Robert Jumper Obituary

Bobby J Jumper Junior - always loved; always missed. I have a picture of him in my home office - he´s holding our daughter Eliza when she was about 5 months old. He is beaming.

So hard to believe it´s been 15 years. He was the cause and the reason for so much laughter in my life - we actually fell off a bar stool or two, just cracking ourselves up. There are way too few people like Bobby in the world

Bobby, your presence remains strong in the hearts of those who love and cherish you. Your smile and laugh, your kindness and love live on with us. You are missed and loved infinitely.

Just hit me that he was only 51 the last time I saw Bobby. Now I´m yelling down the corridor at 60. Unbelievable. There have been 10,000,000 things I wish I could have shared with him. Will never forget any of the times we had.

Bobby was one of my best friends in high school. We spent a lot of time together having fun and occasionally getting in trouble with our moms. After high school we sort of drifted apart, got busy living our own lives and eventually lost contact. My mom liked Bobby a lot and even into her 80s and suffering with dementia she would occasionally ask “How’s your friend Bobby Jumper doing?”
Sadly I didn’t know that Bobby passed away. I want send my long overdue condolences to his family. He was a special friend with a ready laugh and always, always a story to tell...even as teenagers.

Awwww, Bobby, twelve years now? That doesn't seem possible. I still have not met another person more caring, positive, fun to be with, just plain good. No matter the distance, you'll always be held close in my heart and in those of many others who love you always. Until next time...

Eleven years gone, Bobby, I still cant wrap my head around it. Your distinctive laugh still rings out loud, your big smile is as vivid as ever, your friendship still holds strong. You are missed more than you could have imagined. Peace & love to you, Bobby. Well see you around the next bend.

Bobby, of course, had a saying for any occasion. If you were taking too long to get ready, it would be, Hurry up every chance you get because he was ready to leave on out of here. If you called his name to get his attention, he'd say Tell me. And, famously, if you stayed out in the sun too long and got dizzy, he'd say the Fuzzy Man jumped on you! He is still so much alive in so many people's hearts and minds. We just miss seeing that smiling face.

Haven't looked here in a long time, but here I am reading all the entries with tears in my eyes. Seeing Bobby's face is giving me chill bumps. And a smile on my face to recall him. Love to you always, Bobby J....

Bobby passes through my thoughts and heart on a regular basis as well. A truer soul never lived, and his influence on my life is immeasurable. Love and miss you, Bobby J.

Bobby would say that...Bobby would have loved that....Bobby was here when....Bobby had an answer for that... Here we are more than four years after Bobby passed, and he is still in our conversation every day. If he is not Christ-like... no one is. He used to say that it wouldn't be heaven without people of every age there. I hope someday, through his example, that I can be as good a person as he.

Four o'clock. Four years. It's like you always said ~ the ship doesn't stop no matter how badly we want it to. I miss you, still. I love you, still. I always will.

Happy Birthday, Baby!!! It's so hard to believe you would be 55 today! But I always thought when you were 55 you would still be here and with me. The loss of you still hurts every day and you are still my first thought when I wake every morning. We made so many great memories, but had so many more to make. I love you and miss you with all my heart!

Bobby, your legacy lies in how many of us call you our best friend, myself somewhere near the top of the list. We all laughed with you, learned from you, had good times with you, and will ever count you as an important part of our lives. I cry for losing you in my life, as we all do, and smile with love for all the great memories. You're still with us, my friend, and always will be. Love to you and your family. Carol

I'll always remember Bobby's birthday -- one month to the day before mine -- he ALWAYS called to wish me a great day. We spent many of those great days together, in the happy company of friends and family. We cracked ourselves up with Richard Pryor quotes, and he once made me laugh so hard in the Full Sail saloon that I literally fell off my bar stool! Oh, so much to miss, and never, ever forgotten.

We were remembering just the other day how time just stood still when we were with Bobby. So much of our time is spent rushing off to work, to errands, to chores...but when you sat down with Bobby for coffee or a beer, hours might pass like minutes.

I'll never forget those good times, the stories, and the rich sound of Bobby's joyous laughter. His legacy for us is a reminder to treasure those magical times spent with our friends, as even the longest afternoon now seems so short in our memory.

Still missed, still loved.

