Caryn, as you know, Jot was an original human being who had a sense of humor like nobody else, and I still loved him...lol. I was high school friends with his dad and mom, so I have known Jot for many years. I know you loved being with Jot and will miss him terribly. He had you laughing most of the time. So anytime you feel down and out, just think of the love of your life, and he will put a smile on your face. 

Love and condolences to you! Jacque and Jim.

I honestly can’t remember a time in my life when Uncle Jot wasn’t part of it. Or as he’d always say with that familiar tone, “I’ve known you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper.” I can still hear his wise man voice every time I think of it.

He may not have been family by blood, but he was my uncle through and through. I’ll never forget the day he had to pick me up from school because I was running a fever. He drove me home in that old truck of his, music blasting, singing along at the top of his lungs just to make me smile. When we got home, he wrapped me up like a burrito in his big tiger blanket and said I had to “sweat it out” while watching daytime cartoons. That was Uncle Jot — tough love with a goofy heart.

He was always protective, always ready to make me laugh, and always the biggest goober in the room. Some of my taste in music absolutely comes from him. He bought me my very first Now That’s What I Call Music CD — pretty sure it was Volume 6 — and when I hung out with him and my dad growing up, we’d jam out to rock like it was a religion. I still remember us playing Guitar Hero at my place in Austin when him and my dad came down for the races. There was never a dull moment when he was around, and I’ll cherish every single memory.

I hate that I live out of state now and couldn’t see him as often as I would’ve liked, but I’m grateful — so grateful — for the moments we shared. Those memories are mine to keep, and they’ll always bring me comfort.