A musical number from my brother’s memorial
Added 2025-03-24 22:37:00 +0000 UTCDear Gem💎 ,
We realize it’s been two weeks since our latest exclusive episode for you on Patreon. We just returned home last night after attending my brother Jamis’ funeral on Saturday, and I have decided to share the final musical number with you from the event. I realize not everyone is into bluegrass music, but the genre, and particularly this song, is a long held family tradition. My dad is the older gentleman who is playing the guitar and leading the singing, and other brothers and friends are playing the other instruments. I spoke, and so did our son. It was healing to be with those who knew and loved my brother, and we shut off our devices for the week to focus on family.
Also, I want to share Jamey’s obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/jamis-johnson-obituary?id=57936469
Thanks for your kindess and support during this time and understanding our lapse in posting. We will have an episode for you later this week!
Comments
My condolences on the loss of your beloved brother. May his memory be a blessing. Your pops is talented & the bluegrass is lively & lush! What a lovely memorial service.
Ruthie
2025-04-17 17:09:46 +0000 UTCThat hymn takes me back to my childhood:) What a beautiful song/tribute for your brother… the love you all have for him radiated through 💕 Sending love and prayers for you Lauren, and for your beautiful family. May your brother rest peacefully 🙏
Domsmom725
2025-04-05 01:18:49 +0000 UTCMusic brings joy to the darkest times. That was amazing. So, so sorry for your loss 💔
Cindy Walker-Watson
2025-04-02 15:37:40 +0000 UTCBrilliantly performed, beautiful and fun celebration of life for your little brother Jamis. May he rest in eternal peace and may you and your family be at peace also. ❤️🙏🏼
Erin Aboudara
2025-03-31 00:47:05 +0000 UTCThis is beautiful 😍! I love this song, may your brother be dancing in heaven. And your Mother.
D. Haskins
2025-03-26 22:23:27 +0000 UTCSo sorry for the loss of your brother. I have ached for you all since learning of his condition. The loss of a sibling is so much more difficult than one can describe. Siblings know us from the early days of our lives like no one else. May your memories bring you peace.
Ttonline
2025-03-26 14:25:54 +0000 UTCThank you so much for sharing. I am humbled.
Laura Biddle
2025-03-26 09:51:09 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing this awesome blue grass performance at your sweet brother’s funeral. You are a lucky gal to have such a close and caring family. It the awful to lose those we love the most. All my caring and sympathy to you and your family.
Merilee
2025-03-26 03:41:18 +0000 UTCLauren - Made me cry for real. I love it! I'm originally from the piedmont of North Carolina & was raised on this. This song, in particular, is so powerful right now- love seeing/hearing your dad playing! Standing room only there too! So sorry for your brother's passing. Too young. I've lost 3 very close & significant family members in the last 6 months, one in my presence, unexpectedly. It is so hard, so I understand the grief and rawness. But... there's a better place awaiting, in the sky Lord, in the sky! Thx so much for all you are & all you do, both you and John. My very best to you and yours. ...Karen N
ApotheKaren
2025-03-26 01:57:04 +0000 UTCI'm a new member and I just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss Lauren.
TeaJay
2025-03-26 01:49:45 +0000 UTCLove this so much! What a fantastic send off for a wonderful man. Though his life wasn’t long, he sure did live it up to its fullest! The obituary was beautifully written Lauren! Continued prayers for comfort and peace.
Kristin Taylor
2025-03-25 23:55:16 +0000 UTCI’m so sorry for your loss, Lauren. Thank you for sharing this - what a beautiful celebration of life. Sending you and yours love as you grieve the loss of your dear brother. 💐
Chrissy Dunaway Reilly
2025-03-25 23:28:32 +0000 UTCWhat a great and beautiful tribute to your precious brother! I loved this so much! It’s the perfect send off. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Don’t worry about posting or videos. We’ll be here! Much love. ❤️
Alison
2025-03-25 23:22:21 +0000 UTCBeautiful tribute, so sorry for your loss 💕
Angelique
2025-03-25 19:46:15 +0000 UTCThat was so beautiful, thank you for sharing with us. I’m so sorry for the loss of your treasured brother.