Just a little over 3 years ago, you were sitting on our back porch. I got a call the afternoon that you left. It was Sarah being the good friend that she is, and telling me the sad news. I think that was the hardest thing that I have ever had to hear and I know it it was hard for Sarah. Three years have passed and the sadness still remains. We all think of you often and feel your presence when we are doing the little things, like sitting on the porch drinking a cup of coffee. Your friendship will never be forgotten. RIP Bobby Jumper

Miss you brother.

It's after 4:00 so you've been gone 3 years and here I am still. I love and miss you and always will!

I know I have read at least 300 books since you've been gone and EVERY one of them has a Bobby in it. Once I got within 3 pages of the end and you showed up again! Or at least your name did. I know I need to let you go, but I can't! I haven't been on a single date since you left me. I've been asked but just can't go. There are no more yous. I'll be back on the 28th - count on it! I LOVE YOU!!!!

Love and peace to Bobby's family, who are missing him and David more than even we can know. Our thoughts are with you. Carol

Bobby, I sure do miss your smiling face, and think of you often. Like Reid said, you'll always be beside us, in our hearts and souls. Love always, Carol

Thinking of you often during this time of year. Nothing is the same without you and David.

Old friends never die. You will be with me forever and so far I feel your presence everywhere I go. Thats a good thing!

Merry Christmas, Baby! Once again I'll do nothing but think about you and the Chrismases we shared today. I love and miss you as much as I ever did Every now and then you come to me in a dream. I wish it happened more often and the dreams were less confusing but I'll take what I can get. I can't wait to see you again - you were the BEST!!!

Still missing you Bobby....Always will. I love you!

I hadn't seen Bob in years but I thought of him often. I cant believe 16 yrs has passed- i will always love and respect him..he treated me better than any man i have ever met.. I often spoke of him to my family and of how he brought out the very best in me (not an easy task at times) but Bob certainly did! I met him while working at North American Van Lines as his dispatcher..that is why i refer to him as "Bob" that's how we were introduced. Well, actually now that i think of it, i first knew him as, "Kangaroo" his cb handle. It seems like yesterday that he and i drove down to the keys from indiana- what a drive that was- drove straight through-exhausting (very cool el camino). He will forever be in my heart and thoughts- he was the best of the best. Remembering Bob and his gentle, free spirit. God's blessings to his family-

Happy Birthday Bobby J! Sure do miss your smiling face and laughing ways! You live on in your friends, and of those you have many. Love you always.

A day for reflection and remembrance of Bobby's legacy and love. Still we miss him as much as ever.

Happy Birthday Brother Bobby! We miss you.

What a joyful celebration of Bobby's birthday weekend. There were surely moments of sorrow, but also moments of laughter as we shared those millions of "Bobby stories" and recalled once more, if only for a few hours, our happy times together at Folly.

Thanks so much for the chance to honor his memory with the many friends who knew him well in the place he loved so much.

Picture of Bobby

Awwww, Sweet Bobby, I can't believe you've been gone a year now. You still pop into my mind like you always did, it hurts that I can't call you to chat about things. Sometimes the memories come flooding back, always bringing a smile, sometimes a tear. You touched so many people, were such a good friend to all, we all miss you terribly. Hope we'll meet again. Love always.

Knowing that everyone is remembering this day a year ago, we would like to invite all to a celebration of Bobby's birthday on Saturday, May 2nd at the Folly Beach Pier at sunset. An informal gathering of friends and family to remember Bobby at one of his favorite places.

March 28th 2009,it's been a year but it still feels like yesterday...I miss you so much brother... I still hurt,We all still hurt...I will leave it with that.

Somehow I have managed to make it through a year without Bobby. By this time last year I had lost him. I had a kind of weird dream last night -Bobby and I were talking (it's was like I knew he was dead but hadn't moved on yet). I said "I'll bet you're looking a million miles forward and I'm looking a million miles back." He just gave me a sypathetic smile and nodded. I love you, Bobby.

Today I was thinking about an Aztec tradition passed down through the centuries called Xantolo. This idea that death as an ending does not exist, and when people leave their bodies, they are heading for an exciting trip. When those left behind felt sadness for themselves, they would do a ritual visiting with the dead through Xantolo, which was an ordinary communion between the two.

