Remembering Our Fallen Brothers With Great Honor and Respect

Scott S. Scharper

JCU Member June 2001 – August 2005

Scott Shane Scharper, a decorated Marine Corps veteran, age 51, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Johnson City, TN.

Born in Baltimore, MD, Scott’s whole life embodied the Jesuit motto, “Service to Others”. As a young man, he was a leader in the Civil Air Patrol and a lifeguard at the community swimming pool. After graduating from Loyola High School in Towson, MD, where he was on the swim team, he attended a local college until enlisting in the US Marine Corps. As a Marine, Scott rose through the ranks to retire as a commissioned officer, Chief Warrant Officer 4. During his 23 years of service, he participated in multiple combat deployments and operations to Afghanistan and Iraq, was a member of the elite Joint Special Operations Command and an early member of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. Through his exemplary military career he was awarded the Gold Naval Parachutist Wings along with thirty-nine medals and ribbons to include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and multiple Combat Action Ribbons. After retirement, he continued his service to his country as a contractor supporting both US Central Command and Special Operations Command in Tampa, FL. Always striving to improve himself, he was pursuing a degree at Eastern Tennessee State University with the goal of improving the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD and had been the commander of the local Post 24 of the American Legion. Scott was a fun, loving person who enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Scharper, sons Zachery and Ian Scharper, sisters Kate Scharper McDonald and Sue Sappington, and his parents, Richard and Theresa Scharper.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday evening between 5:00 – 8:00 pm on August 1, 2023, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Ave, Johnson City, Tn, 37601.

A committal service will commence the following day at 11:00 am on August 2, 2023, at the Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Ave, within the James Quillon VA Hospital grounds at Veterans Way & Lamont St, Johnson City, Tn, 37604. There will be a funeral home member inside the entrance to direct you to the nearby site. A memorial reception will be held at The Gallery at Southern Craft BBQ following the funeral.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Scott Scharper. (423) 282-1521

Ronald A. Watts

JCU Member June 1998-May 2002 & September 2003-January 2011

November 30, 1969 – March 13, 2023

This is a story of an adventurous southern boy from rural Florence County, South Carolina who through a series of misadventures and good fortune grew into the man we all came to know, love, and respect.

During his formative years Ronny worked in his father’s auto parts store and knew exactly what he wanted in life; have fun, avoid trouble and do the best job possible. From hunting and fishing to riding dirt bikes; from earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouts, to winning countless shooting competitions; Ronny accomplished these and many other goals.

Ronny enjoyed time in his workshop crafting exotic woods into keepsake items. According to friends and family, he honed his woodworking skills using carefully selected sharp four-letter words!

Ronny enlisted in the Army in 1989 and was subsequently assigned to the US Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia as an international Pistol Shooter for the Army Shooting Team. Ronny was then assigned as a programmer analyst during a tour in Korea. Following this assignment, he returned to the U.S Shooting Team and competed in World Cups in Munich, Milan and Atlanta. Ronny’s additional assignments included a tour as instructor at the U.S. Army Signal Center at Ft. Gordon, Georgia and JSOC where he would eventually serve as Operations Sergeant Major.

During a brief assignment in 2003, Ronny met Sarah Watkins and the two married a year later. Following his retirement in 2010, Ronny, Sarah and their three children settled in Apex, NC

His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. He was awarded the Ranger Tab, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the German Parachutist Badge, and was a member of the prestigious Sgt Audie Murphy Club. In addition to successfully completing various complex training courses, Ronny also earned his master’s degree.

In addition to his long list of military accomplishments, Ronny also took great pride in instilling fear in his superiors and subordinates. Countless stories have been told of how Ronny used his debating skills to sway opinion. One friend said Ronny could argue that a chair should be positioned upside down on the floor and, eventually, all would agree.

After retiring from the Army in 2010, Ronny joined Dell Technologies as a Deputy Program Manager. He played a key role in everything from contract change negotiations with government leaders, to solution development with Dell and various external partners, to talent identification and leadership development activities for prospective and existing employees. Ronny continually worked to support veterans in their efforts to transition from the military to civilian life.

