Jack Meehan Slideshow with His Music/Enjoy this tribute to his Memory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0SJvTtw_n8&feature=youtu.be

Eulogy for Jack Meehan/G-Man by Granddaughter Katie Meehan

When thinking of the numerous stories to share, I realized that my grandfather, lovingly nicknamed G-man by my brother, Danny, and I, would have undoubtedly and inevitably told a story about Ireland. Most of his tales took place in old Ireland, in Rathdowney or Coolkerry. They usually involved a few staple characters- Jimmy, who curtly barked and demanded favors of everyone. Little Johnny who whined to his “mam” in the most annoying nasal voice. And Mrs. McCarthy, who still lives just down the road, who wore a shawl and participated in good-natured but silly gossip with a shrill cackle, her words drawn-out and carried a particularly strong Irish accent. I’ll never know if they actually existed in real life…these characters. I never asked because that would have stifled the magic. His elaborations and additions were the best part of every story he told.

Charles Haughey Taoiseach once said, “Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.” My grandfather certainly thought so. My childhood revolved around chronicles of temperamental fairies, begrudging leprechauns, mischievous badgers and haunting banshees. Interestingly enough, in his versions, the banshee resembled a ghost with a playful side. I did not learn until years later that banshees possess no such fun streak. Every time Danny and I went to visit, Grandpa would turn off all the lights and don a creased white sheet. For the next half hour, he would chase us around his ranch style home wailing and moaning as Danny, Aunt Mary and I would furiously race and bump through furniture in a fit of giggles, clutching bulky flashlights and turning back time and again to witness the banshee doggedly hovering several lengths behind us. When punishment for capture was exacted, the unlucky child would realize that the menacing banshee was little more than a glorified tickle monster.

My grandfather possessed such a passion for life and his vivaciousness lives on in each of our memories. At his grandniece’s wedding in Ireland four years ago, my grandfather was reunited with his younger sister, Tess, and spent the entire service gossiping and giggling with her like a little kid. My aunt Mary, his daughter, shot him her intimidating IHM glare. Not missing a beat, Grandpa tilted his head, smiled sweetly at her and elbowed me in the ribs gently. Unabashed, he then proceeded to make a show of hushing my friend, Ellen, and me, as we were obediently and quietly sitting through the mass, minding our own business. Later in the service, he turned to Ellen and me and inquired rather stridently, “Who is this? I can’t understand a damn word he’s saying? Are you listening? What did he say?” The man in question was his grandnephew who was raised in England and thus, had an English country accent. The man also happened to be the officiating priest at the wedding. Aunt Mary stared at him incredulously, open mouthed, as Ellen and I burst into a fit of laughter and my Great aunt Tess shared a conspiratorial smile. Who wouldn’t have fallen in love with him at that moment? He was the pure embodiment of life, love and good old Irish humor.

But what story about Jack Meehan would be complete without a mention of music? His storytelling prowess was matched and exceeded only by his musical abilities. Even as young children, we sat on a mountain of pillows for hours, transfixed by the majesty of a wrinkled, old man swaying to the notes from a brassy, old trumpet. When I hosted pool parties for my middle school friends, I paraded him around like a celebrity, suggesting and even demanding old tunes and classics for him to play on command. I remember Danny and I showing him off to our classes on Saint Patrick’s Day at school, “Notice the Irish accent, it’s real” “Say something, Grandpa!” “Play When Irish eyes are smiling!” The chatting and playing would stop as soon as the music began; the world came to a standstill every time he gingerly lifted that trumpet or sax to his dry, pursed lips. He really came to life playing his music. His cloudy gray eyes began to twinkle and glitter as his knobby fingers glided effortlessly up and down the horn with two or three efficient flicks of the wrist. The passion, respect and love he shared with the world every waking moment of his life emanated from his horns. You can still hear it on old recordings if you listen closely enough… it’s still there. 

