Tragic Accident For Jasper Family
July 17, 2009 JJ and Melanie lost their 4 year old son (Cooper) in a tragic accident at their home. Please be in prayer for their entire family as they struggle through this difficult time.
Visitation is Sunday, July 19 from 2pm to 5pm and Monday, July 20 from 10am to 11am at Hope Church, Tupelo MS. Funeral services are Monday, July 20 at 11am in the sanctuary of Hope Church, Tupelo, MS. Hope Church is located at:
Hope Church
2094 Mccullough Blvd
Tupelo, MS 38801-7108
(662) 844-8522
JJ and Melanie have requested donations be made to AFR in lieu of flowers.
American Family Radio
107 Park Gate Dr
Tupelo, MS 38801-3010
(662) 844-8888
July 18th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
You, Melanie, and all Cooper’s friends and family have been in my prayers since the moment I heard.
July 18th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I am so so sorry for your family’s loss. I cannot imagine what your family is going through, but remember God is right there beside you and there is a reason for this, even if we can’t see it He can and will hold you through the pain and heartache no matter what He’s always there. Your family has many prayer warriors praying for you and lifting you up during this painful time!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Hanna
July 18th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers as you go through this very difficut time. Know God is with you, holding you, guiding you and giving you strength you never imagined. “The Lord is my refuge and strength…”Psalm 46: 1.
July 18th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
JJ, Mel and girls… Matthew you and I are holding you up in prayer continually… we love you….every step of the way He is beside you!
love, Debbie
July 18th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Dear JJ and Family, I am so very sorry to hear this. My heart aches for you all. I will be praying that God wraps His arms around your family and gives you some sort of comfort as you mourn. No words can say anything to help, but please know that people love you and are praying. A thousand hugs and peace be with you.
July 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Praying for you and Melanie. I can’t imagine the pain you must be feeling. *hugs*
Love,
Hannah
July 18th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Dear JJ, Mel and girls,
We just wanted you to know that we are continuing to lift you all in prayer. We are so sorry for your loss – there are really no words adequate to say. May God give you peace in the midst of the storm and comfort you all. We love you.
In Him,
Ed, Natalie & the boys
July 18th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
JJ hard to believe we were just talking about desperation and your own accident in Denver. We are definitely praying for you and I’ve let Jim, Alex and Stephen know.
May God give you the overwhelming grace you need for this time.
Michael Catt
July 18th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
May the God of all comfort be with you and fill you will hope and peace. Words
are insufficient to soften the grief you feel now but know that many of your
fellow believers in Christ are lifting you before the throne of Grace. Lean hard into
Him and lean on your friends and family as as they give you love and support.
We are praying fervently for all the family……..
July 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Your family is in my Prayers, I am soo Sorry for you loss, I am praying that God will give your family the Peace that passes all understanding.
Love
Savanna
Harper
July 18th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
We are lifting you up. No words can help. Just the healing that only the Father can provide. We are here for you and your family during this time.
July 18th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Only God has the words of comfort for you. May your loved ones and friends gather around and share your crying, your prayers and your sorrow. My heart is broken for you. God’s Peace brother and sister.
Blessings.
July 18th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
JJ & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. No one can even imagine the pain and heartache that you are now feeling, but please remember that God is always beside you in all steps of life. He is here for you now as you grieve the loss of you beloved son. We will be praying for you that God will give you the peace that you need in this time of tragedy.
July 18th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Nothing is sadder than losing a child. I know, though, that Maria has welcomed him home and they are having a big time in heaven. I pray that you will find peace and comfort that only God can provide during times like this. Jer. 29: 11
July 18th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
J.J. and Melanie we are sorry for your loss.You will be in our prayers.I pray that you find peace that only our faithful father can provide.Always in our prayers,The Kelley’s
July 19th, 2009 at 1:18 am
There absolutely are no words to take away the pain and sorrow. I can only hope it helps to know that there are people who care deeply and who cry with you. Holding you close in prayer to the Father.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:59 am
JJ & Family,
I have no words.
We are praying for you guys.
July 19th, 2009 at 7:14 am
JJ & Melaine we Love you aal very much and are so very sorry about Cooper,we are and will continue to pray for you all.
July 19th, 2009 at 7:27 am
SO incredibly sorry to about Cooper. Please know you’re all in my thoughts and prayers!
