I found out that a great friend, an awesome father and a dedicated Christian passed away on November 29, 2007.
Jay Zilch had an infectious happy spirit. He was always smiling and ready to help someone out, whether they needed it or not.
I met Jay in 1990 when he was stationed at Ft Campbell and I worked at Bank Of America on Ft Campbell with his wife Susan. My fondest memory of Jay was when my 1986 Buick Regal broke down on me at work and Susan called Jay to see if he would come look at my car. He did. It was freezing cold out and he spent 30 minutes on the ground until he fixed the problem. Jay simply had the desire to help everyone. I never saw him and he didn't smile and shake my hand with the hardest handshake around. Whenever I would be back in Clarksville I would always look forward to the times that I would get to see Jay.
I cannot imagine the heartache that this loss has caused. He was in Monterey Mexico working to take care of his family. Susan you have the prayers of many thousands of people Jay affected. I have no idea how you will be able to make it though each day but know that there are many of us hurting right along side you even if we are in Afghanistan. Richard, I know how proud your Dad is of your military service keep doing great things for him and your country! Your family needs you now more than ever. Stephanie and Amanda ( my unofficial Nieces), it is impossible to make sense of a tragedy like this. Know that your dad is looking down from heaven encouraging each of you to finish the race that God has planned for you just as your Dad finished his.
Here is a link to his obituary in the Kentucky New Era.
http://www.kentuckynewera.com/articles/2007/12/07/obituaries/doc4755a30e098e2629361277.txt
Ronnie Tabor
taborrw@gmail.com
"It is an honor to serve"
Jeremiah Denton
Vietnam POW
3 comments:
Ron I want to thank you for this memorial. Jay was a special person. He and Dad were deacons together for years. You never saw him that he wasn't holding a baby. Susan you have our love and you have a special place in our hearts. Danah referred to you as Mom and Dad. Richard you are needed by your family now and it is a pleasure to be your adopted grandma.
Stephanie and Amanda how special you are, call if you need to talk or just anything. Jays funeral was packed and he deserved it he was special to lots of people. Susan your and Jays love great. Even if he is not here he is in your heart and you have wonderful memories. Love you. Ralph thanks for all your help to Susan and Pastor Clark you were amazing for them. Thank you for loving all of us.
Hi Ron - I echo your mom's thanks for this special memorial on your blog. I got on here this morning to do my usual Monday morning blog reading and almost lost it when yours popped up with a picture of Jay with the ever present child in his arms. It is so hard to be so far away when something like this happens. Craig and I have grieved with Susan and the family over the last week and have prayed continously that God's grace will indeed by sufficient to get them through this tough time.
Kayla will forever remember Jay as the man who made our paddles. Jay loved children but also understood the importance of discipline! I have three paddles in varying sizes to prove it!
Thanks again Ron! Hope you are doing well.
Lisa Churchill, Martinez, GA
Thanks for writing this.
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