Roger McDonald

At some point in the history of this site, were pre-2008 entries deleted, or have they been archived somewhere?  I ask because of a wish to review some of my earlier labors on the source for "Gym Jams," and anything pre-2008 has disappeared. (E.g., the current Message #105 refers to a prior #133 etc.)  It would be nice to know we have a relatively complete, secure record of our musings . . . .  Larry, is there an address to which we can direct contributions to help maintain the site?

In any event, a couple more entries in the "jimjams" catalog:  (1) From Charles Portis's True Grit (1968!):  "Keep your eyes open and your horse quiet.  Don't go to sleep and don't get the 'jimjams.'"  And, (2) most definitive, from my grandfather's early 20th-century Merriam-Webster New International Dictionary, after disposing of the then-obsolete definition "gimcrack," "jimjam" (pl.) is defined as "Delirium Tremens. Slang & Vulgar  U.S."

I assume some of you can recall the Delirium Tremens of your Gym Jams daze.

Larry Wilson

Roger, I don't see anything about archived messages on this site prior to 2008.  If there are, maybe Peg would know where to find them.  There is nothing in the Admin section about that.  As to contributions, the best way to handle that would be to send a check to Linda Brucker, 246 Sherwood Dr N, Newark, OH 43055.

Janet Yost (Maney)

Roger-if you ever write a book or collection of memories, please alert me as I would be one of the first in line. I am still smiling about the memories you shared honoring David Wells.  I cannot imagine a nicer tribute to him.  Hello to everyone and have a beautiful summer!

Ronald Larason

Hi Janet, and yes, Roger, delirium tremens indeed for me! My memories of the gym jams include my older brother getting hit by a car and taken to the hospital while dashing across Church Street from a White's Field FB game. Then, observing a bloody fist-fight as I walked home one summer night beside the Raccoon Bridge at Williams Street. Finally, a classmate viciously slapping me across the face as I left the YMCA one night, and never knowing why. The only funny memory is that last dance, the slow one with the lights down low. I seem to recall a monitor walking around with a flashlight warning couples who were getting too close and intimate. I think my last gym jam was the night I was slapped. Maybe I deserved it for going to the gym jams in the first place, but not much else for teens to do in good ole Nerk back then. 

Gale Cady (Williams)

Ron, 
IF I had ever had the bravery to go to those dances alone - which I did not - I would have spent the night glued to a wall and feeling maybe even worse than I did at the few dances I'd braved in the gym balcony post-football games; that is to say, alone and sad and feeling fat, ugly, unloved and unwanted. So I wish that you and I could have had the bravery to befriend one another back then, and we both might have had not as horrible a time in high school. I was bullied too. One unforgettable classmate shouted out "Mama Cass!" every time he saw me in the halls. I don’t know if he is alive or dead, but I still wish immeasurably bad things befell him. It’s a wonder any of us made it out alive, my friend. All love and happiness to you, wherever you are, and feel this hug I am sending you from Ohio. And a reminder to everyone that the people we were in 1966, '67, or '68 are long gone, and those of you who are still resting on the mental laurels of the illustrious, condescending and pretentious person who felt superior to everyone else that you were back then, you should seriously get over yourselves. Most of us have gone on to greater and better things, some of us have gone on to astounding things, and some of us are dead. 

Patti Ridenour (Adams)

Roger McDonald

I did not intend to reopen any old wounds, physical or psychological, from a merely linguistic interest in the source of the phrase "jimjams," long ago converted by some unknown local wag into "Gym Jams."  I avoided such scars by cowering, on dance nights, at home behind geometry and Latin texts.  This strategy may have left its own subtle injuries, but far too late to worry about that now.  Strange, though, to find myself this past dismal year once again cowering, on Covid days, at home behind geometry and Latin texts!
 

Charles Price

What wonderful responses I am reading from the post by Roger. Sharing some past not so pleasant experiences can be healing. Being super shy in high school was my norm as well. Took the tact of academics and sports to diversify. Still pretty much on the reserved side though I have engaged in many organizations to mitigate this. Working as a psychiatrist has aloowed my own growth to be put to use helping others. Perhaps that is why I haven't retired yet. Thanks to Roger, Lary, Janet, Ron, Gale and Patti for the recent posts. Perhaps we have discovered another benefit of this forum.

Larry Wilson

We lost another classmate - Kathy Schaller Johnson.  Our prayers go out to her husband, Dave Johnson, also a classmate, and their family.  Her obituary is still pending, but I will post it when it comes out.  May Kathy Rest In Peace.

