I’ll better myself by remembering you.
– Eliot
I met JD through the SF Bay Area music scene. He was the guy with the long, colored hair who never failed to offer a genuine smile and a light-hearted hello to anyone. It was inevitable that we should become acquainted because he was so available for conversation whenever I saw him. I remember walking the grounds of a musical event early early in the morning and sitting on hay bails by the gate, chatting in the morning stillness. Bye JD. You’ll be missed in the old familiar haunts.
-Christopher
JD will remain a living guide to all who were privileged enough to have received his gift of kindness and friendship.
However, he will be deeply missed by so many. My prayers and condolences go out to your family. Take care.
I so hope for a cure.
Life’s too short, and JD’s death gives me some serious pause.
While I’ve never met him in person, we shared some of the same circles, and most certainly knew of each other, even though our interactions were never direct with one another.
His contributions to the messaging space of the Internet were already legendary before his death – and now ever more. He was clearly the calm voice I am still trying to find for myself, but which I’ve only ever found, if just temporarily, in the other professional space I inhabit.
Not since Abha Ahuja (Merit/NANOG) died in 2001, have I felt such a close, professional loss, and my thoughts, wishes and heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Kai
As is often the case with heroes, most people will never know the way JD worked to help others. I count myself lucky to have known someone so devoted to doing the right thing, not for recognition or credit, but because it was the right thing to do.
You will continue to be an inspiration to many, and your work a benefit to many, many more.
Thank you JD.
Thanks for keeping me up late listening to your radio show.
Thanks for the music exchange.
Thanks for words of encouragement.
I put together this set for you brother, as your soul is released from its earthly bonds and you prepare reach out and touch the face of the almighty. Spin this on your ride home brother.
I write because I love it. And because you told me that if its the one thing i can’t not do, then I should go for it. This world is a sadder place without you. I’m glad that I could call you my friend. You are where I learned the true art of collaboration and the sharing of thought, ideas and how to turn that into action. Simply by standing for something that matters.
You were there for me when I lost my son. I am heart broken that we have lost you.
And now a poem 🙂
Too soon the whit and passion lost
too soon the tides of wisdom tossed
stone clad legacy echo long
in dominion weak and strong
was lived outloud, with great revere
none will forget, J.D. was here.
I just found out on Facebook, and I am in shock. I always respected JD, and was planning on catching him for a beer at some point as I always felt I didn’t manage to communicate well in email.
I am very saddened by his loss. But I also know that he made a difference, to me personally, and to the world around us.
Gadi.
I only knew JD for a year, but during that time he was a voice of reason in a sometimes cacophonous group. I will miss his easy-going, straightforward way.
All the best to his family and friends.
Monica
I only knew JD for a year, but during that time he was a voice of reason among a sometimes cacophonous crowd. I will miss his easy-going, straightforward way.
All the best to his family and friends.
Monica
It was always good to know I could trust JD to fight spam alongside me.
Dear JD,
You’ll be greatly missed by many, many people across the internet community – those of us that have had the honor to meet you (in person or “online”), and those that haven’t.Hugs, support & sympathy go out to your family in this time.
Udeme Ukutt
postmaster@synacor
The green hair after burning man was one of my earliest memories of you. And the way you provided a sane, calm, measured voice when you wielded your stick. I’m going to miss you man. And the hair. I think of you every time I see someone with a rebel streak in theirs.
Rodney
I worked with JD, off an on, for close to 15 years. Most especially during his days at Critical Path. I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing. The world is a much poorer place without him.
Kathy H.
I was fortunate enough to know J.D. It was a short time, but we spent much together. He inspired me and enlightened me in many ways. Thank You My Dear Friend.
JD was one of the few people I’ve met in the online world that I actually wanted to meet in the real world. Damn. – Ben