Toni ONeill St James
2025-03-25 17:30:41 +0000 UTCLovely, and a beautiful obituary. Your brother led an amazing life and his light lives on in all his loved ones.
Eedee
2025-03-25 16:15:09 +0000 UTCWonderful song! Thank you for sharing. The circle will be unbroken.
Marmalade's Mom
2025-03-25 15:51:08 +0000 UTCSo beautiful and what a lovely family. Prayers and love to you. Grief is the price we pay for love---and the cost is high.
Dianne Lopp
2025-03-25 13:16:03 +0000 UTCTāme your time. Thank you for sharing this with uz. So much love.
Līga Vasara-Brakmane
2025-03-25 12:17:05 +0000 UTCLauren, this is wonderful!! What strength and what a tribute and tradition. And to see and hear everyone standing singing and clapping is so moving. Faith, family, and Bluegrass. It just can’t get any better. I hope you can get some good rest after a sweet body emotional time.❤️🩹 💐
CB1
2025-03-25 12:08:35 +0000 UTCDear Lauren- we play that at Irish funerals too. Bitter/sweet. I want you to smile though, so I will say your dad still has got what it takes, he is a nice looking “young” man!! Best wishes to you and your family. May these years bless you with beautiful memories.
Shannon Leap
2025-03-25 11:35:06 +0000 UTCSending prayers and strength for your family thank you for sharing
Brenda
2025-03-25 11:28:30 +0000 UTCThe circle will be unbroken, Lauren. My family sings "I'll Fly Away." Tell your family they're really good musicians. Thank you for sharing. ♥️
MyssiAnne
2025-03-25 11:22:01 +0000 UTCBlessed journey to Jamey 🕯️❤️
Imia
2025-03-25 11:19:13 +0000 UTCLove the music and honor for your brother. 🩵
Kacy Cat Artist
2025-03-25 10:18:36 +0000 UTCLove this! ❤️ Sending you love and prayers.
Jennifer Chandler
2025-03-25 07:18:55 +0000 UTCCovering you in so much love as you navigate your grief.
Christie Blair
2025-03-25 06:53:51 +0000 UTCI agree Ronald. How could anyone not love it. Thank you. 💕
Lauren and John Matthias
2025-03-25 06:47:11 +0000 UTCIt’s obvious that the legacy your dear brother left were the people in that room. Each of them filled with treasured memories, celebrating his life and the love he so generously shared. Take all the time you need to grieve and heal. We will be here when you are ready. My condolences to all that loved, respected and cherished your beloved Jamis.
Tammy Tencza
2025-03-25 06:30:23 +0000 UTCOur family and friends sang this twice last year— the first was for my nephew who passed quickly from leukemia and they second for my 90+ year old mother-in-law. May your memories of your brother sustain you.
Pam Olson
2025-03-25 06:21:39 +0000 UTCMy heart is with you and your family during this difficult time. 💞
Linda Lu
2025-03-25 04:44:59 +0000 UTCBeautiful music, Lauren!!
Connie Holden
2025-03-25 04:13:31 +0000 UTCThank you for letting us be a part of his memorial. What a beautiful tribute. It is so evident how special his life was and that he was loved by so many. I'm holding you, your family, and all who were touched by his life in my heart and in my prayers.
Katie Alosi
2025-03-25 04:01:09 +0000 UTCThis is beautiful, and uplifting. Thinking of you and your family. Fri Kansas❤️
Sanibel girl
2025-03-25 03:11:07 +0000 UTCLauren this is such a beautiful tribute to Jamie..so much love here. Your dad is the coolest!! Thank you so much for sharing with us Gems..it is truly you that is the Gem.. A real diamond. Hugs, Nancy from Utah.
Jane Marie
2025-03-25 02:21:24 +0000 UTCOh gosh, take all the time you need! I’m very sorry for your loss. Thanks so much for sharing this special moment with us. ❤️
Zefora
2025-03-25 01:53:31 +0000 UTC💕
JenAus
2025-03-25 01:27:58 +0000 UTCI’m honored you would share this with me. Thank you.
