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Jonathan Spears

    
Thursday, October 27 2005 @ 08:24 AM EDT
Contributed by: tomw
Views: 1,485
Individuals US

Orlando Sentinel -- PENSACOLA -- Lance Cpl. Jonathan Spears, who shed some of the weight that made him a formidable football player before the Marines would let him enlist, is the first service member from the Pensacola area to die in Iraq.

The Pentagon confirmed this week that Spears, 21, of Molino, a rural community north of Pensacola, was killed by small-arms fire Sunday in Ramadi. He had been with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment of the 1st Marine Division based in Twentynine Palms, Calif.



"He was one of the best sons a daddy could want," his father, Timothy Spears, said as tears rolled down his cheeks. "He gave his life doing what he believed in, and he served his country proudly."

A 6-foot-1, 265-pound offensive lineman at Tate High School, he was too big and too bulky for the Marines. He worked at a home-improvement store and attended Pensacola Junior College while dropping nearly 60 pounds.

By the time he came home on leave last month, he was down to 180 pounds.

His former football coach, Charlie Armstrong, didn't even recognize him. He told Armstrong he was unsure if he would re-enlist, thinking it might be time to pursue his plans of becoming an FBI or Secret Service agent.

"He was a great kid," Armstrong said. "He had to work for everything he got, but he was very motivated, very dedicated."

Family members said Spears, known as J.R., was a shy, polite young man who answered "Yes, sir" or "Yes, ma'am" long before he became a Marine.

When Spears joined the Marines in 2003, his father and mother, Marie Spears, pushed aside their fear and supported his decision.

"He loved his country, and he wanted a sense of purpose," uncle Edward Spears said.

"The other services, he didn't say anything against them, but it was the Marines or nothing for him."

Spears told family members in an e-mail that his duty in Iraq fulfilled a search for purpose by helping ensure democracy for people who had never known it.

He closed, as he always did, with a message for his mother: "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be fine."
 
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The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Jonathan Spears
Authored by: anonymous on Thursday, October 27 2005 @ 09:53 AM EDT
To his Family:
Being from a military family and having 2 of my owns sons serving in the
military, and also losing a child my heart and prayers go out to you. I'm
sure your son was a brave soldier doing what ws asked of him, but at what
price? I pray for your family and I'm sure he is smiling down on you. As
long as you have your memories he will live forever. My deepest
sympathies.

Lola tank
  • Jonathan Spears - Authored by: anonymous on Thursday, October 27 2005 @ 11:27 AM EDT
Jonathan Spears
Authored by: anonymous on Thursday, October 27 2005 @ 10:28 AM EDT
Your son is a hero just for going ovair and doing his job. Be proud of him always!

A soldier's sister
Jonathan Spears
Authored by: anonymous on Friday, October 28 2005 @ 07:14 AM EDT
Jonathan,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
To a heroic friend
Authored by: anonymous on Monday, October 31 2005 @ 10:48 AM EST
J.R. was a very close friend of mine. I talked to him about everyother day while he was in Iraq. I am glad to see people showing him the respect he deserves for being such a hero! We love you J.R. and will always remeber you.

Ryan
  • To a heroic friend - Authored by: anonymous on Wednesday, November 02 2005 @ 01:16 PM EST
Jonathan Spears
Authored by: anonymous on Wednesday, November 09 2005 @ 09:48 PM EST
To your family, I am so sorry to see you have join this group. However no matter what, rememeber Ryan and his choices. I have seen so many kids die for others What amazing men/women they all are, I hope you are able to remember this through the rest of your lives. It wont be easy. Missing them will always haunt you. Good luck on your new journey
Rhonda
mom of
Cpl Joe McCarthy KIA 9/6/04
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