Deborah Hall (Barlow)

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Kathy Schaller Johnson. My heart and prayers go out to Dave and Kathy's family. Kathy and I were neighbors and close friends. I have so many happy memories of the fun times we shared together.....elementary school, junior high and high school.  I was so glad I had the opportunity to see her at our 50th reunion. I was blessed to have her as a friend.  Larry, thank you for sharing this very sad news.

Janet Yost (Maney)

I share Debbie's feelings.  I smiled when I remembered her stories about the summer she worked scooping ice cream.   She was one that made us laugh.  I too was so happy to see her at the reunion.  Like so many others, it was too long between times of seeing each other.
take care All of you!

Charles Price

Larry, 

Thank you so much for letting us know about Kathy. Very nice posts by Debbie and Janet. 

The following brings a little hope to this fleeting time of our physical existence for me at least.

“Every atom you possess has almost certainly passed through several stars and been part of millions of organisms on its way to becoming you. We are each so atomically numerous and so vigorously recycled at death that a significant number of our atoms - up to a billion for each of us, it has been suggested - probably once belonged to Shakespeare. A billion more each came from Buddha and Genghis Khan and Beethoven, and any other historical figure you care to name.” - Bill Bryson

Charles

Gale Cady (Williams)

I am very sad to learn of Kathy Schaller's death. She was always so full of life and funny, always with a witty remark to make in any situation. Kathy's sons and my sons were in school together, which let me get to know her better, and I really enjoyed that opportunity. Rest in peace, Kathy - you deserve that. 
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newarkadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=kathleen-johnson&pid=198770210

John Babcock

Along with my condolences to my friend Dave and his family I am sorry to hear of Kathy's passing.                                

As many know I do not get on here much, just wanted to share a couple of memories of Kathy and Dave. My expressions in my wording are nothing to compare to Roger, Dave,and others. I'm sure you will understand.

Dave and I grew up as best friends at Jr. High at Central. Dave being the smarter and I just getting by. We continued our friendship through High School.

Dave lived on High Street which was the place the guys loved hanging out. Mercer, Mick, Eddy , others and I.

We would do our thing and Dave did his , ( Dave, hours on the phone talking with Kathy ). Dave's family phone was at the bottom of the stairs settled in a small cubbyhole. At the time Dave's phone was our communication, that or a note passed in the hallway at school.

Dave and I made many trips together on a Friday and Saturday night. I stopping at a beauiful girls house on Hall Ave. and Dave heading futher West to Morgan Manor. Dave and I would always meet up afterwards by car  or walking , ending up at his house. I remenber one winter heavy snowfall I hitched a ride by grabbing a rear bumber. Skied myseld from Hall Ave/ Granville Rd. to 21st Street.

What a fairy tale ending, with these two reuniting later in life. Not a surprise to me about these two High School Sweethearts.

Kathy , it was great seeing you at our last school reunion and much fun hanging with you Dave afterwards at Elements. RIP.  To all my classmates hope all is well and enjoy our winter. Remember worrying about the past is stress, worrying about tomorrow is anxiety, enjoy today.

Nancy Baughman (Fetter)

I am so saddened to hear of Kathy's death.  She was so much fun to be around.  We spent time together at each other's home from elementary to high school.  I remember one time we were celebrating New Year's Eve  and making noise by pounding the bottom of her mother's pans with spoons.  The next day I learn that we had put holes in the pans.  I'm sure her mother was furious but Kathy laughed it off.  I was a nervous wreck to ever see her mother again . Kathy was such a joy and I was so lucky to have known her.  Rest in peace, Kathy.  Our deepest sympathies to Dave and her family.

Dennis Dew

Sorry to hear of Kathy's passing...prayers to the family.

Margaret Patyrak (Jenkins)

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Kathy Schaller Johnson and will add her family to my prayers.  My memories of Kathy revolve around the teenage sleepovers and all the late night excitment we experienced.  Dave, the passing of your high school sweetheart is heart breaking; however, the memories are forever.  Continue to take care of yourself and your family. 

Margaret 

Karen Layman (Williams)

All the messages before mine say it all. Kathy was the sweetest most fun loving girl to be around in high school. I am just sorry to not have had her in my life as a friend the last 50 years. Prayers to Dave and her family.

Linda Schuler (Dishon)

Linda Schuler Dishon

I'm so sad to hear about the loss of Kathy. We had such a great conversation at the reunion and it's hard to believe she is gone. We had so many fun times in Junior high and High school.Living next door,we would climb out her bedroom window and head down to Frisch's for a Bawny Boy and chocolate shake.I can remember the slumber parties with the gang.We had such great times together.My daughter,Carolyn went on some dates with Kathys'son Nick,and she would come home after being at their house and tell me how kind and funny she was..