Rose
2025-03-25 01:05:26 +0000 UTCThis took me back to my childhood in a good way! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful moment during your time of grief. Sending you love! ❤️
Mary Ramsey
2025-03-25 01:04:03 +0000 UTCAmazing tribute to your sweet brother. Your dad was on it. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful day. Xo Poor Dr. John looked so uncomfortable, he's a very shy man, my husband is too.
Cotton~Carolyn
2025-03-25 01:02:22 +0000 UTCSo lovely. Thank you for sharing
Monica
2025-03-25 00:55:20 +0000 UTCThis is absolutely beautiful 🧡 Continued prayers for you and your family.
Nancy Anderson
2025-03-25 00:41:15 +0000 UTCThis really touched me. This song is a standard at every memorial I can remember for every member of my family who has passed on. I recognized it from the first lick of the banjo. From the Appalachian mountains, thank you for sharing this with us.
Rebecca Hayes
2025-03-25 00:37:17 +0000 UTCBeautiful. It appears Jamis was very loved. I wish your family peace.
KELLY TAYLOR-MINER
2025-03-25 00:32:23 +0000 UTCThis was amazing. Thanks for sharing this personal moment. Loved watching this. So well done.
Erik Emmer
2025-03-25 00:32:13 +0000 UTCPlease do whatever feels right along this journey. I, for one, will still be here when you return. Thanks for sharing this with us 🧡
Elizabeth Thompson
2025-03-25 00:22:22 +0000 UTCThank you for sharing this. I mean I’m kinda ugly crying now, but I was due for an ugly cry. A release of sorts. I wish I had some wise words…but I’ve learned that maybe much more wisdom is shared in silence, hugs, or preferably… music! especially Bluegrass (or next best, the Beatles) I love this. Hugs and support to you.
Swannie
2025-03-25 00:20:50 +0000 UTCThis is beautiful! You can feeling the love for your brother in the room. Listening to the music brings back so many childhood memories of listening to my grandpa play banjo for hours. Thoughts are with you and your family, Lauren.
Lindsay Couch
2025-03-25 00:13:02 +0000 UTCI love bluegrass music. My sincerest condolences to you, your family, and friends. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🕊️
Nikki
2025-03-25 00:09:26 +0000 UTCIt's really generous and special for you guys to share this with us. Wishing your family all the best at this difficult time. The obitchuary was so beautiful and fascinating to read. Your brother sounded like a great, intelligent, and fun man who had a lot of great stories! Take care of yourselves.
Evie Hollerbach
2025-03-25 00:09:15 +0000 UTCYou could feel the love in the music. I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss, your brother was so young. Take all the time You and John and the little one need. We are here for you. 💜🙏🏻
Sallie Kribbet
2025-03-25 00:06:54 +0000 UTCLove this song. Not a bluegrass fan but grew up with my granny singing this song around the house.
Annette taber
2025-03-25 00:06:11 +0000 UTCThank you so very much for sharing! Big hugs to you, please take care of yourselves!
Becky Moses-Suarez
2025-03-24 23:49:21 +0000 UTCSuch a beautiful send off Lauren. I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Life can be so unfair. Sending love and light! 🩷✨💫
Audra Neurauter
2025-03-24 23:43:55 +0000 UTCA beautiful tribute to your dear brother! It’s very apparent that he is well loved! God bless and comfort you and your family.
GA Wood
2025-03-24 23:41:32 +0000 UTCHe sounds like an incredible human being. The world is definitely less everything good because he is gone. Thank you for sharing this with us. I listened to the episode of Mormon Stories today you did about Lori on Dateline, the whole time all I could think was you were going through something devastating. I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this.
Marci Welcker
2025-03-24 23:34:11 +0000 UTCP.S. Take care of YOU, Lauren……we can wait! 👍❤️👍
Gwen Hargrove
2025-03-24 23:32:06 +0000 UTCAbsolutely beautiful! There is nothing like people making music with each other - and especially your Dad/other family members/friends! I’m sure it does your Dad’s heart good to be able to play for the memory of his beautiful son! I love that your little guy gets to experience this kind of love! May you hold your brother and all of those wonderful memories in your heart forever! ❤️❤️❤️
Gwen Hargrove
2025-03-24 23:31:08 +0000 UTCHow could anyone not love bluegrass…that was so uplifting in the midst oof all our grief.