It essentially says that when you are doing something ordinary in your life and suddenly feel a connection or remembrance of someone who has passed, that is Xantolo. One example is in cultivation of corn, it is said that Xanotolo is very strong in the cornfields and markets where corn is sold—people can feel the presence of their ancestors there.

Yesterday Donald was working on one of our cars, replacing the shocks and was overcome with memories of working on cars with Bobby. So many times when Donald got stuck on a tough problem, Bobby welcomed the challenge to lend a hand and keep our old cars rolling. I realized that what Donald experienced was Xantolo, the feeling of reconnection with Bobby while doing something that they enjoyed together. Put in this frame of reference, it is a positive thing to be celebrated—just a few more minutes spent with Bobby. It doesn’t make it any easier to have lost him, but it does give us hope that we will have him as part of our lives any time we do those things we once did together.

So I hope that everyone who misses Bobby will have just a little bit of Xantolo in their lives this year--moments when Bobby seems to be there with them.

Well, Mark Vetzel had his dream about Bobby the other night. In it Brenda and I are chatting in my house in Greenville when Bobby walks in - long hair flowing. Brenda informs me that Bobby needs a ride to Huntsville, Alabama to attend a funeral for a friend. I break out a map (funny how we have immediate access to maps in our dreams) and suggest that Huntsville is 7 hours by car. "It would take less time for us to fly from Columbia (not sure why Columbia instead of Charleston). Bobby agrees. He then offers "but think of the memories we'll make on the road trip". "Hmmmm", I say. "You're right, Bobby. Lets make the drive instead of flying". We all smile. Unfortunately, the dream ended there. I suspect that I did jump at the chance to take the road trip with Bobby. Who wouldn't?

Bobra, I'm sorry I can't say Merry Christmas because it isn't one. I still miss you so much!!! I did get to spend the day the way I wanted to - alone. If I couldn't be with you I just wanted to be alone with my memories.

I finally got brave enough the other night to re-read the sympathy cards I got after you left. They meant so much more this time. That gave me the courage to read the cards you had given me. They were wonderful!!! Here's one of them that is for Christmas - "Merry Christmas Li'l Mil,
You're the greatest! I love you very much and I'm very lucky that you were crazy enough to marry me. Thanks! Bobby"
You were the crazy one to marry me! But I thank you.

Bobby, Christmas isn't the same without you. Its these special times that remind us just how many lives you touched and what a great friend we all had in you. We miss you.
Reid and Roz

Oops! Somehow I left Vance out of the "guest list", but rest assured he was there to see you off too!

Hi, Baby! As if you didn't already know there's some of you in the Keys. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 we (Brenda and Bryan, Rosalind, Barry and Kathy, Carol and Mike, John and Sue, and several others (you know how I am with names) and I had a wonderful memorial service for you behind the "Crib" It had been overcast and VERY windy before we went to do the service, but somehow miraculously it all became beautiful when we walked down the dock to have the service! The wind subsided, the sunset was lovely and we were all there - even you. I said some words - I don't really remember what but they told me they were good. I remember saying I love you. I sprinkled your ashes then we threw in sunflowers and hibiscus blooms and we poured in your favorite beers. After that Barry had gotten a shot of Crown and four of us took a sip and did the "Crown Bobby" and you got the rest. It was a wonderful send off for you and I'm glad there's a bit of you in the Keys. You're among many of those who loved you. I love you and miss you terribly, Sweetheart!!! If you had any way of knowing of the memorial I hope you enjoyed it!!!

How funny it was to read Brenda's dream just now, and what a great dream it was! It's funny though because Bobby popped into my dreams just about the same time, I wonder if it was the same night. My dream wasn't nearly as long, and I don't remember it all except that Bobby had on a big floppy white hat that was loose and flimsy, so that I had to stick my head sort of under it to see and talk to him. I'm glad Bobby is living on in our dreams and our thoughts, I have no doubt he is still close by. Miss you, Bobby J.

