Heaviest of hearts... farewell - we lost a good one... 2/1/23

[Jigman13]

It's with the heaviest of hearts I post this... I lost my dad yesterday in his fight against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His decline was too quick and too steep, his heart gave out from the stress and the fight. Ironically, 3 or 4 hours prior to passing, he was officially listed on the lung transplant list.

I won't post a massive post even though he deserves one, because I'm utterly heartbroken. It was a brutal struggle the last 5 days. He fought his ass off but succumbed to the disease. He was 72 years old.

I fish because of him. I raise my kids like he taught me to. I make countless daily decisions using the knowledge and instincts he instilled in me. I'm just really going to miss him. Words cannot describe it... he was salty and loved his blue water. He was at home at the helm of his boat. He navigated with pride.

Fare winds and calm seas Daddy-O. You left an irreparable mark and ever lasting impression on the world's of those who knew you. You'll always be loved and now, forever missed.

RIP Dad... your forever thankful son, Jeremy

[hammer4reel]

Sorry for your loss .
Sounds like he will live in your heart until you get to meet again .
.

[dales529]

Very sorry for your loss! You gave him your all as he did for you.
He may be gone but will never be forgotten here and out in the deep as a fellow fisherman!
Best to you and your family at this tough time!

[Merle31483]

Sorry for your loss

[capt74]

I lost my mother and one of my best friends in the month of Dec. The only advice I can give is to remember the good times you had with them. Sorry for your loss.

[Duffman]

So sorry to hear brother. Hope your time on the water together will be memories forever.

[reason162]

Deepest condolences Jeremy.

[shbeachbum]

God have mercy on his soul and give you and your family the strength to get thru this most difficult time. I know the pain because I still miss my wife I lost in 2021. God bless.

[akoop]

Sorry for your loss

[shrimpman steve]

My condolences
May he have fair wide and following seas

[bunker dunker]

sorry for your loss.

[Capt. Debbie]

My condolences. Sounds like a very good relationship ended on earth.

Sorry

[Foul Hook]

Sorry for your loss. May fond memories light your way. My condolences.

[june181901]

Sorry for your troubles Jigman. May he rest in peace.

[hartattack]

Heart-felt sympathy ..

[Jigman13]

Thank you all. The kind words help.

We held my father's viewing yesterday from 1 pm to 5 pm in Edison, NJ. One lengthy viewing, no funeral. Over 200 people attended from local NJ, all over NY state out to Montauk, northern CT, Maryland, Florida and Hawaii. Seeing the sheer volume of people was immensely comforting. Many people spoke, everybody cried--most importantly, everybody smiled.

The funeral director couldn't believe it. He told me he only sees this on very rare occasions when the person who passed is very young. My father had a positive impact on many people's lives. This outpouring of respect and remembrance helped soften the blow, just a little.

The entire time we had a 150 song Playlist going of my dad's favorite Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, U2, Jeff Beck, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Credence, Rolling Stones, Dire Straits and more... it was a send-off of epic proportions for a simple man from the Bronx who resided in Colonia. The wall around the casket was draped in gorgeous flowers.

Before saying my final goodbyes, i slipped him pictures of my kids who he loved dearly, and a re-rigged Green Machine stinger. He gave it to me in October after our last tuna trip to the Hudson Canyon. The line was chafed, and I do the bulk of the trolling lure maintenance. He never questioned my crimps : )

While the tuna here on Earth can now rest a bit with him no longer navigating the canyons of the North Atlantic, I wanted to send him where he was going prepared and ready for action.

Find the temp break where ever you are, Capt. Look over your shoulder and I'll be there running the cockpit, deploying the spread. Love ya Daddy-O!

[TomKaye]

Very touching and sorry for your loss.
I lost my wife a few years ago to breast cancer and on her last day as she was in and out of consciousness,
she was smiling at the Mo-town and Doo-Wop sounds I was playing for her.
I am convinced she was beckoning occasionally to family and friends who had gone before.
Your Dad sounds like he was a great guy and you will see him again.
May he rest in peace.

[jerseyhunter]

My condolences to all who's lives he touched. You and your family will carry on his legacy, I'm sure of it.

[Fluken-Around]

Sorry for your loss may he RIP.

[Detour66]

Very sorry to hear about your Dad passing. I'm sure he will be waiting for you in the great fishing grounds in the sky. may he RIP.

[RU fan]

Jigman...so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I was very touched by your kind words about your relationship with your dad. It sounds he was a good man hence the huge outpouring of love from so many friends and family. I'm sure he's looking down and very proud of the son he raised.