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
Ruthie
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.
Domsmom725
That 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 🙏
Cindy Walker-Watson
Music brings joy to the darkest times. That was amazing. So, so sorry for your loss 💔
Erin Aboudara
Brilliantly 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. ❤️🙏🏼
D. Haskins
This is beautiful 😍! I love this song, may your brother be dancing in heaven. And your Mother.
Ttonline
So 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.
Laura Biddle
Thank you so much for sharing. I am humbled.
Merilee
Thanks 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.
ApotheKaren
Lauren - 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
TeaJay
I'm a new member and I just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss Lauren.
Kristin Taylor
Love 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.
Chrissy Dunaway Reilly
I’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. 💐
Alison
What 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. ❤️
Angelique
Beautiful tribute, so sorry for your loss 💕
Toni ONeill St James
That was so beautiful, thank you for sharing with us. I’m so sorry for the loss of your treasured brother.
Eedee
Lovely, and a beautiful obituary. Your brother led an amazing life and his light lives on in all his loved ones.
Marmalade's Mom
Wonderful song! Thank you for sharing. The circle will be unbroken.
Dianne Lopp
So beautiful and what a lovely family. Prayers and love to you. Grief is the price we pay for love---and the cost is high.
Līga Vasara-Brakmane
Tāme your time. Thank you for sharing this with uz. So much love.
CB1
Lauren, 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.❤️🩹 💐
Shannon Leap
Dear 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.
Brenda
Sending prayers and strength for your family thank you for sharing
MyssiAnne
The circle will be unbroken, Lauren. My family sings "I'll Fly Away." Tell your family they're really good musicians. Thank you for sharing. ♥️
Imia
Blessed journey to Jamey 🕯️❤️
Kacy Cat Artist
Love the music and honor for your brother. 🩵
Jennifer Chandler
Love this! ❤️ Sending you love and prayers.
Christie Blair
Covering you in so much love as you navigate your grief.
Lauren and John Matthias
I agree Ronald. How could anyone not love it. Thank you. 💕
Tammy Tencza
It’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.
Pam Olson
Our 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.
Linda Lu
My heart is with you and your family during this difficult time. 💞
Connie Holden
Beautiful music, Lauren!!
Katie Alosi
Thank 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.
Sanibel girl
This is beautiful, and uplifting. Thinking of you and your family. Fri Kansas❤️
Jane Marie
Lauren 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.
Zefora
Oh gosh, take all the time you need! I’m very sorry for your loss. Thanks so much for sharing this special moment with us. ❤️
JenAus
💕
Rose
I’m honored you would share this with me. Thank you.
Mary Ramsey
This 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! ❤️
Cotton~Carolyn
Amazing 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.
Monica
So lovely. Thank you for sharing
Nancy Anderson
This is absolutely beautiful 🧡 Continued prayers for you and your family.
Rebecca Hayes
This 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.
KELLY TAYLOR-MINER
Beautiful. It appears Jamis was very loved. I wish your family peace.
Erik Emmer
This was amazing. Thanks for sharing this personal moment. Loved watching this. So well done.
Elizabeth Thompson
Please do whatever feels right along this journey. I, for one, will still be here when you return. Thanks for sharing this with us 🧡
Swannie
Thank 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.
Lindsay Couch
This 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.
Nikki
I love bluegrass music. My sincerest condolences to you, your family, and friends. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🕊️
Evie Hollerbach
It'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.
Sallie Kribbet
You 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. 💜🙏🏻
Annette taber
Love this song. Not a bluegrass fan but grew up with my granny singing this song around the house.
Becky Moses-Suarez
Thank you so very much for sharing! Big hugs to you, please take care of yourselves!
Audra Neurauter
Such 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! 🩷✨💫
GA Wood
A beautiful tribute to your dear brother! It’s very apparent that he is well loved! God bless and comfort you and your family.
Marci Welcker
He 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.
Gwen Hargrove
P.S. Take care of YOU, Lauren……we can wait! 👍❤️👍
Gwen Hargrove
Absolutely 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! ❤️❤️❤️
Ronald Helm
How could anyone not love bluegrass…that was so uplifting in the midst oof all our grief.
TexasTCMom
How beautiful.
Melissa McMillen
Looks like he had a beautiful service ❤️. Take care my friend. He was loved by many.
Kimm Baker
My 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 🙏
KB
Sorry for your loss. Beautiful song. ❤️
AZ Mermaid
Awe Lauren (sniffle). Beautiful!
AubSauce
I'm so sorry for your loss. Learning to live with a tragedy is never easy, but I hope you find peace.
Lynn Saastad
Thank you for sharing, Lauren. I love that song. It brings back so many memories of my childhood at church with my grandparents.
Elizabeth Janson
That is beautiful! Thank you.
Triple L
Such a beautiful tribute. I love that music!!!!
Kay Louise
Talented beautiful tribute to remember Jamey. Thank you for sharing.
tsblanca
Peace to you.
Jennifer Priebe
So 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.
Cats&Dogs
This 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. 😭🤍🕊️
Mrs. G
We 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.
Diane L
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your lil brother ❤️
Kathleen Kryspin
*sent
Kathleen Kryspin
Oh 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.
Paula Marie Cornell
What 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 !🤍
Laura Selwood
Thank you for sharing. That was amazing.
Sarah
Beautiful and sooo cool❤️🫶❤️
Stefanie
So sorry for your loss ❤️. This was beautiful.
Emily Silver
I love bluegrass and this is beautiful - your dad leading a sing along is incredible. I’m so sorry.
Jenny Reda
This is awesome! My thoughts are with you! 🥰