Jeremy Bullas. Rest in Peace
Tragically on Sunday 19th April 2009 Jeremy lost his life, suffering a heart attack after a game of soccer at Lake Sylvan, Orlando Florida. He leaves behind the love of his life Mary Jo, and three children, Alix, Sophie and Jack.
I have been very blessed to be able to call Jeremy a friend for the past few years, a blessing I know that many people here are glad to have shared.
When I first met Jeremy it was immediately apparent that we shared many of the same experiences as younger men, including football, music and where we had grown up to name but a few.
We spent lots of time talking about the olden days of Friday nights out after work, going to the match on a Saturday-or trying to catch the results in the window of Reddifusion when the lads were away, playing sports in the snow and rain, a curry on the way home then falling asleep on the night service; that type of thing. The conversations were always alive with characters and color, vivid memories from a man who had really enjoyed and made the most of growing up with great family and great friends. I always cherished the chance to talk with Jeremy as did a lot of you here today, and it is a shared loss that we won’t have that chance again.
But we do have the opportunity to take heart from the memories of those times, times that are now more precious than we may have realized, and forever reserve a place in our hearts for the smile, warm welcome, intelligent insight, wit and banter that made Jeremy so special. It would be remiss of me to stand here without talking about Jeremy the footballer, and whilst I acknowledge he was a first class cricketer, and raconteur, I know his first love was kicking a pigs bladder around (but enough of his run-ins with the police in Manchester).
I have a photo of Jeremy playing in the Memorial Cup last year heading the ball, it’s kind of blurry and he is on his tip toes with the opposition two or three feet in the air all around him, and although he knew it would never make the cover of Four-Four-Two, he was proud of that photo, proud that he had won the ball; beaten if only for a instant, men half his age, and despite any question marks over his aerial prowess, Jeremy knew that for that moment he was on top. Memories of Terry Butcher with his head in bandages or Stuart Pearce putting the penalty demon to bed against Spain in ‘96 flashing through one’s mind, all when the boy from Staffordshire made that little patch of Apopka his own. I was so pleased that it brought him joy, he deserved it. It’s therefore so very bittersweet that a man who loved the beautiful game so much, would spend his last hours on the pitch.
And a man with a simpler approach to the game couldn’t be found. In Jeremy’s words and I quote, “Look for the people wearing the same colored shirts as you, look for the one who is nearest and has space around him, give him the ball”. After a few pints it became apparent that there was actually more to it than that, and that Robson and Venebles missed out by favoring Gascoigne to boss the English midfield over the ‘Hednesford Harrier’, but the sentiment was always clear, do the simple things well and everything else will take care of itself.
And what is the simplest thing? Love? Love for family, love for friends. Those of us who knew him best saw that love had taken him to a new level in the past couple of years. A renewed and invigorated Jeremy basking in the relationship that he and Mary-Jo had created, being marveled by Jack, Sophie and Alix on a daily basis. Like the proverbial ‘duck to water’ Jeremy had fully embraced all of the responsibilities and duties required of him to be involved so closely with such a wonderful family. Discussions of the weekend’s games took up a lot less of our regular lunches, the talk was more about the future than the past, the planned vacations, the homework, the growing pains and best of all, the opportunities. I think that Jeremy finally felt complete, taking pleasure in shaping the new pieces of his puzzle; making it all fit.
Mary-Jo, Jack, Sophie, Alix, he adored you all, you opened up a very special place for him and I know he would like me to thank you for that on his behalf. Again it so bittersweet. We are all going to share memories today, and we all feel a common sense of loss and confusion over why he was taken away. The pain of the loss will be with us for some time, but it will subside, the joy that Jeremy brought to us all will wash it away. So as I eluded to earlier; let’s hang on to that joy and carry it with us, keeping the memory, the very soul of a good friend alive long after today, he would’ve done the same for any one of us. Cheers Jez.