Ronny enjoyed the simple things in life – woodworking in his shop, teaching his sons how to hunt and fish, basking in the joy of sharing his love of guitar with his daughter and snuggling up to his wife while watching a movie.

A person’s success when facing the end of life isn’t measured by what you have, it’s measured by the strength of love surrounding you when that time arrives. By all measures Ronny led a very successful life.

Ronny is survived by Sarah, his loving wife of 20 years; and their three children, Chandler, Oliver and Abigail; and, of course, the family pets: Tony the cat and Rigby the dog. We will forever miss his quick-witted humor, sly smile, feisty attitude and outspoken opinion about everything.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Operations Communicators Association.

 

Stacey A. Lewis

JCU Member MAY 2005-March 2012

Stacey Adam Lewis, 49, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022. Stacey is survived by parents; Wesley and Judy Lewis; loving wife of 30 years, Shelly Lewis; son, Stacey Adam Lewis II “Adam”; daughter, Tiffany (Darren) Redburn; sister, Alicia Lewis, and many other brothers and sisters; grandchildren, Nova Lewis, Edward Foust, Owen Redburn, and Jace Redburn; and many nieces and nephews. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group – Broadway Mortuary.

Randall E. Hammond

JCU Member December 1987-July 1994

It is with profound sadness that the family of Randy Hammond announce his sudden passing at the far too young age of 60.

 

Randy was the youngest child, born to Walter and Jeanne Hammond, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his mother Jeanne Hammond (at 101 years old) just last year. He will be dearly missed by his high school sweetheart, and wife of 41 years, Cindy, his daughter Beth Matthews (Tom Matthews), son Tom Hammond (Jessica Hammond), siblings Russell, Eileen, Ralph, and Roy, his grandchildren, Zayden, Stella, Scott, and Saul, and many nieces and nephews.

 

Randy led a life full of accomplishments that most can only wish to achieve in twice as much time. He was committed to his family, and the kind of man that held on to friends his entire life. He was loyal, faithful, and steadfast in his beliefs. Retiring from the U.S. Airforce as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service, he was HALO qualified, with over 100 jumps (out of perfectly good airplanes) with the Joint Communications Operations Squadron. He was a well decorated airman having earned several awards with the most notable being the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, and the Joint Commendation Medal.

 

He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Technical Operations and a minor in Aviation Safety while serving active duty in the Air Force with two children in grade school and his wife by his side. This set him up for a future career with GE Aviation as a Principal Engineer. While at GE, Randy ran the Edison Internship program mentoring many young adults. He was also a Fire Fighter for Byron Township, a Board member and Youth Trap Coach of the South Kent Sportsman’s Club, a certified SCUBA diver, private pilot, electronics instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, and his latest (and very proud) achievement, a licensed ham radio operator.

 

Randy was a jack-of-all trades, fixer of just about anything including grandkid toys, and life-long learner. He loved his family dearly; there was nothing he couldn’t do.

 

Services will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, Monday, October 4th with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and funeral service at 11:00 am. Reception to follow. He will be laid to rest Tuesday, October 5th at 11:00 am at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012.

Paul H. Niles

JCU Member (4th SEA) MAY 1989-MAY 1992

Paul Harvey Niles, 77, of Bremerton, WA passed away June 24th, 2021. Paul retired first from a full career in the U.S. Army and later the U.S. Post Office. He loved to be on the go, working, serving, and golfing. He was always thinking of others and had an uncanny ability to find joy and spread happiness in his daily activities. He loved making people laugh and was quick to tell a joke. His infectious smile and wit will be a cherished memory for all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, Claudia; his brother, Peter (Donna); son, Timothy (Connie) and grandson Justus; daughter, Pamela (Brian) and granddaughters Julia and Anna. He was preceded in death by his mother Barbara, father Emmett, and brother David. He loved the Lord, his family and country. He served each day to the fullest and with an “All-in” attitude to the end. To the one we loved as “Honey”, “Dad”, “Papa”, and “Grampy” we will “miss you more.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to your church’s world missions. If you do not have a local church, please donate to the world missions fund at the Rock Church Assembly of God in Scottsdale, AZ.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at: The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 10 am on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 23029 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85024

