Thursday, October 3, 2019
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Although I only knew Jody for a short time he touched my heart in so many ways with his wonderful stories of a life well lived. I always smile when I think of him sitting in his recliner or on his porch reliving the amazing life that he created. I loved to see the joy on Jody’s face as he spoke of living on a farm as a young boy, running freely, milking the cows, and watching “Kate” the huge mule pull the milk down the hill to the milk truck. He always laughed when he told the story of his father using a horse and buggy to “court” his mother. Moving to Linwood as a young boy and the “shenanigans” he’d get into with his brothers, the pride he had for his father who walked to work every day even though he had a car, his mother always wanting the cream that would settle at the top of the milk carton that was delivered to their home by the milkman. Simple stories from a simpler life. Jody spoke of joining the Navy at the age of 17 “because it was the right thing to do” and fighting in World War II, watching as his buddies were shot and killed as they tried to run through water that was waist high to attack the Japanese as the ship took them from island to island. Coming home from the war, getting a job, buying the house he spent the rest of his life at and moving his family in with him. Such an unselfish man. It was obvious how much pride he took in his home, he shared wonderful stories of the quiet and serene environment before everything was built up, building his garage with the help of his dear brother-in-law, and adding the enclosed porch which he shared his stories from as we played his old 40’s albums on his vintage record player that still played like new. Jody lived in an era where people took care of their possessions and fixed them when they broke. And boy did he have the tools! Jody’s stories of his younger days always brought us laughs, riding his motorcycles and cruising the Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay on his boat with his many friends. Buying a “titty pink” Cadillac which his father did not approve of. Finding land on the Sassafras River and buying two lots for $500 a piece, tearing down all the trees with the help of his friends, lots of beer, and night time camp fires. Then building a home to share with family and friends and finding the love of his life at the age of 42 to share it all with. Jody so inspired me with his stories and his kind and loving ways and I can only hope that I can age as gracefully. I know that he was smiling all the way to heaven and is rejoicing with all those whom he loved here on earth. Rest In Peace Jody Tarbutton.
