MEMORIES OF JERRY SELF
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Jerry...Billy Bob's on any night of the week, even if we were the only two there.  Singing as loud as we could to Robert Earl Keen. Putt putt, where even the girl who never had used a 9-iron could beat him. Running when it was cold, or hot.  Long road trips to New Orleans. Talks about life, love, and yep, even marriage.  Working together as camp

counselors.  Sitting out underneath the stars together.  Praying together.  Late night games at I-HOP.  Crunchy ice from Sonic. Watching movies.  Playing sand volleyball.  Watching STARS games.  Eating at Don Pablo's.  The night he got sick.  The night I got sick.  When my mom had her first heart spell.  Swimming.  Hugs that lasted forever.
Getting kissed after a touchdown.  That funny feeling when we held hands.  Calls to say I love you.  Dancing till our faces were blue!  Crying due to sadness.  My memories of Jerry don't stop.  He was literally the most awesome guy I have ever met.  I love him and will miss him.
-Dayna Worlow (LHS Class of '97), dlworlow@DELTA.IS.TCU.EDU

I remember Jerry as a particularly mature young man, from junior high on. He was unusual in the fact that he spoke candidly and unreservedly with adults, not normally an adolescent/teenage trait. He was always grateful for any pictures I might have taken during Optimist baseball days and beyond. When I heard the news, the only picture I saw in my head was of a sweet, enthusiastic kid who had a lot of team spirit.  I'm sure his loss is devastating to his family and dear friends, and we all need to remember them in our prayers and thoughts.
-Cyndy Mycoskie-Wood, cyndy_m@yahoo.com
Jerry was a true Aggie and Lamar Viking. He lit up the halls of Lamar like the bonfire he was helping to build would have lit up the night sky in Aggieland. He was a sweet and caring person and a great teammate. He will be missed but never forgotten. VFND---that includes Jerry. May the road rise to meet you, Jerry.
-Dan Hildabrand (LHS Class of '98), Hildy79@aol.com
What a wonderful guy Jerry was.  His smile lit up a room.  He was so unique and special and willing to do anything for anyone.  We will truly miss him.
-Melanie Haynes, mnhaynes@DELTA.IS.TCU.EDU
Although I did not know Jerry, he touched the lives of many of my close friends.  My prayers are with all of his family and friends.
-Megan Keegan (LHS Class of '99), Mego99@webtv.net
Jerry was a true Aggie who died doing one of the things he loved most.  This past summer I was able to have the opportunity to work with Jerry and talk with him as we ran around the Ballpark together. As I and other fellow employees that would be attending A&M sat
in line with Jerry, he would tell us how awesome bonfire was and how he loved it.  He was so excited to tell us about all the traditions of A&M and told us that if we needed  anything to just call him. Jerry loved A&M and I know that God is showing him the most
awesome bonfire he has ever seen right about now. God Bless Jerry and his family and my prayers are with yall.
-Nick Anagnostis (A&M Class of '02), nick_aggie@yahoo.com
Jerry Self had a wonderful life. Yes, it was far too short, but I can't imagine anyone enyoying the life they had any more than Jerry. I had the pleasure of coaching him in Optimist baseball. I remember that he never complained. He did exactly what you asked to the best of his ability. Later, when I saw him on the sidelines at Lamar games, I realized that he had never changed. He was happy to contribute when called upon, but also was there to cheer on his teammates when standing on the sidelines. I know that these instances were not the unusual but the way he went through life. I'm glad I knew Jerry and I know many others feel the same.
-Phil Mycoskie, mycoskie@hotmail.com

Jerry was the just the coolest guy I've ever met. Last Feburary he got to lead his first bible lesson with us at Sky Rance.  I just have so many memories, he was just a great guy.  Playing Ultimate Frisbee and talking after church.  He was a great man of God, and I could never thank him enought for all the good times.  I'm gonna miss you.

*Gone*

I never told you how much I cared
the truth I never told,
the feeling with you I shared
meant more to me than anything else.

On top of the world
the sticks beneath my feet,
the problems of my life
unsturdy and about to fall.

Taken too early
don't know what to say,
you were my role model and friend
someone to talk to you.

Eyes red and blurred
vision diluted and dark,
never knew the true opinions
and what we really thought of you.
How much you meant
how you brightened my day.

The smile on my face
from cheek to cheek,
the friend you've been
my brother everyday of the week.

Sunday morning I talked to you
you say good day and I the same,
at noon I say good-bye
not realizing it will be the last.

Taking life for granted
the gift of friendship,
you're so young
a man of integrity and faith.
Your walk with the Lord
an example to us all.
 

Problems standing of a pile of styx
quaking and shaking,
life smashed under the power
I'm crushed by branches of despair and pain.

Missing you already
your bright shining face
gone to a better place
sitting in this place looking into our father's beautiful face.

Heaven is place of happiness
but down on earth we're stuck with the pain,
one less of those of could have helped the world
the gift lost forever never to be found;
gone forever, old friend, forever
blurred and red eyes hide the pain
under the logs, the Self I knew lost forever.
        -Me

We'll miss you forever and never forget the happiness you've brought to all of our lives.  Success born out of tragedy, only God knows the purpose. Only one week from your boots, lived lift to it's fullest; with no regrets.
We love you allways.

-Cole Morrison, campezman@integrityonline2.com

Jerry, I wish I would have known you better. We played sports together throughout our lives. We were on student council together at LHS. We shared a great pride in Lamar High School. But, now that you're gone, I truly wish I would have made more of an effort to get to know you. I considered you my friend, and I hope you considered me one of yours, but we never were "close." I don't know what kept us from being that, but I hate it. You were an incredible guy. Always full of life. I knew that for a long time, and I guess now the world does. Its a horrible shame that it had to happen by way of this tragedy, instead of later down the line when you made your mark.
-Chris Mycoskie (LHS Class of '97), chofskinet@hotmail.com
I had the good fortune of being able to have Jerry in my outfit
in the Corps at A&M for a year.  When his original unit, Sq. 13
was disbanded at the end of his freshmen year, he and three of
his buddies moved over to Sq. 17.  I was the commander of the
unit last year and got to see Jerry work everyday.  I was so
impressed with his desire to make Sq. 17 better.  He did what he
believed to be right, and he earned the respect of those around
him.  He was a very stern sophomore, but very fair.

I remember seeing him in the hallway of the dorm, and he'd greet
me with a "Howdy, Evart", then he'd smile like he always does,
as if he had just done something mischievious.  Sometimes he
had, but it was always in fun.  I remember playing basketball
against him and how he always made me work for every step I took
on the court.  I never told him, but he knocked my shoulder out
of whack real good one day while playing.  Stayed out of whack
for about a month.  I didn't mind, that's just how he was.  All
out 100% effort.

I saw him two nights before the accident.  We were cutting each
other down as usual with a laugh, then he was off to a flag
football game, and from there to Bonfire.  He's gone and I'm
sorry I didn't get to know him better.  It was an honor to have
him in the outfit and to know him as the God-fearing person he
was.  I don't know what else to say.  He was a great young man
with a great heart.  He was a treasure to so many, and I just
miss the guy.

-Evart Outlaw (A&M Class of '99), gossamer1999@yahoo.com
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