He played for the best of them but still remained humble. During a visit to Ireland, G-man spent an hour or so teaching Danny and me how to stack the turf in the bog and didn’t pause for a second in his stories about life in the country- he whispered tales of how he’d painted his face with shoe polish one All Saint’s Day and couldn’t remove the black for weeks, when he and the Ballyroan band had been on the road and the piano had caught fire (which surprisingly happened on two separate occasions), how he’d sneak in and listen to his father’s violin lessons from the window outside their three-room cottage, how he’d met and fell instantly in love with his adoring wife of 50 odd years one day while riding to work on his creaky red bicycle. I could really go on for hours…

He was an amazingly gifted man. My grandfather had an uncanny knack for storytelling, a gripping and powerful control over music and a compassionate heart. Each and every one of his numerous gifts shared one common bond: the ability to brighten someone’s day and spread joy to all those around him.

Today, I shared a few stories about my grandfather with you because above all, he taught me of the importance of a well-timed pause, an arsenal of adjectives and a strong hint of humor.

A long, long, long, long, long time ago my grandfather told me a story. A story that has been engrained in me- has become a part of my very existence since he first uttered those oft-repeated words. This story was not of one particular, singular experience, but rather was the history of my family, the heritage of his dreams and a testament to enduring love.

I’ll cling to his stories because they are and always will be my favorite part of him. I can’t promise to pass them ALL along or retell them with such vivacity and flavor but just knowing and appreciating them should be enough to honor him and those who passed on before him.

I wish I had more time to share these stories with you. I wish he could say a few of his wonderful words. But his memory is served well by your love and support. I don’t know how you all will remember him but I’ll never forget that lilting Irish accent, those smiling Irish eyes and these wonderful stories- his present, past and future- which I now must call my own.

Thank you.

(Katie Meehan, Granddaughter)

Today We Celebrated Jack Meehan's Life/Funeral in Falls Church

Almost two hundred people attended the celebration of Jack Meehan's life in Falls Church on Friday and Saturday.
Mourners watched a beautiful slide how of photos of cherished memories while Jack's music played in the background. On Friday we had a prayer service which included a scripture reading, prayers, a time of open sharing and a touching tribute/eulogy by Grandaughter Katie, the reading of a letter of commendation by the Irish Ambassador for Jack's major musical contributions.
I presided at the Wake and Funeral Services. Jack's granddaughter, Katie, delivered a touching eulogy at both services about the magic of growing up with Grandpa and his stories of Ireland. The legacy of his mystical, humorous tales of banshees, fairies and real people that occured a long, long time ago will live on in the hearts of Katie and Danny and all of us for years to come.
At the funeral on Saturday, family members and friends carried up symbols from Jack's life including trumpet, wrench, a cottage music box, photos. The service included beautiful readings from scripure, prayers, and recordings of Jack playing on trumpet and sax some of his favorite spirituals: "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace," "Peace if flowing like a River", and "When the Saints go Marching in".
We are grateful for all the prayers and message of sympathy that our family received from all over the United States, Latin America, Ireland and Australia.

“In the Arms of Family Forever” by Dr. Judy Lee/ Today We Celebrate Jack Meehan's Life, Wake at Everly Community Funeral Home, 2-4PM, 6-8PM

Born in Ballyroan

In County Laois

Rooted in Ireland,

Rooted in love,

Rooted in Christ

Rooted in music-

Strong in the roots,

Intertwined in the

Branches and the

Beautiful blossoms

Growing, making

New in Katie and in Danny

Born of the love of Sean and Nancy

Nurtured by them

and Jack and Bridie,

Grandpa and Grandma,

and Aunt Mary too

and Uncle Patrick and Val,

and Aunt Molly too-

 as well as timid

beautiful Molly

their dog after

beloved Belle

and Shep and Candy,

All the family of Jack,

 and he was so proud

of each one,

and of Mary, his Sister, daughter and priest.

And all the family of Jack

Were by his side

Day and night

In shifts and

All together,

praying, crying,

laughing, waking

 loving, loving

loving him, their gentle love.

And the first time

they were told

God was calling

They waked him

So good, he began

To eat and live again.

He moved his toes to the tunes of

the Ballyroan Band

And squeezed their

hands to the tune of his

Memory Aires, his

trumpet and his sax

for he was music, and music cannot die.