April, 21st 2009Family & Friends 27 Comments
Comments
Comment # 2
April 21, 2009
I’ll miss serving ya beers mate and having our wednesday afternoon chats about just about anything we could think of, cheers mate, will miss ya,
Comment # 3
April 21, 2009
Jeremy and John Rowlands were the first two guys I ever met at St Andrews. It was World Cup 2002 and a friend of mine had convinced me to go to the pub for the first time because it was going to be packed as they were going to be open all night showing the games from Korea. (JR and JB turned out to be the only two there:))
In the months and years to follow I began playing with the lads and getting to know everyone but JB was always one of those guys who stood out. He was always up conversation about football, cricket, Jamaica, reggae, food or whatever.
There was also the serious side when we’d discuss issues such as racism in football.
He was very passionate about this subject and when I had some “stand up/speak up” bands sent over from Europe, he was one of the few people not on my coed team to get one. That was because he went out of his way to make sure he was included because he felt so strongly about the issue.
Unfortunately I hadn’t seen much of JB lately but I did get to see him play really well in a 5-1 victory his team enjoyed a few weeks ago. I was always a fan of his game because he kept everything so simple which made him a pleasure to play with and manage. He’s definintely one of the real backbone members of our club and when we lose people like that they can never be replaced.
We only hope that new members can bring some of his passion, committment and enthusiasm for the sport and life in general.
R.I.P. JB and even though your beloved Arsenal play my Liverpool in about an hour, today we are all one football family. Hopefully the game will be a great one that you can enjoy wherever you are. I’ll be thinking of you.
- Phillip
Comment # 4
April 21, 2009
JB, you were a one of this world’s good guys! It was a privilege to have known you, to share you company and call you friend. I’ll miss being called ‘Lad’and just shooting the breeze with you,
May you rest in peace, JB
Comment # 5
April 21, 2009
Ugh. What can we say… it is hard to believe you are actually not here. We love you and it was so beautiful to see you and Mary Jo together. What a gift.
Comment # 6
April 21, 2009
Everybody liked JB. How could you not? It’s tough to lose such a good lad. Peace be with you JB, and strength with your loved ones.
Comment # 7
April 21, 2009
Well played JB..I was hoping our boys would put on a show today and they did:) I’ll be supporting your Gunners in the Champion’s League
Comment # 8
April 21, 2009
As a relative newby to the St Andrew’s ‘family’, I found myself thinking of the times I met JB aswell as the fortune of playing with him in some of this seasons 40A games. It is remarkable the vivid picture of him I have in my head and reading through these lovely messages it is now clear why. Yes, he was the first to come and greet you, from day one. Always having time to talk and listen. JB you’re a genuine nice guy and will be missed by all you knew.
Richard Hall (Richie to the 40A’s - Jeff’s fault).
Comment # 9
April 21, 2009
The photo says it all, just the way I will always remember him as, bright eyed, fun loving, with a zest for life. The quintessential St Andrews social ambassador. No one welcomed you to the fold with more warmth and kindness than JB.
He knew something about everything and was such an engaging personality, I am proud to have been his teamate and his friend. Gonna miss you mate
Comment # 10
April 21, 2009
I have so many fond memories of JB that it is hard to now sort through them - one common sentiment on is his big smile. His smile is also a big part of my fond memories. Years ago, when I did not know many of the St. Andrews family well, JB was always the “familar face in the crowd” for me. I would always look first for him at any social event. He was always there with a big hug, a compliment, and the willingness to listen to whatever stupid news I had to share. I cannot fathom that he will no longer be my favorite “familar face” at the next social event. JB - I know you are in a better place now as you so deserve. Love You & miss you terribly.
Laura B.
Comment # 11
April 21, 2009
Our condolences to JB’s loved ones. He is surely missed but he is in a better place and resting. He will be watching us St. Andrew guys—win or lose, he will be supporting us - right JB?
We pray for strength to his loved ones.