It was a blessing to know Kathy , and my prayers are with the family.

Virginia Steinbower (Crowe)

Although my heart hurts...it is wonderful to read the messages about and to Kathy. Such a tribute to her joyful approach to life and evidence of her big heart. As written, she was the one that made us laugh no matter the trouble or difficulties. And for me - Kathy was also one with whom I felt safe. I am so thankful she was a part of my life and hope she knew how much her support mattered to me during those rough times. Rest in Peace my friend. 

Larry Wilson

I have attached Kathy's obituary.  Thank you everyone for the kind thoughts and memories of Kathy.  May she rest in peace.  And may Dave and all the family find peace and consolation.

Kathleen S. Johnson, age 71, of Newark, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center. She was born on April 11, 1950 to James and Betty (Evans) Schaller in Newark, OH.

A memorial service will be held at 5pm on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Brucker Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21^st Street, Newark, OH 43055. Family will greet friends at the funeral home for two hours prior to the service.

Kathleen spent over 40 years as a teacher, first at Newark City Schools and then at Kent Washington Schools. She was an active member of her bridge club for many years. Kathleen was fun to be around and was always laughing. More than anything, she loved her three sons and spending time with her family.

Kathleen is survived by her mother, Betty; husband of 18 years, G. David Johnson; sons, Wes (Lori) Frost, Nick (Erin) Frost, and Andy (Lindsey) Frost; grandchildren, Max, Myles, Stella, Remy, Campbell, Calvin, Arden, and Tilly Frost; brothers, Steve (Kim Fleming) Schaller and Mark (Teri) Schaller.

She is preceded in death by her father, James.

Kathy Applegate (Danner)

I am so sorry to learn of Kathy's passing.  Thoughts and prayers to Dave and all of her family in the days and weeks ahead.   Such a sad time but there have been some fun postings of teenage antics from days gone by.  I will always remember Kathy as being young and full of life!  There is sadness each time I learn of another classmate's passing.  The Class of '68 is special!

Denise Dishon (Winegardner)

Jay & I would like to send our deepest most Heartfelt ❤️ Condolences to Dave & Family....So Glad You two found each other again 💕                    Kathy was a Great Girl !   Remembering the year at Wilson when they separated the girls from the boys and we had all girl classes.I got to sit behind her in ol Miss Linahans classes close to the teachers desk...       Kathy was so funny !  We girls took off were the boys left off..being Ornery ... She came up with the funniest remarks...She was so under her breath  Clever , Smart , & Fun to be with..Old Miss Linahan threw a chalk board eraser at Us... bad girls...so funny we both became teachers. Those Students she had were very lucky...She had a serious side to her too..but I'm sure camp was Great with her around..              She was Natural and Easy to be with..and had a Wisdom about her...and was very down to earth. You were a lucky man Dave Johnson and She Loved You !    Mother of 3 boys....and She loved her boys ...spoke lovingly of her Grandchildren...& her sweet Mother...Betty           Found inspiration in something I heard but not verbatim...                         Moments of impact: not all included.......I have a theory too - my theory is about these Moments,  Moments of impact, these Flashes of High Intensity that completely turn our lives Upside down actually end up defining who we are. The thing is, each one of us is the sum total of every moment that we've ever experienced, with all the people we've ever known. It is these moments that become our history, like our own Personal greatest hits of memories that we play and replay in our mind over and over again. A moment of total, physical, mental and every other kind of love....I'm sure you had many moments with Kathy and you both were Blessed!

Gale Cady (Williams)

Denise,
Yes, on all of your words, both on Kathy and her wit and wisdom, and on the epiphanies all of us have that unexpectedly turn our lives around. I miss seeing you in person. Wonderful post. <3

Julie Dillon

I only knew Kathy through conversations with my Mother, who resides at Kendal in Granville where her Mother, Betty also lives. And learned of her health issues in early 2020 from a Y classmate and a member of her bridge club, Patsy Kern (NHS 66). And now through the beautiful tributes on this site.   Without question those who had the opportunity to call her friend were given a gift.

I would like to share something with all of you that has helped me when confronted with a loss of a family member or friend.  It is from a tombstone in Ireland.

                       " Death Leaves a Heartache No One Can Heal,

                            Love Leaves a Memory, No One Can Steal."

My thoughts and prayers are with Dave, Betty, her entire family and her wonderful friends and acquaintances...