We wear your memory like a coat that surrounds and protects us. I know that your faith has help build our faith and we feel the prayers from all around joining and building into a power that is at once mighty and gentle. We think of you often and can both laugh and grieve. Thak you!

Footsteps of Angels H. W. Longfellow When the hours of Day are numbered, And the voices of the Night Wake the better soul, that slumbered, To a holy, calm delight; Ere the evening lamps are lighted, And, like phantoms grim and tall, Shadows from the fitful firelight Dance upon the parlor wall; Then the forms of the departed Enter at the open door; The beloved, the true-hearted, Come to visit me once more; He, the young and strong, who cherished Noble longings for the strife, By the roadside fell and perished, Weary with the march of life! They, the holy ones and weakly, Who the cross of suffering bore, Folded their pale hands so meekly, Spake with us on earth no more! And with them the Being Beauteous, Who unto my youth was given, More than all things else to love me, And is now a saint in heaven. With a slow and noiseless footstep Comes that messenger divine, Takes the vacant chair beside me, Lays her gentle hand in mine. And she sits and gazes at me With those deep and tender eyes, Like the stars, so still and saint-like, Looking downward from the skies. Uttered not, yet comprehended, Is the spirit's voiceless prayer, Soft rebukes, in blessings ended, Breathing from her lips of air. Oh, though oft depressed and lonely, All my fears are laid aside, If I but remember only Such as these have lived and died!

Today marks 6 years; Not 6 years in sorrow, but 6 years of so many people I see being thankful. Thankful to have known a young man such as yourself, to have heard your testimonies, to have been influenced by you, to have become a stronger person because of what you lived and died for. Jesse, you are a true man of God. When my calling comes, I hope I can leave behind a fraction of the impact you have. I hope I can raise my son to be half the man you are, because being half the man would be more deserving than most I know. I know you would be proud of Tucker and a lot of the choices we have made, though not all have been the best, we will fight to make them our best. So again, thank you from many years away, though only a prays thought, for being the man you were and still continue to be through all of the hearts you touch.

John 15:13 "Love has no one greater than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Just thinking of Jesse today & remembering the sacrifice that Jesse & so many others have made for our country. Praying for those that are deployed & being deployed. God Bless them for their service.

I enjoyed your site.

I knew Jesse from Liberty and I can assure you that everything you've read here is true. Jesse really was THAT amazing. He exemplified Christ in every aspect of his life. I'll never forget the "fall" at graduation or that infectious laugh! I look forward to seeing him again someday...

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 As I read the memories others have shared here about Jesse I can't help but notice that Jesse not only laid down his life in Iraq, he laid down his life every day for others. Jesse's life was short, and reminds us that time is our most precious asset. I read how he stopped and took time to pray with my son, he led another young man to Christ in a college dorm room, he helped a friend in need by driving hundreds of miles for medical care, he took responsibility for helping others who were struggling or in need by taking action. He demonstrated strong leadership in difficult situations and he used his time to mentor those he knew. Jesse used the time, talents and gifts God gave him to share the love of Christ every day. He didn't wait until later, he lived in the moment. He gave Jesus Christ his life every day, and he yielded his will to the Holy Spirit. His Christian walk was not counterfeit, but genuine. This web sight is dedicated to his memory which we honor here, but most importantly we should remember to honor Jesse by living the way he did, a life that was pleasing to God and that honored God's only son, Jesus Christ. The evidence of a life well lived is found here in these stories of a young man named Jesse Strong. His life may have been short, but he left a lasting legacy. On this Memorial Day I wish to say, "Thank you, Jesse. Your gift was the most precious you could give, and I appreciate your sacrifice for me, my family and my countrymen. I know you are with Jesus now, and He is most pleased. You were a good and faithful servant. Rest well dear one".

Thinking of Jesse today, as I often do. I never knew Jesse, but I miss him. His picture is over my desk, as it has been for too many years. He will be one of the first people I look for in Heaven. To his family, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Your strength and faith just adds to the testimony that Jesse left us. What a guy! May 31, 2010

Dear friends...please visit TimClinton.com this weekend. Jesse...we remember. Prayers for our brave standing in harm's way. And the families who love them. Jim