Sincerely,
Arnie, Lorraine, Leon, Jadey & Zoey
Comment # 12
April 22, 2009
Man is allotted but a short time on this earth and no one knows the length of days. You smile as much as you can so not to dampen another’s spirits, you laugh and take joy in life whether times are good or not so good and you treat others as you would have them treat you. We witness Jeremy accomplish this with cheer and pleasure. He was golden and his presence will definitely be missed. GOD give his family and friends peace & understanding during this time, as we (together), mourn the loss of a dear and treasured citizen. Grace be with you Jeremy Bullas.
Comment # 13
April 22, 2009
JB - Your sense of humor and genuine friendship will be missed by me and the rest of the “Fossils”. We’ve shared many good times together both on and off the pitch, some very fond memories that no one can take away … rest in peace my friend !!!
Comment # 14
April 22, 2009
Well mate you went and did it now! I’m useless with words and you know it but I can’t let you go without saying my piece. I can’t begin to explain how I feel right now but I know one thing ……….. I’m grateful to have been your friend and team-mate for all these years (even though you’re an Arsenal fan). I don’t think I’ve missed many opportunities to bring up the 1972 F A Cup final but that’s all I have in my football arsenal (excuse the pun mate), what a game!
You left behind so many fantastic memories for so many people that you should feel very, very proud. I’m eternally grateful that my mind is chock-full of recent memories; Thanksgiving, Christmas and my birthday with you, Mary Jo and the kids. Thank heavens your kitchen was a disaster zone for so long.
Somehow you managed to wangle having a birthday on New Years day so you got the biggest bash going! And what a larf we’ve all had. Bobby V can sure throw a party! Two quick recaps …. Having Mum fly in for your 40th ……….. what a “gotcha!” (some people will know what I mean). And then there was Austin Powers! my God was that hilarious! Oh, and I nearly forgot. “The fight on the bus”! You’re the only one I know that can get away with punching Laura and live to tell the tale!
The best little snippet though, is ten days ago when I watched the “”Has-beens” play the Trojans at Central Winds. The crowd was slightly smaller than the Emerates Stadium as I recall but I was treated to a JB special. Cornered by three opposition players you dragged the ball back between your legs and left them standing. I would have been chuffed to bits with that move. The whole crowd cheered (well all five of us). It may sound stupid but it replays in my mind constantly now like a “Match-of-the-day replay”.
I guess, over the years, our only point of disagreement was your influence on Carter at an impressionable age when you had him close to becoming a Gooners fan! I think now that if my little man grew up an Arsenal fan I’d feel it an honour. I know one thing; he said to me that in football (or in that other football) he will always wear #4 for you.
You’ve been a top-draw friend to me and my family. We’ll treasure your friendship forever. I have to say that I don’t know what we would have done with all the wine if you hadn’t been there to drink it all these years! No-one can fall asleep on a couch like you and I know I’ll have to go to Deli to get a curry like you knocked up.
I’m actually at peace JB because I’ve seen you at your happiest with Mary Jo. That was wonderful to see. Please, please take care of yourself wherever you are. There are so many people here, at St. Andrews, in Florida and at home that are going to miss you tremendously and if there is a football pitch somewhere that you are gracing, save a spot for me on the team (can I have #11 please?). It would be a privilege to lace up the boots with you again.
Hell, did I go on or what ………… sorry……..
Love you ………….. Simmy
Comment # 15
April 22, 2009
JB,
You are in myself and Irene’s thoughts and prayers. I can recall a number of events / situations we found ourselves in, over the many years that I knew you. My particular, fond time, comes to mind was when you moved into my house, for a period and the laughs that we had. I remember the occasion when I was leaving to go to the UK, and I had to leave you with “Special Instructions” when I was gone!....
Great memories JB.
Myself and Irene express our condolences to Mary Jo and your family.
JB will live on in our hearts. We will miss that infectious smile.
God Bless.
Jim and Irene
Comment # 1
Chef Bram Fowler
April 21, 2009
Geraldine, myself and the whole staff at Journeys, (his favorite lunch spot with Bob) will dearly dearly miss him. We are shattered by the news. He was a class act and so great to be around. We are priviledged to have known him. Our sincere sympathy to Mary Jo and his whole family. Cheers Jeremy….