Hi Everyone, I just wanted to put in an update for something of interest. My dad is being honored in Washington DC in June of this year. He is one of the hundred's being remembered this year through Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's In Memory program. Here is the link.. https://www.vvmf.org/Honor-Ro… This program honors veterans who returned home but then ultimately passed away due to agent orange from being in Vietnam. I thought you all might like to see it.

Here is a speech written for my dad by his sister-in-law, my aunt, Patty Taylor.
Dennis Laurel Jump--a husband, a father, a grandfather, a good friend. A kind and thoughtful man who was a strong advocate for racial equality and counteracting the impact of climate change. Denny had one of the kindest hearts and who, with his knack for conversation, would soon have a total stranger calling him a friend.

He was also a proud veteran. When his draft number came up, he answered that call and served his country honorably. That Vietnam war went against everything Denny believed in and I'm sure, like many others who served, he wrestled with that reality for the rest of his life. It's ironic that what Denny endured during his time in Vietnam would eventually take his life.

When Denny returned home from Vietnam, he married the girl he had left behind. Together they started their 50+ year adventure. That adventure included a beautiful daughter and an amazing son. It also included a lot of moving around. From California to Texas, to Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Wherever they found themselves Denny always enjoyed exploring and getting to know his new environment. He loved the outdoors and became an amazing photographer later in life.

To say Denny will be missed is an understatement. He is the one who was always there to give you a big hug when he thought you might need one. And when he thought you might need a laugh, he would hum the tune to "Happy Trails to You" while making the sound of the horses hooves by clicking his tongue! The man had talent!

Dear Denny--I know you are surrounded by all of your loved ones who have gone before you along with your sweet animals such as Jeremiah and Katie and your beloved cat, Cali. May you rest in peace knowing how much you are loved and missed.

Here is the speech that Denny's first born grandson wrote and shared at the memorial...

7/5/24
Throughout our lives grandpa Denny played many different roles. At the beginning he was a mentor-leading by example on how to be a good person. He was our biggest cheerleader. Showing us we could do and be anything we wanted.

He always knew when you needed to talk and was more than willing to lend an ear. He was patient, solid, and without fail he was kind.

As we grew older and shared interests such as photography, sports, music, birds, and countless other interests that showed his true curiosity for the world, our relationship morphed into a friendship.

We can take both the memories that we shared with him and his outlook on life--in particular, his selfless focus on joy, peace, and living things--and integrate them into our lives.

Together we can keep him alive and make the world a better place with the values he has taught us all.

Here are the words my dad wrote on his aminus photo blog that were read by Aurora Jump

** Staples Singers - "Respect Yourself"
- " We do not move forward from a middle opinion, which is undemocratic but mediocratic.
We advance from a creative passion "- (Edgar Morin)
- "To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at
that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy."
- Henri Cartier-Bresson.
::Words from Denny:
- My beliefs, and values, have always been strongly tied-to music, especially Jazz, and Blues.
- The following artists and lyrics seem to "sum-up" where my spirit resides:
EARTH WIND AND FIRE;
"HOLD ON TO YOUR SPIRIT,
ALWAYS FEEL YOUR SOUL....
HONOR THE MAGIC IN YOUR HEART"; Earth Wind and Fire

Here is the speech from David JumpToday, we gather to celebrate and remember the life of my father. As I stand here, I find myself reflecting on the countless memories and the immense impact he had on all of us. There are so many things I’ll miss about my dad, and I’d like to share a few of them with you.

First and foremost, I'll miss his smile. Whether he was picking me up at the ferry or meeting me at the airport, his face would light up the moment he saw me. It was a simple yet powerful gesture that showed just how much he cared. I regret never telling him how much that meant to me.

His kindness was unparalleled. My dad had the kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. He led by example, showing me and everyone else how to treat people with compassion and respect. His constant praise and support were a cornerstone of my life. He was always telling me how proud he was of me, and for that, I am forever grateful. No matter what, I knew he was always in my corner, even when I felt undeserving.

My dad's taste in music was extraordinary. He had a deep love for Blues and Jazz, and he was an encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to music. I remember him saying, "not that bullshit smooth jazz, which totally fucking sucks," and that’s pretty much verbatim. His passion for music was contagious, and I loved exploring new sounds with him.

His laugh, or rather his chuckle, was another thing I’ll miss dearly. Just hearing the sound of his chuckle in the background of a phone call would always bring a smile to my face. And despite towering over him, I loved when he would say, "Hey, how’s it going, big guy?" He was the only one I enjoyed hearing that from.

My dad had an endless well of knowledge. Sometimes, I thought he was making things up, but he was genuinely intelligent. He had a remarkable way of drawing you into his stories, making even the most random facts interesting. His ability to communicate with anyone, anywhere, was truly a gift. When I was younger, it used to bother me, but I came to realize just how cool he was when I saw how much people enjoyed talking to him.

In closing, my dad was a remarkable man who touched the lives of everyone he met. His kindness, wisdom, and infectious spirit will forever be remembered. While I miss him dearly, I am grateful for the countless memories and the profound impact he had on my life.

Thank you.

The way I updated before with the links didn't work when I previewed the site. Here is the poem that was read by the officiant at my dad's memorial.

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there.
I did not die.

I don't know if this will work well but I am trying to upload the speeches and poems that were read at the memorial.
I think it will work if you highlight the link and right click to choose open.
Here is David's
https://drive.google.com/file…

Here is the one from the officiant at the memorial
https://drive.google.com/file…

I hope this works
Love, Amy

I'm very thankful to all that made it to my dad's celebration of life in Sacramento and to his memorial in Seattle. He is now lovingly residing at Tahoma National Cemetery but I know his spirit is all around us. Here are the words he wrote on his photo blog and Aurora read at the memorial.https://drive.google.com/file/d/121RxRR_7d-38h4KGLCFsQpeDOLnzPP2U/view?usp=drive_link