Loving, compassionate, funny, loyal, dedicated
If you knew Jeremy, you loved him. He cared about people, had a great sense of humor, was kind and compassionate and great with children. Jeremy loved God, attending church with his family, and was passionate about hunting and fishing. “He had the biggest heart,” His mother, Jennifer, stated.
Jeremy’s little sister, Ella Grace, now 16, was his pride and joy. He loved spoiling her. They were best friends despite the eight-year age difference. He would do what Ella wanted, even if it was playing tea party. In later years, he taught her wrestling moves, and they played board games and watched movies together.
Jeremy was close to his maternal grandparents. When he spent the night with them, he would chat with grandma and watch horror films with his Aunt Jana. His grandfather, Gary, “Pa,” was his hunting and fishing buddy. Pa taught Jeremy everything he knew about the outdoors, and hunting and fishing. Jeremy absorbed every bit of it. He was in a hunting club with his brother, Brett, Pa, and his Uncle Keith.
When Jeremy and his brother Sam were little, the family lived on a farm. Being only a year apart in age, they were best buddies. They could be seen in their cowboy hats and boots, playing with the chickens and horses, enjoying their freedom. They once had a joint Pirates of the Caribbean birthday party, which they loved, while on a beach vacation in St. Augustine.
When Jeremy wasn’t outdoors, he loved watching football, especially Auburn football, with his dad, Scott, and his brothers, Brett, and Sam. He also enjoyed spending time with his niece, Lorelai.
Jeremy became addicted to drugs at 16. His passion for hunting and fishing waned as the drugs took hold. He was depressed, anxious, and ashamed. His ability to develop new interests or learn life skills for adulthood never developed. Though Jeremy tried hard to be grown, reliable, and independent, his growth was hampered. His dad took on the responsibility of doing Jeremy’s taxes for him every year. His mother said “he was a mama’s boy until he passed.”
When Jeremy was not deep in his disease, he had a strong work ethic. His last jobs were working on construction crews, building houses. Family and church were number one for Jeremy. It was noticeable when his church attendance diminished and he withdrew from family. He wanted to change, but couldn’t break the addiction. “He had a tender heart,” his mom said, “he would never hurt us on purpose, and yet he knew he did. It shows what a strong hold addiction can have on people.”
During active addiction, Jeremy’s personality changed. Usually respectful and loving, he could be disrespectful and aggressive. Jennifer stated, “I could still see the old Jeremy in there, but there was another side that emerged.” Toward the end of his life, Jeremy’s goal was to get treatment, then live with his mom and sister. He needed to be close to family.
Everyone tried what they thought might help; nothing did. It was hard to watch him self-destruct and get in deeper over time. “Hunting season is hard now–he loved it so much and not to see him out there with his grandaddy is difficult,” Jennifer said. “He was this bright light in the world and when he passed the bright light that was Jeremy went out.”
Jeremy’s mother, Jennifer Clark, provided the information for this narrative. April 14, 2000-July 3, 2022-Age-22
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
