The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: SwoopSJ on April 22, 2009, 11:06:58 AM
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I pass on this information, with a heavy heart, both as an update to those of you kind enough to have included my family in your prayers and as an outlet for my emotion. My grandfather passed away this morning, finally having succumbed to liver cancer, after a long life of 87 years. I, myself am a man of 30, yet I feel as if I am 3, as I am transported deep into my youth by the outpouring of memories. My grandpa taught me how to shoot, fish, hunt, and more importantly, to be a man, so I feel posting on this site is special as an immediate memorial to his life. He was a coal minor, steel worker, and an entrepreneur, operating several successful businesses for over 50 years. He was a devout Christian, serving as both deacon and Sunday school superintendent for many, many years, as well as helping build his church with his hands and wallet. He was a friend to everyone from the customers which frequented his businesses to our state rep, not just in name, but also in deed. He was a loving son, brother, husband, and father. Above all, however, he was, Johnie Justice (Papa Johnie), my grandpa. I will see him again, I have no doubt, but until that day... he will be missed.
Shane Justice
"Swoop"
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My condolances, Swoop.
As you say he was well known and well respected so as hard as it seems his life should be celebrated and not mourned so much.
I pray for His Grace and healing upon you and your family.
Haz.
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My sympathies Shane,
Your memories and the memories of all who knew him will live on for generations to come. Men like him make differences in peoples lives that can never be forgotten...
Timothy
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+1
I know what you are going through, and you and your family are in my prayers..... It is an extreme comfort in times like these to know that he is now in a better place, and that you two will one day meet again.
-Eric
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My condolances, Swoop. May he rest in peace
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My sympathies to you and your family Swoop. Your grandfather was a good man and a great American and this country could use more like him.
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Shane,
You and your whole family have my sincerest condolences for your earthly loss. Just remember it is Heaven's gain.
Men like your Grandfather were of the generation that made this country strong and we all owe them a debt of gratitude for what we have today. The greatest tribute we can give these men is to carry on their legacy and never forget. My own Grandfather has been gone for eleven years and not a day goes by that I don't think of him, because of the positive impact he had on my life. I can tell by what you wrote about yours that he had a positive effect on you. I'm sure he was proud of you.
Again, you and your family have my sympathies and prayers.
Chuck
(Peg)
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Your grandpa sounds a lot like mine...sorry for you loss.
God Bless,
Richard
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Sorry for your loss. Remember all of the good times with him.
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Swoop, My condolences to you and your family. Sounds like he had a long great life and was a great man as well.
Joy & Sorrow: " The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain in your heart. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
Jim - shooter32
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Reads like quite a bit of him is in you Shane. Families stay strong that way. He'll always never be far in your heart.
Very sorry for your loss.
Tom W.
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I never had a grandfather but when my dad died I cried like a baby. Don't be afarid to let it out Swoop. Time will heal the pain you feel.
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Sorry for your loss. God bless
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My condolences, Swoop.
he sounded like a great bloke mate,
once again My condolences, to you and your Family mate
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My condolences, Swoop. Your Grandpa lives in you with the words and skills he gave and taught you. He is always with you.
Scott
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I buried my father on Friday so I know something of the emotions and loss you are experiencing at this time. You have my most heartfelt condolences, Shane. Remember him for the good man that he was and honor his memory.
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As each day passes, death comes closer. It is not how long a man is of this earth, but the time he spends with God and family that measures his worth. Until the day you shall be reunited remember him as your heart has known him. For he is your life as you were his.
My condolences to you and your family.
Steve
(Cookie62)
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Thank you all, so much for your prayers and support. Believe me, they have been felt and greatly appreciated by both me and my family. They also have been needed, as I have taken my grandfather's death harder than most because he was more like my father. This forum has been a blessing allowing me a little release and also diverting my attention and providing a laugh when one was desperately needed. Thank you, my brothas from otha mothas :), and God bless you all.
Swoop
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Swoop, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. May God provide you with comfort in your dark hours, and may he continue to richly bless you.
Tom
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Swoop -
My own words fail me. I've lost most of my family so I can say I know what you're going through, but I don't only you do.
His life is truly to be celebrated, speak of him - as you do - fondly and with a huge sense of pride in his accomplishments, and joy at where he is now.
As the song says:
Looking down he said, some day you'll understand
we're the lucky ones to be have a reason to be sad.
He said our tears are a reflection of the good times we've had
If we'd never known love, we'd have no reason to be sad
The good times were so good, and that's why it hurts so bad,
we are the lucky ones, lucky to be sad.
God bless your grandfather, and may He bring peace to you and your family with the knowledge that God has blessed you all with such a wonderful reason to be sad.