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at: Rock Church Assembly of God Scottsdale 10 am on Saturday, July 24th, 2021 2012 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257

 

Timothy C. Wilson

Start Date of Serviece: 1 March 1988
End Date of Serviece: 1 December 1991
Date of Death: 26 April 2021

JCU Member March 1988 – December 1991

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Timothy Curtis Wilson of Durham, North Carolina, who passed away at the age of 63, on April 26, 2021. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Timothy Curtis Wilson or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.

He was loved and cherished by many people including: his wife Audrey; his parents, William Wilson and Luretha Chavous Wilson; his children, Alyssa Brooke Wilson and Christopher Curtis Wilson; and his siblings, Elaine Johnson, Annette Wilson and Bruce Wilson.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 5th 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Henderson Grove Missionary Baptist Church (2608 Page Rd, Morrisville, NC 27560). A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 5th 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Henderson Grove Baptist Church (2806 Page Rd, Morrisville, NC 27560).

Michael T. Teeter

JCU Plank Holder April 1981 – October 1985

Senior Chief Michael “Mikey” Twaddell Teeter, 69, passed away peacefully in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 7, 2021.  A Naval Veteran, he was born on May 11, 1951 in Amarillo, Texas to James Pierson Teeter and Margaret Ann Twaddell Teeter.

He was an avid gardener, loved to go hiking, fishing and loved family outings to the beach.  Mikey will always be remembered for his wise cracking sense of humor, his love of bringing stray animals’ home and for being the funniest Dad and Grandpa.  He was a loving Husband, Grandpa, Brother, Dad and Friend.

Michael is preceded in death by his Wife of 24 years, Sally Teeter; his Mother Margaret Ann Twaddell; His Father James Pierson Teeter, and his Daughter, Jaclynn Suzanne Teeter.

Michael is survived by his two sisters, Linda Johnston and Karen Pfieffer; His two brothers Patrick Teeter and Jamie Teeter.  His five children, Michael J. Teeter and wife Brittany Teeter, Nicholas J. Teeter and wife Amber Teeter, Jeromy K. Teeter, Lisa N. Moyer and husband Ed Moyer and Stephanie A. Teeter; grandchildren, Savannah Wilkins, Emily Teeter, Libby Hurtado, Grace Dunlop and Chase Hughes.  He is also survived by his great grandchildren Azalia Penrod, Noah Hinojosa, Jude Hinojosa, Ezra Hinojosa and Eden Hinojosa.

A graveside service and Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

James D. "Yeti" Jordahl

Start Date of Serviece: 1 July 2004
End Date of Serviece: 1 July 2010
Date of Death: 10 December 2020

JCU Member July 2004 – July 2010

James D. Jordahl, 39, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2020 in Colorado Springs, CO from complications of Ewing’s Sarcoma, with his wife by his side. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, August 19, 1981, the second of two children born to the union of the Jay and Barbara L. Jordahl.

James graduated from Roseville Area High School in 1999. He joined the USAF and honorably served for over 20 years in Communications , retiring in December 2019, with the rank of Master Sergeant. While in the military he earned a degree from American Military University in Environmental Science. He was recently employed by ATT Government Solutions , as a Senior Specialist, Project Manager.

Family, friends and his teammates were extremely import ant to James. He had a love for the outdoors, especially fishing, traveling and having a beer with those close to him. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle, his daughter Sydney and his son Zach. He is preceded in death by his father Jay. Survived by his mother Barbara and siblings Jody, Dan and Jason, many nephews and one niece.

Internment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, anticipated in 2021. Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in James honor to: Special Operations Communicators Association OR Operation Healing Forces.