This was moving. I pray every morning but struggle with belief in anything organized. Studied history and primary sources for too long. The sneering anti intellectualism of religious people in my family embarrasses me to have faith. And then I read something like this. Thank you Ian.
Thank you for writing this so beautifully and honestly. The community you engaged Jon with, he paid forward inviting me and I'm sure countless others into his own. I read so much of this in his own voice. It hurts, but you captured him so well and it feels good to hear from him one more time.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for investing in your friend and loving him.
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear friend, Ian!
My exultation for you, and him, that you were instrumental in bringing him to the Lord.
Loss is inevitable, and final in a sense. But the fragrance of memory is even sweeter with the sure knowledge of his now heavenly abode with our Lord.
Deep friendships, thru multiple facets of entwined lives, are the hardest to simply let go. But in letting go, those fragrant memories are strengthened, and lessons taught in those myriad conversations grow into a mature knowledge of the first principles which reveal themselves in life over time.
I'm pretty sure this was the hardest essay you have ever written. Cathartic! I trust you will somehow help young Jackson and his mom in any way that you can, even if only in prayerful support. Those prayers will be heard!
Jon is at peace now. No more sorrow, no more pain, for these have passed away, and he now abides in the perfect love of the Father in his permanent heavenly abode.
Don't remember how I came across your newsletter (through Strauss or DeBoer, recommended page or something). But, I have been getting your newsletter for at least a few months, and this is the first piece of yours I read from start to finish.
I can't say I was a Tjarks super fan or read his stuff much. I do remember some of his old basketball pieces, but I am still kind of shocked he's gone. From hearing him on House of Strauss Podcast and Bill Simmons podcast, he always seemed so upbeat. Like, I was thinking "Yeah this guy has the right attitude, he will beat cancer!"
But, like they say "father-time" is undefeated. As a father to two small kids myself, this hits very close to home for me. What a gift Jonathan Tjarks was to the world. Thank you again for sharing <3
Tjarks connected me to Strauss after suggesting that I start a Substack. Ethan then graciously gave me about an hour's time on a phone call to talk through his thoughts and wisdom on it. Big fans of both, great people.
Appreciate you reading, it was very helpful to write it.
This was moving. I pray every morning but struggle with belief in anything organized. Studied history and primary sources for too long. The sneering anti intellectualism of religious people in my family embarrasses me to have faith. And then I read something like this. Thank you Ian.
May his memory be eternal
Ian, you certainly made a difference to Jonathan.
And, I believe, many more who will be blessed by reading this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for writing this so beautifully and honestly. The community you engaged Jon with, he paid forward inviting me and I'm sure countless others into his own. I read so much of this in his own voice. It hurts, but you captured him so well and it feels good to hear from him one more time.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for investing in your friend and loving him.
Great job, Ian.
I knew him far less than you, but I was sure glad for knowing him.
I wrote about that here: https://sicem365.com/s/13218/jonathan-tjarks-an-unbelievable-life/1
Wonderful tribute. I’m one of those millions of people he has inspired. Thank you for writing this.
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear friend, Ian!
My exultation for you, and him, that you were instrumental in bringing him to the Lord.
Loss is inevitable, and final in a sense. But the fragrance of memory is even sweeter with the sure knowledge of his now heavenly abode with our Lord.
Deep friendships, thru multiple facets of entwined lives, are the hardest to simply let go. But in letting go, those fragrant memories are strengthened, and lessons taught in those myriad conversations grow into a mature knowledge of the first principles which reveal themselves in life over time.
I'm pretty sure this was the hardest essay you have ever written. Cathartic! I trust you will somehow help young Jackson and his mom in any way that you can, even if only in prayerful support. Those prayers will be heard!
Jon is at peace now. No more sorrow, no more pain, for these have passed away, and he now abides in the perfect love of the Father in his permanent heavenly abode.
This was a very powerful piece, Ian!
Don't remember how I came across your newsletter (through Strauss or DeBoer, recommended page or something). But, I have been getting your newsletter for at least a few months, and this is the first piece of yours I read from start to finish.
I can't say I was a Tjarks super fan or read his stuff much. I do remember some of his old basketball pieces, but I am still kind of shocked he's gone. From hearing him on House of Strauss Podcast and Bill Simmons podcast, he always seemed so upbeat. Like, I was thinking "Yeah this guy has the right attitude, he will beat cancer!"
But, like they say "father-time" is undefeated. As a father to two small kids myself, this hits very close to home for me. What a gift Jonathan Tjarks was to the world. Thank you again for sharing <3
Tjarks connected me to Strauss after suggesting that I start a Substack. Ethan then graciously gave me about an hour's time on a phone call to talk through his thoughts and wisdom on it. Big fans of both, great people.
Appreciate you reading, it was very helpful to write it.
Beautiful tribute. Rest in power Jonathan.