July 19th, 2009 at 8:33 am
JJ and Melanie,
Our hearts are hurting for you as we just heard the news this morning. We so enjoyed catching up with you on the Music Boat and hearing about how God had miraculously healed you from your accident. God has been so good to your family, and we are praying that He will continue to overwhelm you with His incredible love. Please know that we, along with the rest of the staff at 88.3 WAFJ in Augusta are praying for you and thinking about you in this difficult time.
John and Amy Bryant
July 19th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
We are praying for you and your family during this time of extreme loss. May God bless you.
July 19th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
JJ, Melanie and family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are going out to you. I am honestly at a loss for words. All I know is that God is in control of all things even though we do not understand why this happened. I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious son Cooper. I pray that you feel the comfort and peace that only our God can give you.
Sincerely,
Jon’elle
July 19th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
JJ & Melanie & Family,
How blessed you are to have lead Cooper to come to know Jesus as His Savior last November. We can only imagine the joy he is experiencing now with Jesus in Heaven. Our prayers are with you as you grieve and mourn Cooper’s passing. May you experience God’s presence and comfort more intensely than ever in the days ahead. Please know that you’re in the prayers of so many who know you through AFR.
May God Bless You & carry you through …
July 19th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
JJ and Melanie,
No words can help, but please know you are in my prayers and in the prayers of so many others. May the Holy Comforter put His arms around you and hold you at this time.
July 20th, 2009 at 6:53 am
To the Jasper family,
My deepest sympathy for your great lost. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
July 20th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I am so sorry for your loss. I share in the pain of your broken heart. Eleven yrs. ago yesterday my 18 yr old son, Luke left here in the arms of Jesus also. Please know that I am praying for you and God will give you the strength to make it through each and every day. “When we don’t understand, when we can’t trace his hand, trust his heart.”
July 20th, 2009 at 8:41 am
We love hearing your program in the morning on AFR and are saddened to hear of the news of your son, Cooper. We will be praying and asking God’s grace to hold you as you walk through this valley. Lifting you up to our Saviour, The Woodward’s from Wichita.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I’m so sorry to hear about your son, Cooper. My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family. May God wrap His arms around you in this most difficult time. I will be praying for you.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:35 am
JJ, Melanie, And family,
My heart has been burdened with your loss and nothing will help except our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am praying for you all!!
July 20th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Dear JJ and family,
I am a long time AFR listner, and through that JJ you have made all of us feel like we are a part of your family. I worked a sharathon a few years back and met you and Mel and saw the children. I remember when each child was born, especially with Cooper as you had people call in and try to guess the name or pick a name for him. You have included us in your happy moments and sad moments. I prayed for your brother, your father in law, your accident, but never thought I would be praying God’s grace and comfort for such a loss as a child. There aren’t words to express the hurt I have for all of you. I know ya’ll will get through this and I also know life will never be the same. Take time to grieve and to heal.Daily I will ask God to give all of you strength as you look forward to the day that you will be with Cooper again.
God bless,
Patty Jolley
July 20th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
JJ, Melanie and girls. Words can never say what is in the heart. When I heard a strange voice and the radio this morning, thought what is going on and then I heard and my heart was so filled with compassion that I can hardly function. You and your family has been on our hearts all day and know God is a Good God and nothing gets passed His watchful eye. You are special people and trust that the Holy Spirit comforts you all and brings you to understanding why someday. God Bless and keep you in peace these dark days ahead.
July 20th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
When I heard about your son, my heart went to all your family as you are faced with, what must be, the most difficult challenge a parent will ever face. In this time, I will be praying for God’s strength and comfort to be poured out on your family. I know that somehow, God will use this for His Glory. May you find rest in the arms of Christ.
July 20th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss and pray that God will give you to comfort and strenth that you all need during this most difficult time. I remember when Cooper was born. I know that when something like this happens we all ask what in the world God had in mind for this to happen, but it is not for us to understand but to believe and to know that He will see you through it. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Love,
Angela Crosby
July 20th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
JJ and Melanie,
I am praying for you and your family during this tragic time. My prayer is that God would grant you comfort and peace as you learn to live your new normal, as Don Piper says. Praise God that the separation is only temporary, for you have the hope and assurance that you will once again be reunited with Cooper! What an awesome reunion that will be!
July 20th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. Praying for God’s comfort and strength for your family.
Love and prayers,
Robin M.
