Fun loving, carefree, family oriented, compassionate, charismatic
Jeremy lived boldly, bravely and freely. He was good at everything he did, and had a natural ability to learn whatever skill was needed to get a job done. He was hardworking and trustworthy with a strong faith in God, and a passion for life.
Jeremy had a storehouse of useless trivia knowledge and loved corny jokes. He was charismatic, fun and the life of any party. He was always ready to lend a hand by taking out the trash, or helping his little brother with his Cub Scout derby car. He was also all in for bigger projects like installing a swimming pool or doing construction projects for his parents. If there was a need, he was there, no questions asked, and no complaints! Jeremy also had the unique ability to encourage people and lift them up, even when dealing with his own internal struggles.
Jeremy thrived in the outdoors; fishing and hunting were two of his favorite outside activities. He was a solid athlete, competing in cross-country, basketball, football, hockey and soccer. He also had a gift for music and a love of playing the drums.
One favorite memory occurred just 55 days before Jeremy’s death. His dad and stepmom were celebrating their 50th birthdays. Jer was there to set up for the party and stayed through the night. His stepmom, Michelle said: “We expected he might leave early as he often did during active addiction, but that night was different, he never left, he celebrated, joked and laughed as if life was perfect, and for that one night, it was.”
“Early on, I allowed shame and stigma to control how I dealt with Jeremy’s illness, his stepmom said, but now I feel differently.” Jeremy’s addiction kept him away from the people he loved when he was struggling the most and needed the most support. ‘It is important that families instill a sense of self-worth, purpose and hope for their loved one with substance use disorder. Education, understanding and unconditional love are key elements to recovery.’
Michelle continues to educate herself about the disease of addiction and has a mission to help other families by starting Jeremy’s Journey, a non-profit to raise awareness and offer advocacy and support for those struggling with addiction.
Jeremy’s stepmom, Michelle Creasy, provided the information for this narrative.
July 1, 1990-June 8-2018
Age 27-Lived with the disease of addiction 13 years
