Mike Jellison passed away suddenly at the end of February. The following is a short eulogy from his good friend and classmate Tony Alvarez.
Recently, I received a call no one wants. One of my best friends, Mike Jellison, the equivalent of a brother, passed away unexpectedly. Because of the size of our class, it's not unusual for some of us to not recognize the deceased, or conversely, to report a bond that dates back to elementary school. This is the latter. His passing, a terrible blow, left our hearts heavy with loss. A curious phenomenon. We've all exeperienced such, a void that leaves a physical weight. It almost seems hypocritical, to claim this brotherhood that dates back to elementary and middle school, when we four closest friends barely saw or spoke to each other perhaps once a year or so. Yet, when we did visit, in person or not, we'd simply pick up where we left off. Typical guy behavior. The abruptness of Mike's passing only reinforces what we already know. Don't procrastinate! Get off our respective rears and make that call or pay that visit. We love each other and we love Mike. I'm taking the liberty of signing this from myself, Kelly Walters and Jesse Sequeira. Bless Mike and bless you all.
Bruce Anglin
So sad seeing this news, seems one by one we are losing our classmates. I remember Mike, me being relatively quiet back in high school days, Mike was one with whom I liked to talk to. May he rest in peace.
William Charles Greeson
Mike was a great guy and a terrific athlete. I remember well the group of guys who Tony Alvrez is alluding to. They used to play soccer together, since 4th grade, and formed the heart of the early team at Amador when many Americans were still finding out what a great game soccer was. Anyway, beside all that, Mike was always fun to be around. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Dave Massey
I'm so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I considered Mike a great friend and classmate. Always a smile and a great sense of humor. You are misseed MIke, God Bless. Rest in much earned peace my friend.
Kelly Walters
Thanks Tony for the heartfelt comments about our beloved friend Mike. I was stunned when Tony Alvarez called me about Mike's suddened death. Mike has been a very close friend since grade school. We played 4 years of football, soccer, and track together at Amador; and partied innumerable Friday and Saturaday nights together with Tony, Jesse Sequiera, and other close friends. You will be missed by many - See you later in Heaven.
Tom Evans
So sorry to hear about Mike. We were not close but we were friendly acquaintances grades 6-12. I remember that sometimes during a discussion that might be getting too complicated, he would ask something so innocently or say something that was so obvious it kind of derailed further discussion… you just had to chuckle. And he did, too.
Carol Mason (Tregenza)
I was out of country when this was posted, and am just seeing it now. So very sorry for Mike's passing, although it has been many years since our paths have crossed, I remember very well the 'band of brothers' who played soccer and seemed to always have each others backs during those early years. It seems every time I see a message from Class, it's a sad one. Tony is absolutely correct about not letting the days go by without putting the effort into relationships, people who we think will always be there can't be taken for granted.
Kathy Cope (Schultz)
I am so saddened to hear of Mikes passing. He reached out to me a few years back and we were able to catch up and share some memories. We laughed about the couple times he, Jesse and Kelly came to my house in Dublin during high schools days. We were able to catch up and share some stories of our lives. He said some very kind things to me and I am very happy we were able to touch base and renew our friendship. He was one of the good ones for sure. Well my friend rest in peace and we will touch base again on the other side.. 💕