I had a really good dream about Bobby that I thought others would enjoy.
He came cruising up on the farm in the Maxima, and started unloading food. I came running up, trying to help. I asked him "Where's Millie?". He says "Aw, I couldn't get her to come." Then he starts unloading this big cake he baked, and he drops it on the ground. We both start laughing like crazy. (Bobby baked a cake???) He said "That's all right, it didn't turn out anyways." Bobby, Bryan & I hang out on the farm a while gabbing, then suddenly we are on Isle of Palms, but is like '79 or '80, with the same bars on the beach from back then. We are bar hopping having a great time. Then Bobby gets a call from Reid, and says they have to go help Chester out, he has a flat tire. So we watch Bobby walk off, and see Reid waiting for him in a shiny new pick up truck, wearing his mirror sunglasses.
Later, Bobby, Bryan, and I are all back on the farm together, hanging out gabbing again. I mention to Bobby that the Jumper family reunion is coming up, and he says "Gee, I sure would like to make that. But I have to go back you know." I say, "Yeah, I figured. Bobby, how is it there?" He says "It's just great", with a big grin on his face. Then I woke up.
I hope that Bobby will visit the rest of you in your dreams.

Happy Anniverrsavry, Baby! It would have been five years today. I still can't believe you'll not ever walk in the door again, I'll never hear your laugh........we didn't quite make 5 years married but we were together a lot longer then that. I miss you so much......I shake all the time because you're not here to take care of me like you always did. I love you and always will. I miss you terribly. If only there were a way for you to let me know you're all right. I know you are but I want you to tell me.

I LOVE YOU SWEETIE

Hooga Booga !

I had a really good dream about Bobby that I thought others would enjoy.
He came cruising up on the farm in the Maxima, and started unloading food. I came running up, trying to help. I asked him "Where's Millie?". He says "Aw, I couldn't get her to come." Then he starts unloading this big cake he baked, and he drops it on the ground. We both start laughing like crazy. (Bobby baked a cake???) He said "That's all right, it didn't turn out anyways." Bobby, Bryan & I hang out on the farm a while gabbing, then suddenly we are on Isle of Palms, but is like '79 or '80, with the same bars on the beach from back then. We are bar hopping having a great time. Then Bobby gets a call from Reid, and says they have to go help Chester out, he has a flat tire. So we watch Bobby walk off, and see Reid waiting for him in a shiny new pick up truck, wearing his mirror sunglasses.
Later, Bobby, Bryan, and I are all back on the farm together, hanging out gabbing again. I mention to Bobby that the Jumper family reunion is coming up, and he says "Gee, I sure would like to make that. But I have to go back you know." I say, "Yeah, I figured. Bobby, how is it there?" He says "It's just great", with a big grin on his face. Then I woke up.
I hope that Bobby will visit the rest of you in your dreams.

Four months ago at this time I was saying my good-byes to you and coming apart at the seams. I'm still coming apart - you're not here. I wish I could see you in my dreams but like I always told you with Daddy it just won't happen. Maybe someday. I miss you so much it's unbearable!

I'm so grateful to have this site. Somehow it's really helpful to me to be able to share with you all who are still missing Bobby every day, as I am. Bobby hasn't been showing up in my dreams, but I keep "seeing" him in real life. The other day I saw a guy on the beach standing just far enough away that I couldn't really make out his face, but man he looked so much like Bobby... standing there, hands on his hips, just hanging out talking with a buddy. The resemblance took my breath away for a second, and left me teary eyed (yet again). Caught another glimpse of Bobby at the grocery store another day, and another time in traffic. It gets me every time.
Happy 4th of July, Bobby! I sure do miss you.

The loss of Bobby is more profound than I could have ever imagined. My heart is still heavy as tear rolls down my face while I write this. We miss you Bobby.......

There's nothing like the power of persuasion. I dreamt of Bobby last night. I was sitting in my car at Mama's house, Brenda was standing outside my car and there was a bunch of people up on the porch. Then Bobby pulls up in the El Camino, sporting a mustache and goatee of all things! Brenda says "look Rozzie, Bobby's here, you can't leave now" at the same time as everyone on the porch saying "alright Bobby's here!" Then I woke up and I too was sad that the dream didn't continue. We miss you so much Bobby! These holidays just aren't the same without you. Happy 4th of July, I hope you're living it up!

I dreamed about Bobby this week too. I only saw him from a distance, and woke up before I could talk to him in the dream. What a bummer! I still think of you everyday Bobby. Maybe next time I won't wake up too soon.

