meet again. I was telling her about her son today and what a little bugger he was yesterday........I hope you find comfort yourself in memories.
Janice

Michael said...

Yes, i love hat you said there. Very sweet tribute too. Sorry for the dear loss.