Ronald Helm
2025-03-24 23:18:18 +0000 UTCHow beautiful.
TexasTCMom
2025-03-24 23:15:59 +0000 UTCLooks like he had a beautiful service ❤️. Take care my friend. He was loved by many.
Melissa McMillen
2025-03-24 23:14:55 +0000 UTCMy Dad is from Alabama. He was part of a bluegrass group. This was sang at my Dad's funeral also! I love it!💙🤗 Again, I am so sorry for your families loss 🙏
Kimm Baker
2025-03-24 23:11:20 +0000 UTCSorry for your loss. Beautiful song. ❤️
KB
2025-03-24 23:11:06 +0000 UTCAwe Lauren (sniffle). Beautiful!
AZ Mermaid
2025-03-24 23:09:48 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry for your loss. Learning to live with a tragedy is never easy, but I hope you find peace.
AubSauce
2025-03-24 23:08:58 +0000 UTCThank you for sharing, Lauren. I love that song. It brings back so many memories of my childhood at church with my grandparents.
Lynn Saastad
2025-03-24 23:05:18 +0000 UTCThat is beautiful! Thank you.
Elizabeth Janson
2025-03-24 23:03:45 +0000 UTCSuch a beautiful tribute. I love that music!!!!
Triple L
2025-03-24 22:59:08 +0000 UTCTalented beautiful tribute to remember Jamey. Thank you for sharing.
Kay Louise
2025-03-24 22:58:32 +0000 UTCPeace to you.
tsblanca
2025-03-24 22:57:46 +0000 UTCSo sorry for your loss. What a lovely tradition, and so nice to see your dad up there playing with joy. I hope you take your time with your family if you can. Please don't feel pressure to create content at this time, unless it helps you feel better.
Jennifer Priebe
2025-03-24 22:56:02 +0000 UTCThis is so beautiful Lauren. As was your written obituary. Your brother was a very special person. Thank you for sharing the video. I just love that your Dad is leading that uplifting music and that the day brought you some comfort. Lovely your son was involved too! You’ve got me crying in Starbucks all by myself. 😭🤍🕊️
Cats&Dogs
2025-03-24 22:47:28 +0000 UTCWe all love you so much. Please know we miss you and honor your time with your family. He was such a bright light and I have deep respect for the love you shared.
Mrs. G
2025-03-24 22:46:35 +0000 UTCBeautiful! Thanks for sharing your lil brother ❤️
Diane L
2025-03-24 22:46:13 +0000 UTC*sent
Kathleen Kryspin
2025-03-24 22:45:52 +0000 UTCOh Lauren, this is so beautiful! I am crying as I listen. To see your beautiful father and I think of the pics you send us of your beautiful brother. I am so so sorry for your loss. He is a light that shines on forever and ever. Bless you and your family and John and Fairbanks! "May the circle be unbroken." Yes. Yes. Yes. The circle is never ever broken. It is love. You are all love. Bless you all, xo.
Kathleen Kryspin
2025-03-24 22:45:30 +0000 UTCWhat a tremendous musical celebration and reminder of hope, of love and connection. Lauren, thank you for sharing this ever so generous gift with us. I love you and haven’t stopped supporting and praying for you! Btw I sang my heart out with you and even pulled out harmonies for Jamis!!! So much love !🤍
Paula Marie Cornell
2025-03-24 22:44:42 +0000 UTCThank you for sharing. That was amazing.
Laura Selwood
2025-03-24 22:41:46 +0000 UTCBeautiful and sooo cool❤️🫶❤️
Sarah
2025-03-24 22:40:19 +0000 UTCSo sorry for your loss ❤️. This was beautiful.
Stefanie
2025-03-24 22:39:59 +0000 UTCI love bluegrass and this is beautiful - your dad leading a sing along is incredible. I’m so sorry.
Emily Silver
2025-03-24 22:39:55 +0000 UTCThis is awesome! My thoughts are with you! 🥰
Jenny Reda
2025-03-24 22:39:35 +0000 UTC