Hi Bobby J----You've just been popping up in my thoughts and yes, in my dreams. What a weird way to see you. Miss you big time, my friend. Love always :)

Here I am again.....somehow I feel closest to Bobby when I'm among those who cared about him the most. Always to me Bobby was a ray of sunshine or a soft rain - whatever I needed at the moment. Right now I could sure use some of his soft rain. Bobby, I'll love you forever. You knew me so well.

This poem was written by our cousin Johnny Dunning, who we grew up with. Bobby & Johnny & lots of the older kids would have chicken fights in Bami's front yard.

Chicken Fighter
The first chicken fighter
has fallen.
We know the good Lord has called him.
We played as children and lived in
a moment of immortality.
And now we know that death
is a part of life and it's sad reality.

The first chicken fighter has fallen.
He has suddenly left the nest.
The laughter echoes in our memories
as we look around at the ones who are left.
The pain and grief is in every ones eyes, some more than others.
It's not hard to tell who's the mother, and the sisters and the brothers.

The first chicken fighter has fallen,
but he has only taken flight.
We sit here in all prue pity
and don't understand that death is life.
He is flying through the gates of heaven which have opened wide.
As the tears run down my face,
I ask you why you cry.

Hey Bobby J, Happy Birthday to you!!I thought of you on Sat., and wished I could call and sing you a toast.  All these years you never once missed calling to say happy  b-day to me, and as I have found out from Becky, calling her the next day on hers.  That's the kind of thoughtfulness we all love about you, and what made you such a great friend.  You are so missed by so many people who love you, we all thought you'd be there forever.  Because of your leaving, some of us are in contact again after a long time, which is a gift you left for us.  There's a big empty hole where you used to be, but there's also a good feeling knowing that "every little ting's gonna be alright."  Happy birthday, Bobby.   Love you always.

Happy Birthday Baby!!!! You have no idea how much I miss you! I'm lonely, lost, don't know where to turn.....You took such GOOD care of me!!! What am I, how am I ever going to be without you? I tried so hard to get to you that day. It's as if everything were stacked against my getting there and I didn't make it in time. I'm so sorry you had to go through wanting me there before the surgery and it just wasn't to be. I was trying with all I had. And I felt good before the call from the hospital about having gotten Dust off the truck. She misses you. Thank you for taking care of me and for getting me through times that seem insignificant now - this is the ultimate and unfortunately you're not able to help me.

I Love You,
Millie

I am saddened to hear of Bobby's passing, and express my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Bobby Jumper was a friend to everyone who knew him; a ready hand to help, a ready smile to cheer, and a ready heart to love. We came to know Bobby best during our years at Folly Beach, where he stayed with us often before and after he and Millie were married. Countless afternoons and evenings passed on the back porch, with his inexhaustible supply of “Bobby stories” ranging from the fuzzy man of the Keys to the salty characters he met in truck stops across the country. Bobby came to be known as “our son Bobby, home from college” and nothing brought me more joy than hearing him say “Sary, what you do?” when coming in the door for yet another visit.

When there was a hurricane coming, you could count on Bobby driving towards the storm, ready to help put the house in order, and even inviting us to stay with his family during Hurricane Floyd. I’ll never forget that night, showing up as we did on the doorstep with the wind already howling—I don’t think Mrs. Jumper had any idea just how many cats and dogs were staying in her front parlor! And when storms hit other parts of the country, Bobby would head there, taking relief supplies into the worst-hit areas. Bobby always gave back; gave of his time, gave of his heart, gave of his humor.

As everyone here does, we have favorite jokes and stories about Bobby, but my favorite, showing both his patient nature and his love for animals, involves my cat Hokey. Bobby was staying with us and while I didn’t get to see it happen, his description was so vivid it was as if I did: he was at the table reading the paper when Hokey jumped into his lap, and then wound his way up to roost on Bobby’s shoulder, eventually reaching an experimental paw to the top of Bobby’s hat. When Bobby didn’t flinch, Hokey levered yet another paw up and started moving his not-insignificant bulk onto Bobby’s head, followed by a third paw. Finally, as Bobby sat, frozen, with 3/4s of a cat on his head, Hokey drew up the final paw, and extended his claws through the hat into Bobby’s head! Well, that ended the moment, but the mental picture of Bobby and 15 pounds of orange tabby perched on his head has stayed with me always! He loved all animals, but cats had a special place in his heart, and it is a comfort to know his beloved Dustmop was such a good companion on that last trip down the highway.