And yes he hummed

To the Rose of Mooncoin

and is free in Inishfree.

And while his homes were in Coolkerry and

Northern Virginia

He would go Back

Home to Indiana with dear

Nancy who lovingly,

with friend Dawn

Fed them all.

And remember his

Beloved Bridie Beale

With In the Mood

And let me call you Sweetheart,

And all the family and dear friends

With Irish eyes are

Smiling and

Danny Boy,

So for them

Happy days were

here with him

and they will come again

when he blares it

out and gathers them in, with him,

when the Saints Go Marchin’ In.

(Dr. Judy Lee, 11/8/12)

 

“Living Love” - For Mary Bridget and Dad, Jack by Dr. Judy Lee

Jack and Bridget Mary, after home church liturgy in Aug. 2012

 

“Living Love”  - For Mary Bridget and Dad, Jack

She has become

Holy Mother Mary

becomes

The Pieta

becomes receiver

of the broken body,

still singing his

song within

the moans,

still playing

 his trumpet

with his fingers

while his

music plays

in the background.

She smiles, she,

 

 now Holy Mother Mary.

 

She holds, She hugs,

She kisses and cajoles

She dances,

and every once in a while

he strings some words

together and,  almost

smiles and dreams.

Miles to go, and she will go,

And they will go together.

Love.

(Dr. Judy Lee, 11/8/12)

Jack Meehan Died on Sat. Nov. 24th/Wake and Funeral Will Be Held in Falls Church, VA.

"Down the corridor of time has travelled a man...whose Life and Spirit have changed our lives...and shaped our history with musicalutterances that touched our hearts.”
"When Saints Go Marchin In"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bjl6Eke4Ac&feature=youtu.be
"Rose of Mooncoin" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVysE9BkBqc

Jack Meehan of Falls Church passed away peacefully at home with family members at his side after a long illness on November 24, 2012. He was born on October 4, 1924, in Ballyroan, County Laois, Ireland. Jack was married September 25, 1946, to Bridie Beale, who preceded him in death. Jack was the beloved father of Sean, Patrick, and Bridget Mary. The family immigrated to the United States in 1956. A gifted musician, Jack played trumpet and saxophone and he and his band entertained in the DC area for over 40 years. His band was the house band for Army-Navy Country Club for over 20 years and also performed for three US Presidents (Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon) as well as at Congressional and embassy functions. Jack retired from the Brookings Institution in 1991 after 30 years of faithful service. Along with his children, Jack is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Katie and Danny, and his daughters-in-law, Nancy and Valerie, as well as many family members and friends in Ireland, England and Australia as well as the US. Services will be held at Everly Funeral Home, 6161 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. Viewing from 2-4PM, 6-8PM on Friday, November 30. Funeral in Everly Funeral Chapel at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 1, followed by interment at Oakwood Cemetery, Falls Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to Capital Caring Hospice, 950 North Glebe Road, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22203.

Our family is grateful for the outpouring of prayers and loving support from so many people who loved Dad and enjoyed his fabulous music. We will miss him more than words can say, but his spirit and music will live forever. May the road rise up to meet you, Dad, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm on your face, the rain fall softly on your fields and, until we meet again may God hold you in loving embrace!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
www.arcwp.org
sofiabmm@aol.com

 

We Give Thanks for Dad/Jack Meehan/Clip and Pics from Oct. 2012 Liturgy

http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=If3kZNnuilY

After a joyful house liturgy in Nov. 2012, we listened to Dad's favourite music. Maricia Tibbetts, Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont, Marianne Smyth, and Joleane Presley, Jackie, Judy and Marianne's cousin, and Comfort Boadu, Dad's care-giver celebrated a beautiful liturgy and we anointed Dad with holy oil /Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Jack Meehan in Prayer Circle at Recent Sunday Liturgy

'And the Angels Came" by Dr. Judy Lee

“And the Angels Came”

For the singing

and the moaning

and the caring,

for the caring of a gentle happy, caring man.

God’s own Gabriel on the horn,

He played so sweet.

And they washed him

sometimes with tears,

And they fed him

with Mother love,

And they lifted,

And they washed him

And they ministered

And laughed, Yes

they laughed and

brought his slight

smile and tapping

to the songs they sang.