COLE Prayer Team
July 21st, 2009 at 5:50 am
JJ – I am an Arkansas listener and always love to hear your voice and your heart on the radio. My heart is broken for you and your family. Just know that the throne of grace is filled with folks asking God to cover you with His mercy and grace in this time of need. If I never see you on this side of heaven, I look forward to seeing you and Cooper on the other side in that great reunion. To have a valley, there has to be another mountain ahead. May you feel His presence as He takes you through this valley.
July 21st, 2009 at 7:33 am
JJ – I am a West Virginia listener and I haven’t heard your voice for long time. I know things have been somewhat tough for you because of what I hear on your morning show from Eric. I have been listening to you for enough years that I don’t remember when I started but I do remember it was before you built your house. You had talked about the stress and I sent you an e-mail to encourage you that I have been through it more than once. I am on my third house. When I left the house this morning my heart was heavy and I didn’t know why, then I turned on AFR and it was the first time I heard music for a while instead of the talk radio, then Eric started telling about the church service and I started crying. I lost my wife in 07 from cancer but God has restored me because of Ps. 37:4. He has favored me with another wife to love and we are praying for you and yours. Can’t wait to hear your voice again. Strength in Christ.
July 21st, 2009 at 7:51 am
I am so sorry for your great loss. May God’s love draw you close, when you may feel he is nowhere near.
July 21st, 2009 at 8:40 am
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”‘
July 21st, 2009 at 9:02 am
My heart breaks at the tragic loss of your dear son. Many mornings the inspirational words that flowed from yourself and Eric have filled my car and encouraged my heart on my long commute. I have gained strength, inspiration, and joy from these moments shared via the airwaves. It is my prayer that God would give back to you in the same manner that you have given to so many. May Christ be to you all that He has promised to be in His word and may the prayers of those you have touched, touch you in return.
In Christ’s Love,
The Kennedy Family
Morton, MS
July 21st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
J.J. and Melanie,
There are no words to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Please know that our prayers are with you. Our God is sufficient no matter how great the pain.
Tommy and Kay Chandler
July 21st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
JJ & Melanie,
I am so sorry. Please know that I am praying for you. I have not stopped thinking about you all since I heard. I walked the steps with you knowing what you were having to do. I wasn’t there physically for the service but I was there mentally. It was all I thought about yesterday….You have no choice but to go through it. I’m so very sorry. God will carry you through this dark valley. Have blessed assurance He is with you! I know………. I’ve been there and it hurts so bad. Please know I am continually praying for you and your family.
Cheri Tadlock
July 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
JJ and family,
May time and sweet memories help you recover from the loss of your precious Cooper. You are in our prayers and we know that you know our God is faithful.
The Richards Family
Franklinton, La.
July 21st, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Dearest Bro. and Sis. Jasper,
I live in Republic, Missouri and listen sometimes online to this wonderful radio station, and came across the tragic story of Cooper. First of all, let me please say that i cried , not for him, but for you that are left to carry this very heavy cross. Please know, that you are in my contiued prayers, and that God is perfect and makes no mistakes!! We have such a hard time to understand his doings, he only tells us to trust him. So, just trust him, and know that we hurt with you and for you. You are not alone!!! God bless you and your family.
Love in Christ,
Rebecca Sanderson
July 21st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
JJ and family,
I have been listening to your morning show for 2 years now. I was shocked to hear about Cooper. I have been out and haven’t had the radio on so don’t know what happened to him, but I have lost a child also so I know what you are going through right now. God is so good and is in complete control of all of our circumstances. I had to learn to just trust Him with all of my life and my circumstances. My heart goes out to you. I am praying for God’s peace and comfort to surround your family. You are not alone – you have thousands of people praying for you and your family. You are on our church prayer list. We are a praying church so be assured prayers are going up for you. May God surround you in a very special way at this tragic time in your lives.
Love in Christ,
Norene Stafford
July 22nd, 2009 at 9:14 am
JJ,
My heart is broken for you and your family right now. I trust we serve a good God I have heard you say this hundreds of times over the years too, we can’t always see how pieces fit…but He is good. I will join the multitude and bring your family before the father for many days and months to come. Thank you for being so open with us, God uses you daily to encourage and lift us up, I pray He wraps His loving arms around each one of you as He carries you through. I also pray God gives each member of your family the courage, grace and peace to go on.
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Jasper family,and Candi, my heartfelt condolences, I know your faith will see you through this tragic time. I also know there is power in prayer. I lost my daughter and could not pray, My grief was so great I thought I was losing my mind but I felt the power and strength of my christian family’s, prayers. I felt a peace I could not explain and I pray that same peace for you and your family.