I cannot leave out the bravest Bobby story, when our Hobie Cat capsized off Folly Beach the day before his 40th birthday. Millie, Bobby, Donald, and I set off from the beach that pretty spring day, having no idea of the dangers ahead. When the boat began taking on water and capsized, Bobby made sure that Millie and I were okay and then set to helping Donald stabilize the small boat. They were not able to flip it, so we huddled between the pontoons, with line joining us all together, in cold chest-deep water. I remember singing a lot of songs in those five hours, silly ones and happy ones, wondering when we’d be rescued. Bobby made sure that we laughed and kept our spirits up—at one point offering to float out on a string so we could use him as a six foot long chicken neck to catch some crabs to eat! Through it all, his humor and courage was never strained or lagging. I will not ever forget the solidarity and strength we had that day, drawing it from one another in turn, holding fast to the assurance that it would all be okay in the end.

Bobby, our world is diminished by your passing, but if we hold onto to your stories in our hearts, you will be with us always. It has been an honor and a privilege to call you our friend Bobby.

Although your truck often took you far away from home, Bobby, we know that you carried your love for us and our love for you, close in your heart always, safe among your own.

April 4, 2008

Roll On Down
In Memory Of Bobby Jumper


Roll on down
Roll on down
Roll on down
Down, down that long, long highway
I hear your wheels roll down

Drive to your love
Drive to your love
Drive to your love
Drive down that eternal highway
I hear your wheels roll down

Eighteen wheels are turnin’
I hear your engine burnin’
Lord above is callin’
Callin’ for you

Eighteen wheels are turnin’
I hear your engine burnin’
Time, it’s time for you to come home
So drive your spirit to Me.

Roll on down
Roll on down
Roll on down
Down, down that eternal highway
I hear your wheels roll down


Cal
April 12, 2008

The previous audio entry I posted is a small exerpt from a song that my good friend Callum Johnston wrote and recorded in memory of Bobby. I'm afraid the audio doesn't do it justice tho - it is a very beautiful song.

Bobby was our big brother. He was two when I was born. And the story goes, that a year later when David was born, and Mama brought the new baby home from the hospital , Bobby asked her “Mama can we give that old baby back now?”

But I have to say, everything I ever knew and learned as a child, I learned from Bobby. We were children of the 60’s. There was a tv show called Combat that I’m sure some of you remember. It was about WWII soldiers and the two main characters were the Lt and the Sarge. Some of my first memories are of playing combat with Bobby. Of course he always got to be Lt. And I was the Sarge. I think David was the lowly Private. (I know David is probably thing NO, I was the Sarge, Roz was the private!) But that pretty much summed up our relationship as children. Bobby always led the way and we all followed.

One of my biggest joys in life is my love of music, and together, Bobby, followed by the rest of us kids discovered rock and roll back in those days. We used to hang out in the big oak tree behind our house on Johns Island and always had our little transitor radios set to WTMA. The Beatles never had bigger fans than the Jumper children.

The first time I remember really doubting anything Bobby ever told me was when I was around 10 or 11, Bobby decided he needed to tell me about the birds and the bees. Mind you, this was a crude 13 year old boy version. It wasn’t pretty. I of course thought he was totally full of you know what, that stuff couldn’t be true. Not to be disuaded, Bobby got a library book for me to read. Believe it or not in 1969, the library had such a book, (albeit a lame adult version.) I guess he just thought I needed to know.

Mama told me the other day she always felt like she needed to let her kids be whatever they wanted and needed to be, so when Bobby hit the road the minute he graduated from high school, whether it was riding a bicycle or hitchhiking with his thumb in the wind, she never thought she should try to stop him. Bobby was a free spirit in this world. We are all asking “how could Bobby die?” I guess the better question is “how did he live?” He lived well! He touched so many lives wherever he went. He loved people and always generously gave everyone he met the benefit of the doubt. I mourn for myself but I also mourn for this world, because a finer heart, this world has never known. We will all miss him dearly.

