Jim Jones and his wife Becky moved to this area from Kentucky, and raised six children; James Jr, Jennifer, Janice, Jeff, and the twins Tim and Tom. Mr. Jones worked as a carpenter his entire life, and his family can proudly point to houses, roofs, businesses, garages, and more throughout this area that their father had a part in building over the last 60 years or so.
According to daughter Jennifer Lewis, her father recently learned that he needed to go back to “the James” in Columbus for more treatments for a reoccurrence of the cancer he thought he had beaten. This was worrisome for all the family so they decided to plan a small family get together on Sunday.
“We just wanted to lift spirits up before he goes in on Monday,” she said.
Jennifer Lewis who is an aide at Tecumseh High was telling a coworker about their desire to share a perfect relaxing afternoon with Dad the day before he returned to treatments. Teacher Laura Wright told Jennifer she had an idea that just might work.
As it turns out Laura’s husband Doyle Wright is a member of the Mad River Traditions blue grass band, and Jennifer’s father Jim loves that music from back home.
A small family picnic featuring Jim’s favorites including The Melody’s coleslaw was planned. What Jim didn’t know was that the Mad River Traditions Blue Grass Band was going to be out behind the garage ready to give him a private concert.
The weather was perfect on Sunday. In fact I think it was the most pleasant day in months. Jennifer’s back yard in Bethel Twp. was the perfect spot for a picnic with just the siblings and spouses who were all socially distanced. Sunlight filtered through the canopy of towering maples and pines, and a warm breeze kept the temperature just right. Ah, the weather was a delight.
Jim and Becky, his wife of nearly 64 years, had the lawn chairs of honor in the front of the band. The “kids” were in socially distanced groups behind them.
Mad River Traditions knew just what to do. Their songs of love, hard work, rivers, blues, patriotism, and rough edges had Jim tapping his cane to the music. Behind him the siblings and spouses were also keeping time and relaxing.
The light-hearted banter and jokes between the songs added immensely to the experience.
There are five members of this blue grass group; Doyle Wright (Guitar - Lead Vocals), Jimmy Chatfield (Bass), Gary Miller (Mandolin - Tenor Vocals), Jim Peterson (Banjo), Johnny Walker (Resophonic Guitar - Baritone Vocals).
A couple of the wives (or were they band groupies?) watched over the technical sound system, and acted as good natured hecklers. That yard was overflowing with joy, love, and relaxation. The blue grass musicians added the magical ingredient needed for the day.
“This makes us happier than anything,” said Chatfield who said he loves the good story songs in blue grass music. He truly enjoys it when the group can share their love of the music for special times just like this.
The musicians seemed to enjoy playing outdoors to a small distant group as much as they would a big fancy concert. I think they also enjoyed the picnic feast served during their break.
Congratulations to the Jones “kids” for pulling off a perfect afternoon. And we will pray that any procedures and treatments for their Dad Jim will be successful.
While my husband and I were just onlookers during the private concert, we found that we felt invigorated and smiled all the way home.
Lifting spirits and just being there for friends and family during times of worry or stress is what it’s all about during this pandemic.
We truly all are in this together and we are keeping each other afloat with love.
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