J.D

I'm sad to say that Randy's oldest son, J.D., is no longer walking the earth. This past Friday, his brother Casey, mentioned on Facebook that J.D. had passed, but left out that he had taken his own life. This was tragic and heartbreaking news.

I got along with J.D. when I was at Misawa, and again when he was at Ramstein. Just like his dad, he was really cool, really accepting, and an all-around fun guy to be with. Watching him and his dad hang out and drink beer was hilarious. They would joke about some of the people we all knew, and even some of the sluts that came on to Randy at the bar. To my knowledge, Randy had always remained faithful to his wife, despite any rumors or controversy which others may have reported.

J.D. was convinced that one time I had bought him some cigarettes when we were in Misawa. I never did this, but he was certain that I had. "Yeah, you bought them for me, and me and a friend smoked them!" he insisted. I don't know where he got the idea. but I never had.

There was an Irish pub in Ramstein village that J.D. worked at, and some money had come up missing from the register - about $800. The bar owner assumed it was J.D., but I knew that he hadn't taken anything; it wasn't his character. In the end, I don't know what the result was, but J.D. was never charged with a crime. I suppose it worked itself out.

I remember in 2010, we all went to a party for some of the high school kids. Me, Randy, J.D. and Casey, went out for a night of drinking. The parents were chaperoning and Randy wanted the company, so I tagged along. There was a tent in the yard, away from the main area, that some of the kids were using to smoke weed. One of the dads smelled it, threw a shit fit (naturally), and had the tent tore down on the spot, and the suspected kids removed immediately. J.D. was suspected as being involved, but he wasn't near it at the time, and he had telltale proof that he hadn't been smoking any. The tone of the night quickly recovered, and good brews and good tunes were enjoyed by all.

Despite J.D.'s penchant for attracting trouble, he was a good kid, who believed the best in everyone. I use the term "kid" loosely, since he was 30 years old this year. My, how time flies. He always treated me with respect and admiration. I don't know why, but it meant a lot to me. I suppose that like me, J.D. was a lost soul of sorts, who looked up to Randy's peers for guidance. I remember once Randy told me how J.D. went to an acting college back in the States, but he ended up "majoring in partying", as he put it, forcing him to drop out. J.D. was very talented musically, and had seen his live performances at the Irish pub he worked at, so I knew that he was very capable, only he just lacked the direction and discipline. I can only wonder if such a failure was some how influential in all of this.

So Randy and his oldest are both reunited on the other side. I don't think there will be any official funeral for him, nor any photos of his wake, like what was done for Randy. It just really sucks that like father, J.D. chose to take his own life, rather than ask for help. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness, and should never be viewed as such. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if J.D.'s passing was some how as a result of Randy's passing, some 2 years earlier. Randy's death left a very big hole in their family, and has really had long-term results. People are still posting messages on his Facebook memorial to this very day. The impact has been immeasurable.

I wish his family comfort and solace in these times. Casey is now the oldest, with a son of his own on the way. The irony is that his son is due this month. One Dickman for another. I just hope that this is the last we hear of any such news.