I am very sorry to hear of bobby's passing and I sympathize deeply with all of you.
Bobby was the rare kind of friend with whom I could enjoy an intelligent, inquisitive conversation, on a conceptual level, and not have it turn into a contest of knowledge or of wills. It was always toward truth and understanding, and even if we had different viewpoints, there was enough respect between us to listen and consider the other's thoughts and ideas.
I always had a deep respect for Bobby, for the way he lived, his honesty, his humility, his vision, and his appreciation for the quality of things. My scope and my view of life are broadened because of my friendship with Bobby. Just through his humility and self confidence, he inspired me to seek spiritual growth and understanding.
Everyone who ever met him was offered the gift of being touched by a humble person, one confident to be himself without pretense.
I am deeply saddened, but it reminds me in a big way to be awake and alive, and to live my life every day.
I will miss Bobby but his memory and inspiration will always live in my mind.

with deep sympathy,
Rusty (Bobby's cousin)

As the days, weeks, and months go by, we'll return to our lives -- as we should -- working our jobs, caring for our families, embracing our friendships, but not without a sad and certain feeling that the world is now somehow a different place. Bobby -- one of the best -- has moved on.
Jenny (Fleming) Joczik

Bobby J I miss you sooooo much. You were my buddy. The things that you and Kenny used to pull on me in the Keys and then stand back and laugh about it. I could have beat both of you. You were my rock when Kenny died he knew that you would see me through those first few days it really meant alot to me. Caleb also misses you. He made the comment that he wanted to paint a picture of you and his dad and call it Two Friends Together Again. And I know someday he will. I am going to miss the phone ringing and you on the other end sayin Hey Tuck. Heaven has it hands full with you and Kenny together and I miss both you.
Love you
Tuck

Oh Bobby..... I miss you man. We had a great time together and one could not have asked for a better friend. Your warmth and genuine love of people, life, and adventure has had a profound effect on my life. You are sadly missed and your death has left my heart broken.

I have memory of one characteristic that sums up the man Bobby was. Several times I was with him in the front yard - he was busy doing this and that. The husband, Joe, of the elderly couple across the street would arrive home with groceries. Without my even noticing, Bobby would stop whatever he was doing and immediately walk across and start unloading bags. Mr Joe wouldn't even know he was there until he came out to fetch another bag or either met Bobby as he was coming in their back door.

That is the man I knew and loved and I will always remember that and all that he was. He was quite a man! And his spirit lives on........

I don't know if it's customary for a person's wife to sign the guestbook. I'm as lost in this just as I am lost in everything right now. Bobby was my rock. He literally kept me alive after the death of my father. I don't know why I was the fortunate one he chose to marry at an age when if not previously married a man typically wouldn't have. But I was that fortunate one and I'll be forever grateful for the years we shared. He was definitely one of God's angels sent to earth for too short a time. Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of sympathy, comfort and love. We need all we can get at this time. He is and forever will be sadly missed.

When I first moved to Summerville, Bobby was living in Arizona. Although I had never met him, I was impressed with his popularity amongst his brothers & sisters. How could someone be this cool? A few years later I found out. Brother David & I road-tripped to the Keys, where I finally met Bobby. He lived up to the hype – every bit as cool as advertised. David & I spent a couple days at his place enjoying great seafood, cold beverages and Caribbean Club sunsets – all arranged by Bobby. I will remember his laid back nature and his ability to make everyone feel genuinely welcome. I live in Greenville and although my trips to the Jumper’s are limited, I considered it fortunate to find Bobby & Millie on the front porch when I pulled into town. I will miss his him.

Jumper Family,

My thoughts and prayers go out to you in your loss. Bobby was quite the Big Brother to us all. He was loved by so many and I have such fond memories of him. The trip to the Keys with Brenda to visit Bobby and how he showed us the best spots to eat and drink. He always looked after us and I always had the best time with him as well as with the other Jumper family members. You are such a close family and I always admired you for that. Bobby will surely be missed by all.

Jun considered Bobby as "a real southern gentleman." To me, Bobby was one of the neatest people I have ever met and could make a stranger feel right at home with his generous hospitality. Jennifer and I will never forget the good times he showed us during our summer trip to Key Largo - Captain Harry's, rum runners and his pink Cadillac! What I admired the most about Bobby was his courage to venture out to new places, travel and meet people. His was one of the greatest storytellers and I wish that I could hear that laugh of his one more time. His memory will always stay with us.