The sun would shine.

They danced with him

And Mary who

could dance through silent tears.

They came because

they were sent by

our loving Mother God

to care for this

beloved father

and Gran’Pa.

They called him

Papa, for in

Mother Africa all

are family ,

And in Christ

all are One.

Comfort and

Lillian from Ghana,

Memunata, “Mona”

and Saidu from

Sierra Leone.

These are the angels

sent by God from

Africa to Jack Meehan,

son of Ireland forever.

So now there is an

African- Irish-American

 family that will

last forever in our hearts

with Jack.

( by Dr. Judy Lee, 11/8/12)

Comfort Boadu

Lillain King

Mona Gassama

Pink Oak Home in Sarasota, Florida/Winter Season Rental/$1400/Includes Use of Junior Olympic Heated Swimming Pool and Hot Tub/See Photos/Contact Dave at 941-953-9682

Meehan Family Celebrates Jack's and Friend Dawn's Birthdays on Oct. 7, 2012

What a family celebration!  Patrick bought the steaks. Nancy, Sean and Dawn brought and prepared the rest of this yummy food! Mouth-watering delicious! Wish all of you could have been with us. 
We enjoyed every bite of steak, stuffed shrimp, baked potates, sweet potates, onions, mushrooms, corn, salad, Korn bread, ice cream and "birdie" cake. Dad watched part of the football game. He received great gifts of a fabulous headset to listen to his music, Redskins' shirt and blanket and a warm sweater! We give God thanks for Dad's 88 years of life and for our dear friend, Dawn, who has been a special member of our family for years!

Jack and Bridget Mary Meehan at home preparing for 88th birthday on Oct. 4, 2012

Meet Jack Meehan's Outstanding Caregivers:Lily, Comfort and Mona

Lillian takes care of Dad in the evenings during the weekdays

Comfort takes care of Dad on the weekends.

Mona takes care of Dad in the morning..

We are grateful for this great team of Certified Nursing Assistants who are taking excellent care of  Jack.

Meehan Family Gathers for Labor Day Cookout/We Give Thanks for Prayerful Support of Dad and our Family

Grilling Team: Meehan Men

Family Enjoys Feast: All diets out the window!

Katie and A. Mary

Nancy and Dawn with Tasty Desserts: Rhubarb pies and Peach Pastry: YUM!

Comfort taking care of "Papa"

Another Delicious Feast:Thanks to Nancy, Dawn, and Sean

Sean grilled steaks, Dawn cooked salmon and Nancy cooked a delicious meal of "half baked, stuffed potatoes, asparagus, several salads and awesome rhubarb pie and peach pastry. Yum! After dessert, the women watched the Mighty Macs, a movie about the national title winning Immaculata Women's Basketball team!
Comfort, our CNA, provided personal care for Dad and the Hospice Nurse came out to readjust medicine to help Dad feel better. Nancy and Dawn provided a week's worth of meals for Dad and me! Thank God for our family!
Each Sunday during the summer season our family has gathered in loving support of Dad and shared a family meal. We are grateful for the many blessings this gathering has brought to all of us!

Jack Meehan Played Trumpet Part on "When Saints Go Marching in" with Family Photos

Slideshow of Jack Meehan with Family Pics. Set to "Amazing Grace"

We give thanks for Dad's great gift of music and for the joy it has brought to thousands of people including his family and friends who have enjoyed listening and dancing to his music over the years. He has played trumpet, sax and trombone for 75 years. He started at age 12 as the youngest member of the Ballyraon Band and his last gig in N.VA. was a member of the Army-Navy Country Club's House Band for 20 years. Enjoy this great dixieland rendition of "Amazing Grace" played with one of his favourite cds.

Sean Meehan with Coach Mike Shanihan of the Washington Redskins

3301- Our First Home in the U.S.- 1956-1987

Dad at home in Falls Church/Liturgy with ARCWP Priests Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont on Aug. 5, 2012

Mone Gassama and Dad

Dad, Comfort Boadu, BMM, Judy Lee, Judy Beaumont