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:37 am
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Cooper. We are, daily, lifting you up in our prayers. You have been an encouragement and inspiration to so many lives. I know that you will now reap what you have sown. May the God of peace comfort you like only He can. “When you see only one set of footprints, it is then that He is carrying you.” Blessings and peace to you and your family!
The Dean Family,
Morton, MS
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 am
As a parent, I can not imagine what you must be going through. But one thing I do know – God is faithful. I pray strength and peace for you and your family during these days and the days to come.
July 24th, 2009 at 5:04 am
JJ, Melanie and family,
Our hearts are broken for you. As a parent, I know that there are no words sufficient to ease your pain. Please just know that you have many friends praying that God will lift you up for His comfort and strength. Little Cooper had a wonderful life the short time he was with you ~ and today I feel sure he is sitting on Jesus’ knee. And someday, he will be waiting for you at the Gate! You are loved, my dear brother and sister in Christ. May He wrap His loving arms around you at this difficult time.
“His loved ones are very precious to him and he does not lightly let them die.” Psalm 116:15
July 24th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
sorry for the loss of your son. may god be with you and your family at a time like this. i am praying for you.
July 25th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
God will hold you and your family in his hand. My heart goes out to your family at the loss of your precious Cooper. Please know you are in my prayers. Sincerely, Janice Boone<
July 26th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I had the honor of seeing you and your family at Brother Oda’s church in June and I wanted to say how sorry I am for you loss. You and your family are in my prayers and several churches prayers.
Sincerely
Judy Steinhauer
July 27th, 2009 at 9:58 am
My prayer for you both is that God will wrap His loving arms around you & give you the grace & peace & strength you need to get through this.
I can not fathom what you are going through. I am gonna keep you in my prayers.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
My wife and I are so thankful for God’s sustaining Love. For that reason we take joy knowing that you are being lifted up by the countless thousands of prayers, the hugs, the tears, and other comforts from those who love you.
May God continue to wrap his loving arms around you.
July 28th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Dear JJ & Family,
When I heard the news my heart broke. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but please know I am praying for you as are thousands of your listeners. God is right beside you…..
Sincerely,
Linda Mays
Sikeston, MO
88.5 WBEL Kevil, KY Listener
July 29th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Dear JJ & Jasper family,
I don’t know you, but I can’t help but reach out. My heart breaks for you as I think of the depth of grief in missing Cooper’s presence in your life. My heart rejoices that he’s at home with Jesus.
I pray for our Lord to wrap you in his arms of comfort and peace, drawing you and your wife and daughters even closer to him and each other, reinforcing your faith and hope.
Peace in Christ,
Dan Raymond
Life 101.9
Waterloo, IA
August 4th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I remember listening to JJ on AFR when Cooper was first born. The excitement in his voice over the birth of his son is so vivid to me. I think I mostly remember it because of having gone through the excitement of my first grandchild being born about 6mths proir to Cooper’s birth. I can’t even begin to imagine your pain, I have thought of and prayed for you and your famliy often since this tragedy. There are so many things that happen in life that are hard to understand the purpose of. I lost my mother two years ago in a very tragic way, and I still struggle with the “whys” of it. I may never know why, I just have to trust in the One who does. Only God and time will heal your hearts. You have my prayers and heartfelt sympathy, as I know from experience, there are just no magic words to say to stop the pain. There is a book that helps me in my grief and when you are ready I hope you’ll read it. Its called “My Dream of Heaven” by Rebecca Rutledge Springer. You and your family will be in my prayers in the weeks and months to come.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I am so very sorry ,so sad, so heavy of heart for your piercing loss of your beautiful son; Stay close to God; lean on the Holy Spirit; I pray for you JJ and your wife and children and entire family in this time of mourning and grief; On the wings of the Holy Spirit you and your loved ones will flock together. God is our refuge – stay focused there. God will see you through this pain and one day soon you will all hold and love your little son in your arms again. I pray for you daily.
January 13th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
J.J. and Dear Family,
You are a true blessing to all who know you and hear you. Little Cooper was a blessing
to all who knew him and heard him. I remember when you came on the air the morning after Cooper was born…what pure joy he brought. Memories…what a blessing. May God Bless you and comfort you and bring healing in a loving precious
spirit that only our Lord can give and allow you all the peace of knowing someday you
will be reunited with Cooper in the presence of our everloving Heavenly Father. We love you and pray each day for you all.