Bobby oh Bobby, what can one do, what can one say?  I'm numb, I'm heartsick, my heart and love go out to all of your family and to all of us who will miss you so much.  You've been one of my best friends in this world and will always be so.  I'm sure I'll see you in the next incarnation.  Love to you and all who love you.

Bobby was such a generous person. I was lucky to go along with two trips to the Keys in the 80's where Bobbie was the host with the most. He took us canoeing on Key Biscayne and showed us all around. I always enjoyed Bobbie making us laugh. Whenever I saw him it brightened my day. I know that he is in a better place but I am sorry that our time with him has been cut short. I am sure keeping all Bobbie's friends and family and especially Millie, Brenda, Rosalind, David, Ronnie and Danny and their Mama in my thoughts and prayers.
All my love,
Jennifer Hayne Stickler

A good and loving friend. The good times were plentiful and yet too few. I will never forget your kindness and contentment--you will always be an inspiration to me.

Bobby was always straight up, and I will miss him in this world. Please accept my regrets and condolences.

To Mrs. Jumper, Rosalind, Brenda, Ronnie, Danny, and family and friends, my deepest sympathies accompany my most sincere prayers for you in this very sad time of loss. I met Bobby many years ago, and though it has also been many years since I last saw him, I can see him smiling still, as if it were only yesterday that I spoke with him. This is a time where I pray that God in His grace will grant you comfort in knowing that He has Bobby with him, safe for eternity, and that Bobby will always be with you in spirit. I am so sorry to learn of his recent passing. With great sorrow and prayers for you all, Callum Johnston.

Bobby Jumper is one of the good ones. He is one of the people who bring happiness to those fortunate enough to have been his friends. I have been one of those lucky people. Eighteen years have passed since I first met Bob and I will miss him more than is imaginable. The opportunity to have shared this corner of the world with such a great man has been a blessing to me. I thank Bobby for all the time we spent just hanging around talking and enjoying life. The time he took to spend with Sarah and I over the years are such a part of my life that I find myself alternating between uncontrollable laughter thinking of the stories and the inability to breathe thinking of our loss. My life has been enriched in so many ways by Bobby that I cannot think of a world without him.

I'm still stunned by the news. Bobby was one of my favorite people I've ever known. His was definitely a life well lived, and I count myself lucky to have called him my friend. He'll be terribly missed.

I've been thinking of all the things I could say about Bobby in a eulogy, but mostly I've thought of things I'd like to say to him: like thanks for ALWAYS having my back, for making me laugh, for consoling and comforting me, especially when my cat Kashmir died. Bobby was with me on that sad late-night trip to the emergency vet; he was with me when I learned my cat had died because his heart was too big. Bobby went into a hardware store in Tampa and bought a big black mail box to bury the cat in, saying we'd "just mail him to heaven." How wonderful that so many Bobby stories revolve around cats -- it's perfect that his obituary pays tribute to sweet Dustmop. I don't think I'll be able to say any of this on Friday...sadly, Jenny (Fleming) Joczik

Millie and Jumper Family
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family during this difficult time. Bobby will be missed by all. Take comfort in knowing that he is in God's care now.

Bobby was a big man with a smile and joyous spirit to match. I am still shocked and saddened by his passing. Luckily I have had the pleasure of his company recently and I will keep that image fresh and cherish the good times.

My brother Wilson and I were both shocked, and very sad, to hear of Bobby's passing.

Bobby was one of the friendliest, and most likeable, people you could ever be lucky enough to meet. He will be sincerely missed.

Our thoughts are with your entire family during this difficult time.

Bobby is a very old and dear friend of mine and I will miss him very much. He always had a smile and a hug whenever I saw him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

To The jumper Family,
I am so sorry for your loss,I couldn't believe it when I was told that Bobby had past he was always very kind and very understanding he was someone you liked seeing because he just had a way of putting you at ease..Danny and Ronnie I want you know you are in our prayers and I know how it feels to lose someone you love and I wish I could say something to ease the pain but that will take time and it will never truly be gone.Bobby is in a beauitful place now waiting for us to join him.Again I am so sorry for your loss.

I will miss his smile so much- Bobby was a great soul to be around-my heart is full of sadness- Love you all

I am so sorry for your loss. Bobby was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed talking with him at the Jumper reunions. I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Melody Wilbanks (Carolyn's stepdaughter)