Buddy, I will miss you. I just found out, I could not imagine growing up without you as a best friend.  I wish we had not let life get in the way of us staying in touch.  You were a brother and, your mother was like, a second mom to me.  I love you and I will see you again one day i'm sure of it.
                                                                           Joshua Crowe

Well buddy...it's been a little over a year since u left this earth to be with Jesus. I wish u could tell me all about it up there and if u and my husband (Chizum) are having a good time ..I bet y'all are. I love u both and can't wait to be reunited with y'all again. Fly high my angels!!

Last I seen Jake he was full of himself laughing and happy. We talked for a while and upon leaving him, I was given a huge and a I love you.I can not start to tell you how hurtful this must be for Barbara his Mom and family. There is a lot that I could add but choose not, but to say: Jesus gave his life so that man kind would have the chance to do the right things in this life on earth as God would have it.Let not we forget that. For those who BELIEVE in our almighty, sometimes a message from a higher power comes in the form of calling one home. Jake had such PROMISE, so good of a person. We should not allow his leaving us to be in vain. Listen to your heart, if you don't know Jesus today, then fix it while there is time.  Uncle Johnny and Family

It's been a long time my friend.  I will cherish the memories we shared together.  You will truely be missed.  Love you man.

I was 2 years old when my mom first started babysitting Jake and pretty much considered him part of our family from then on. At 2, I honestly thought he was my very own baby doll. The fondest memory I have of Jake is us sneaking in Miss Barbara's car and eating pizza or whatever else she had picked up for dinner:) I haven't seen him since I was a kid, but he has always  held a place in the Garrett family's hearts. I will keep you in my prayers, Miss Barbara and all of those whose lives he touched.

To my first love, my first best friend.....You will always be in my heart, you taught me to love to be more adventurous. I have so many memories, too many to list.   Our trip to Hawaii and Cancun.  All the times we snuck  around the neighborhood just to be alone.  Helping me take care of my first born, sharing our first place together.  I will miss you deeply, my heart will always ache when I think of this day.  You share a birthday with my youngest son and you left this world on my birthday, so when these dates pass each year I will think of you and know that my early adult years were shared with my first love. I'm glad we got to talk about our adult lives last year to catch up.  I pray for the family and please know I love you all still as if I was the only sister out of 6 boys.   Jake, Please tell our brother Chuck how much I love him too.  I'm trying desperately to reach your beautiful Mom so I may talk to her.  I love you Jacob Ray, "puppy love".  Love Erin

Jake , it's Yak here buddy . I'm gonna miss all the Random times of us running into each other & the conversations we would have . I'm sorry that I wasn't able to make it today buddy , my wife's aunts funeral was at the same time today .

I knew Jake from hanging out around West Nashville...He was always someone that was fun to be around. You never knew what he was up to, but he always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.

I was 5 years old, a big time kindergartener, when my mom started babysitting baby Jake. Although it's been decades since I've seen his face, I recognize it immediately- the same sweet, shy smile and eyes. I still see the innocence and light in his eyes when I look at his picture here on the site. In our family album I look at year after year when visiting my parents, I run across a picture of my little sister feeding Jake as he sits in a walker in our kitchen. That same face... I see you, Jake...

As I think about what you are going through, Barbara, I can't imagine. I don't see you very often but I love you as much today as I did when we were in school. Just remember the good times with Jake. No one knows how you feel, but remember we love you and are praying for comfort for you and your family. Call me if I can do anything for you.

I have known Jake for over 30 years. We first met in Kindergarten at Cockrill Elementary. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to know and love Jacob Ray! I have spent a lot of time with him and he is near and dear to my heart. I will miss him dearly. His smile, the sound of his laughter....He will forever be in my heart until we meet again. Spread your beautiful wings and fly my amazing friend...I love you!

As I say goodbye, I think back to the beginning, May 28, 1978, at the hospital waiting for the words, "Its a boy!"

Jake instantly filled our lives with love, we watched him grow and memories were made.

And now, all we have are the precious memories.  I will forever love Jake and cherish the years passed.

I went to school with Jake all my life. He was a great person inside and out .he will be greatly missed .fly high ole friend

My heart goes out to your children and family you will be missed fly high my friend

So sorry for the loss of your son. I never met Jake but I had the opportunity to work with his mom.  You and your family are in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

I held you in my arms when you were small.  You shared tuna sandwiches, tea, and summer swims with my girls, your Mom, and me as you grew.  Such good times and good memories we all hold in our heart.  My prayers and support go out to your Mom (the sister of my heart), your children, your Dad, and all who loved you.

May God bring His peace to your family and may time ease the sorrow of your leaving us.  

With love and prayers,
Aunt Lou

I can't imagine the grief everyone is going through right now. I never had the opportunity to meet Jake but know his mom very well.  I do know God has a plan and he will never leave you or forsake you during your time of need. Mike and I send our love and prayers to each and everyone of you.  Stay strong as the next few days will be very hard and trying. We love you guys please let us know if you need anything.

I never got to meet Jake, but I know his mother Barbara.  I am so sorry for your loss. I know Jake is in a happier place and with a smile looking down on us all.

I never got to share Jake's friendship, but from seeing how much he was loved by good people that I am close to; I regret his life was cut short. Praying for God's peace and comfort his family and friends. Fly high.

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden. 

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.

Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun. So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth. 

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast. 

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart. 

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,

Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love. 

When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. 

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.

But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

I knew Jack's Great-Grandmother, preached her funeral. There  never was a 
kinder and loving woman on this earth than Mrs. Dodson.  Later I met Jake's Mother, Barbara, who had many of the wonderful qualities of Mrs. Dodson.   If Jake had an ounce of his Great-Grandmother and Mother Barbara in him, he was and is one of the best young man in Nashville.  Rev. Jerry Foust

I never got to meet Jake, but I do know his Mother. If he had even half of her heart, he must have been a loving man. To Jake, you will always be safe in your mom's heart.  Those of us who love her hope you will always watch out for her and Danny. God never promises us paradise on earth, but one thing he delivered for you was your mom, Barbara.

Well, I know you can't read this right now, but I love and miss you so much. I know we weren't together all the time, but when we were it was us against the world. Lately I have been thinking about you, my heart aches at the thought of not being able to see your face, hear your voice and laugh, feel your hugs and kisses, or spend time with you. I know we will be reunited one day, and boy oh boy I can't wait till then. So for right now bug the heck out of Aunt Penny, and when it comes to the end of my life, I will be there to help you. But until then I will love and miss you until the sun burns out. 
Love you bunches daddy, 
your little sugarbear

I met Jake about 15 years ago and I was so impressed with this young man. Good sense of humor, polite, and well mannered. He had so much going for him. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I hope that the family can find peace in the memories of the sound of his laughter and the good times that you shared. Barbara and Jacey, I love you both and I will be praying for peace in your heart.

Life does not always go as planed. God surely has a better one for such a lovable young man. I will remember him always.   Uncle Johnny

My Precious Son, 
Since the first time I felt your heartbeat, I loved you.  There are no words to express the extent of deep sorrow, that I must carry along with me until I see you again in heaven.

You were always a good son and I know how you loved me.  Thank you for all the sweet little things you did and said to me in your short life.

Until we meet again my prayers are for you to be in the safe care of Jesus.
Love,
Mom

OBITUARY

Jacob R. Johnson

May 28, 1978 – January 13, 2015

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

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