1. It is an honor for me to be part of J’s service!
2. There is an old preacher story where a man approached a preacher after the death of his reprobate brother. The preacher agreed to do the service but the man persisted that he wanted the preacher to say good things about his brother, “Call him an angel,” the brother said. The preacher declined. The man tried to bribe him and then threatened him. Finally the preacher agreed to perform the service.
In the service the preacher began recounting the evil deeds of the deceased man. He finally said, “. . . .but compared to his brother, he was an angel.”
3. No coercion needed JR was an honorable man
• He loved his God
• He loved his family
• He loved his neighbors and friends
• He loved his nation
• He loved people
4. JR was my friend – a real encourager in a bleak time
5. He was YOUR friend also – he touched lives all over OK, the US, and even internationally
I. Generous and Serving Heart
• Stacey and Norm: We’ve made 20 moves to 7 states and have been with rich people and poor people and never met anyone as giving as JR. He’s the most generous man I have known.
• JR’s dad started Lariat Creek Camp and JR led in the management of the camp and led them to make improvements – caretaker’s house; new Community Center with handicap access; gave them the property; able to get the farmland near it to the camp as well
• In Israel JR constantly served others of the group – often lagging behind for the stragglers who couldn’t keep up
II. Hard-Working and Tough
• Learned hard work in farming from his dad and passed it on – “worked circles around everyone else” until the cancer started affecting him
• Hardworking as a teacher – some teach for pay; some as a calling – 28 years; 3 generations
[When CR texted me that he passed away, forgive me, but the first thing that came to mind was, “A Teacher Passed!” I might add, “With flying colors!”
o Creative – in a Sociology class he wore two different boots and made it obvious to the students; no one commented until a quiet student spoke up near the end of class – “I’m proud of you! You are the only one to speak up.” He was teaching a group lesson – unless one person speaks up in a group, no one will speak up. Sometimes it takes courage to speak up.
o History teacher – patriotic (knew our true history and that to make America great again we need God more than economics);
o Kind to students – Freebies on quizzes to give easy points with q’s like, “From what country did the Spanish Armada sail?”
• Tough: chased and run over by bulls; Jordan once beaned him with a golf ball, knocked him down and bloodied him – but he got up and was not angry with Jordan!
o Calm when most people would be stressed – Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. “If”
o When he did get angry if he got too quiet you knew you had crossed the line with him
III. Loving Husband and Dad
• JR loved his kids – both he and Chris saw it as a blessing that they had them in classes; Jordan and Stacey appreciate it NOW
• Showed love for CR with his timing
o Early last week he asked, “What day is it?” – “Monday.” He knew he would see his brother on Thursday – btw as they conversed about Herman’s drive, JR showed his sense of humor by saying, “I’m going to sleep through my next car ride.”
o THEN, he made it to their 50th anniversary and passed away early that Saturday morning.
• Showed love for CR with his micromanagement skills – to lovingly alleviate stress for CR
o He had checklists of things to do
o December – buy me a coffin and cemetery plot
o Wanted to go in the spring so people would not be cold at his simple, graveside service – today is a pretty nice day in February – he has connections and is still considerate
o Providential to have the whole family together for CR
IV. His Departure
2 Timothy 4:6-8 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
• He knew his time was nearly up and was calm and at peace (comforting the doctor who found the cancer)
• Jay displayed his faith in his last hours – he knew whose he was and where he was going.
Samuel Adams’ Will: "Principally, and first of all, I resign my soul to the Almighty Being who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying on the merits of Jesus Christ for the pardon of my sins."
Patrick Henry’s Will: "This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed."
John 14:1-6 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
JR’s room was ready – ours will be in a few days, how swiftly our lives go by!
Jesus takes us to the Father – I wonder if Jesus ushers us into the throne room of God to introduce us!
