06/16/2026
Our family and our farm experienced a tremendous loss this past February that is still so hard to believe to be true with the unexpected passing of my (Christine’s) Dad, Rocky. He was an amazing dad, father-in-law, Papa and friend.
Anyone who has come out to JPP especially when we were doing the weekend events, saw Rocky around the house and farm, and I am positive you were witness to his infectious smile, kind and helpful heart, and his genuine joy watching families have fun together.🧡
For Jimmy & I, he was so much more and what he did for us, how much he loved us, and how he helped us during some of our hardest and most trying times is something that we will never, ever forget. Dad was the kind of man that loved to work- accomplishing jobs and making progress on things were just a part of who he was. So being at the farm was like a joy for him because there is always an abundance of things to do, and there is always something to fix. Always.😉 But in all seriousness, when Dad was over helping us on literally anything, we knew we would be getting things done and he always brought a sense of knowledge and confidence with him too- pushing to finish one more thing. Jimmy and I work well together, but there were many things that Jimmy and Dad just did so much better together around the farm. They worked so well together… and there are some pretty great stories (impressive and funny) to show for it.😄 Dad loved helping and many times showed up and did things without asking. He cared so much and took pride in what he did but also had so much pride in us and wanted to see us succeed. Much of our success over the years he played a big part in it.
Four years ago, we had a massive crop loss due to deer. It was unreal the devastation they caused in the pumpkin patch. My parents were down to visit and they wanted to see the loss we told them about. We walked the fields and it was depressing… my parents were so sad with us, and my mom went off walking with little Russell at the time, and my Dad stayed with me and we were talking about everything and he was asking questions about crop insurance and all of that. But what stuck with me the most from that conversation was when I started crying out of so much frustration, and he hugged me and said “It’ll all work out. You and Jimmy are such hard workers and I’ve watched you two overcome so much. And I’ll do whatever I can to help.” 🥹 That brought me so much comfort. He cared so much about us. He loved JPP. He loved planting with us, setting things up, helping make signs, drive tractors, directing cars, stocking tables, anything!! And come harvest season, him and my mom would tell us when they were coming to pick- they loved it! My Dad always impressed me with how much he did, never complaining. Harvesting acres and acres of pumpkins and gourds by hand is not for the weak, and my Dad was awesome at it. Truly. Again, the drive for accomplishment and his servant’s heart is truly admirable, and Jimmy and I were not only witness to this, but he has left an imprint on our hearts to be the same way.
The memories that Russell has with Papa at JPP is so sweet as well. Papa was so much a part of Russell’s childhood here- so much that everywhere we look around here at home, we can tell a story about him, see him, and remember him. Pumpkin season brings many special memories for all of us, and now even more so because it is within these fields, on the tractors, in the shed, climbing on the wagon, driving the skid steer… just so much of JPP that we can see Dad and Papa in it. And that brings our hurting hearts a sliver of joy. It’ll never be the amount of joy experienced with him here with us, but what a blessing that we have these memories and what a gift he was in our lives.
So this season, we dedicate it to Dad/Papa. His hats were worn on planting day this year, and I talked to him out in the pumpkin patch the day I saw the first sprout of the season. Dad was always happy to hear when they started poppin’. 🥹🌱 JPP will never be the same without you, Dad. It just won’t. But we’ll keep working hard like you, we’ll keep teaching Russell about work ethic but also having fun while we’re at it, and we will forever carry you with us not just here at home, but throughout life.
Joshua 1:9🌱🎃🤍
