I Lost My Son: Remembering Fallen Marine J.R. Spears

October 25, 2015

It’s been 10 years since Marine Cpl. J.R. Spears was killed by a single gunshot wound in Iraq, the first fatality from Escambia or Santa Rosa counties during the war in Iraq.

Saturday afternoon, his family, community members and even complete strangers gathered next to the J.R. Spears Memorial Field at Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino to remember the Tate High School graduate. It was, according to his father Tim Spears, a chance to celebrate what he meant to family and the community.

Spears and his daughters Jessie and Jenny wore black t-shirts with the No. 62 — J.R. Spears’ jersey number at right guard for the Tate Aggies. The team has since retired the jersey number in his honor.

Those gathered Saturday afternoon laughed and cried as they remembered J.R., and many wrote personal messages to him on red, white and blue balloons.

“Love and miss you – our hearys are broken. Save a place for us. Kisses from Molino,” said the message on one balloon. Many people wrote “Semper Fi” or “Thank you”.  While another person wrote “You are forever in our hearts”.  The balloons were released heavenward in his memory.

“We are going to send them straight to heaven,” event emcee T. Bubba Bechtol told the crowd.

For a photo gallery, click here.

The event also raised money for the J.R. Spears Memorial Scholarship that provides tuition for deserving Tate High graduates at Pensacola State College. When the winner of a “50/50 raffle” to benefit the scholarship fund was announced, a member of the Patriot Guard stepped forward and collected his winnings, only to return the cash to Tim Spears for the scholarship fund.

From the balloons, to the stories, to the hugs, and even the hamburgers and hot dogs, it was all about remembering the legacy of J.R. Spears.

“I don’t want everybody to forget why he died. He was doing what he thought was right,” father Tim Spears said. “A month or so before he was killed, there was a picture that came out…that showed him inside a house in Iraq talking to a  man and a woman about why it so important for them to go and vote in their election and telling them what democracy was all about.  That’s the kind of stuff that I want everybody to know.”

“They are not just over there killing people. They are trying their best  to do what is right for the country that they are in and while defending our freedom and way of life over here,” he continued.

Then he paused, fighting back tears.

“And I guess there’s just a little bit personal on my part.  I lost my son, and I want everybody to remember him and what he did.”

For a photo gallery, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “I Lost My Son: Remembering Fallen Marine J.R. Spears”

  1. Bart green on October 29th, 2015 8:01 am

    I lived next to j.r. yrs ago. It’s still hard to comprehend someone from your childhood being gone even tho we hadn’t spoke in many many yrs. Thoughts go out to his family during this hard time.

  2. Bonnie Exner on October 27th, 2015 11:26 pm

    I taught JR in Civics at Ransom Middle ..he was special then and many morned his loss.May God continue to hold and comfort you as only HE can..and know we are all better off by having JR in our lives.

  3. Theresa Smith on October 25th, 2015 5:54 pm

    Our son is also a Marine. Earned his title on Parris Island. We also have a son in the Navy currently deployed. My heart goes out to you. I know the worry,the time away and the sacrifices made not just by your Marine but you as well. These young men and ladies deserve so much respect and gratitude for their service. Yes they sign up but what greater honor than to volunteer to lay down your life to help others. We have learned over the last year the great sacrifices made. Just their training is tremendous. It certainly gets to overwhelming periods for them and their families at times. I will take the simplest “hey momma ,I’m ok ” any day from either of my sons. My heart breaks for you with the devastating news of losing your son. I pray I never have that visit. I also pray for your healing and peace. I thank and honor your son and your family for his service and the courage to become one of the greatest.. If the Army and Navy ever look in Heaven’s scenes. They will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines!! Ooh rah Semper Fi!!

  4. Sam on October 25th, 2015 5:26 am

    Semper Fi, all thats needed between the few.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News