There are no words for some forms of tragedy, and losing John Simon--at any age--is truly tragic.
I met John in fifth grade, and I was always surprised by how brilliantly gifted John was at all sports and all subjects in academics, as well as, how kind and fun he was as a friend.
The luck of the alphabet allowed for me to sit next to John in many classes, and I will always remember his many acts of charity when I forgot my homework or did not know an answer or needed a dollar, I could count on John to have the correct answer. He epitomizes the idea of a gentleman and a scholar, and, as Greg noted, one hell of a great athlete.
John Simon--The name brings back lots of memories for me. He was my first real boyfriend and truly a gentlemen. He was very intellectual and a great athlete. So sad to lose such a great guy who had so much to give to the world. you will be missed.
I so much enjoyed having John as a friend growing up we first met in Blue T wrestling which was so much fun but unfortunately for me it meant being in the same weight class as John. I can remember many hours of practice over the years being put into all kinds of torturous moves by him and always having to be on the B team. But in the end it made me a better wrestler and him a better friend.
John was just a natural born leader anyone who played football with him could tell you that. I can still see his face looking back at us in the offensive huddle always with a determined look like "we can do this".
The last time I seen John was in 1993 at the Hardees near town west. We were both getting lunch and ended up sitting together talking during that conversation is when I found out that he had become a pastor which I admit at the time I was a little surprised. But after speaking with him it became abundantly clear to me that he was just being John leading again like he had always done. He was so full of light and happiness you could just see it in his eyes as he spoke and that's the way I will always remember him.
When I attended John's funeral I was numb with grief and could only cry and wonder why this had to happen to someone so young and so good. When I thought about it later I realized that it really wasn't my place to wonder why, but to remember everything good about him and just be grateful that I had the chance to know him at all.
So...these are the things that I remember about John.
He always seemed to be in a good mood, and it showed on his face. I think people were naturally drawn to him for that reason.
He loved to tease me unmercifully when I sat next to him in History I think it was. And he got a big kick out of embarrassing me, which was not hard to do back then.
And although he probably wouldn't have appreciated being termed this back in school, he was very sweet.
John, thank you for being my friend. I'll see you again someday.
What a special person he was... You never saw him without a smile! I hope you know, John, Ricky truly loved you like a brother and we cherish each & every memory of you. We were blessed to know you.
The one main thing I remember about John, is that he always made me smile. I could be having a rotten day, come into class, and John would just point at me...just to let me know I needed to turn the frown around.
One of the memories I have...is that for some reason...since we almost always had to sit by each other, he thought it funny to untie my shoes. It wasn't like in the movies or anything, where he tied them together and made me fall (although...sometimes...I think he would have if there would have been enough time (smiles)). He of course passed the tradition onto Darrin, which did so in his absence. He was just one of the guys in school, that no matter who you were, he wanted to let you know he knew you in some form. That makes a person a true gem.
For a while there we were like to peas' in a pod. and until my untimely departure from this world he will always be the BEST MAN I KNOW. See you when i get there, I'll bring the beerz.
John Simon
Ronald Singleterry
There are no words for some forms of tragedy, and losing John Simon--at any age--is truly tragic.I met John in fifth grade, and I was always surprised by how brilliantly gifted John was at all sports and all subjects in academics, as well as, how kind and fun he was as a friend.
The luck of the alphabet allowed for me to sit next to John in many classes, and I will always remember his many acts of charity when I forgot my homework or did not know an answer or needed a dollar, I could count on John to have the correct answer. He epitomizes the idea of a gentleman and a scholar, and, as Greg noted, one hell of a great athlete.
Monica Cooksey (Yohr)
John Simon--The name brings back lots of memories for me. He was my first real boyfriend and truly a gentlemen. He was very intellectual and a great athlete. So sad to lose such a great guy who had so much to give to the world. you will be missed.Ron McClanahan
I so much enjoyed having John as a friend growing up we first met in Blue T wrestling which was so much fun but unfortunately for me it meant being in the same weight class as John. I can remember many hours of practice over the years being put into all kinds of torturous moves by him and always having to be on the B team. But in the end it made me a better wrestler and him a better friend.John was just a natural born leader anyone who played football with him could tell you that. I can still see his face looking back at us in the offensive huddle always with a determined look like "we can do this".
The last time I seen John was in 1993 at the Hardees near town west. We were both getting lunch and ended up sitting together talking during that conversation is when I found out that he had become a pastor which I admit at the time I was a little surprised. But after speaking with him it became abundantly clear to me that he was just being John leading again like he had always done. He was so full of light and happiness you could just see it in his eyes as he spoke and that's the way I will always remember him.
Kelli Cowett (Patterson)
When I attended John's funeral I was numb with grief and could only cry and wonder why this had to happen to someone so young and so good. When I thought about it later I realized that it really wasn't my place to wonder why, but to remember everything good about him and just be grateful that I had the chance to know him at all.So...these are the things that I remember about John.
He always seemed to be in a good mood, and it showed on his face. I think people were naturally drawn to him for that reason.
He loved to tease me unmercifully when I sat next to him in History I think it was. And he got a big kick out of embarrassing me, which was not hard to do back then.
And although he probably wouldn't have appreciated being termed this back in school, he was very sweet.
John, thank you for being my friend. I'll see you again someday.
Robin Goins (Haynes)
What a special person he was... You never saw him without a smile! I hope you know, John, Ricky truly loved you like a brother and we cherish each & every memory of you. We were blessed to know you.Rachel Shuler
John Simon - you were a diamond in the rough.The one main thing I remember about John, is that he always made me smile. I could be having a rotten day, come into class, and John would just point at me...just to let me know I needed to turn the frown around.
One of the memories I have...is that for some reason...since we almost always had to sit by each other, he thought it funny to untie my shoes. It wasn't like in the movies or anything, where he tied them together and made me fall (although...sometimes...I think he would have if there would have been enough time (smiles)). He of course passed the tradition onto Darrin, which did so in his absence. He was just one of the guys in school, that no matter who you were, he wanted to let you know he knew you in some form. That makes a person a true gem.
Jennifer Rogers
john was always a sweet heart...and a great football player i didnt know this happened, losing him is a great loss.Eddie Billups
For a while there we were like to peas' in a pod. and until my untimely departure from this world he will always be the BEST MAN I KNOW. See you when i get there, I'll bring the beerz.