Source http://www.kentucky.com/   In Memoriam

27, London

The evening of Aug. 26, 2006, was a magical evening for Jonathan Hooker and Scarlett Parsley.

Their families and friends gathered to witness their storybook wedding. Jon Hooker was especially happy to be marrying a beautiful soul who so perfectly meshed with the family that he loved. The following morning, Comair Flight 5191 stripped away all of the joy and anticipation that the Hooker and Parsley families held.

This past year since the crash has been one of great sorrow and heartache for those who have missed their presence. For Jon Hooker’s family, there have been stark reminders of his absence. Jon enjoyed spending time with his mother, brother and sister. He especially enjoyed family gatherings with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was a great motivator and was always the first to start a family game of baseball or corn hole in the backyard. The Hooker family has made a concerted effort to carry on the traditions set forth with Jon and continue spending time together just enjoying each other’s company knowing that Jon would want them to treasure each day together.

Jon has been greatly missed during several huge milestones: the birth of his first nephew, and namesake, Cooper Jonathan Robinson; his brother’s college graduation; his best friend’s attainment of the Cy Young Award; and especially his mother’s completion of the National Board Certification in Teaching program, which Jon had been very encouraging of her to complete.

Jon’s presence has been greatly missed at his cousins’ athletic and school events that he was so faithful to attend to show his support and encouragement.

The community has also grieved Jon’s passing and has appropriately established memorials in his behalf. A scholarship was awarded in his name at North Laurel High School; the University of Kentucky baseball program posted a permanent emblem in his memory; the North Laurel baseball team dedicated their winning season in his honor; the Comprehensive Care Center where Jon worked established a permanent memorial at their office; and several baseball tournaments were held in his name.

All of these community efforts are an outpouring of the love that the community held for Jon. It is hoped that these efforts will remind others to strive to match the great character that Jon maintained and to enjoy life as fully as he did.

The impact of Jon’s life on others is made evident to his family on a daily basis. Family members receive calls and letters almost daily from people who are continuing to show their compassion for this great loss. Each and every card, call, hug and prayer has been greatly needed and appreciated. The family left grieving could never express how much those efforts have meant.

One of the greatest sources of comfort came from the UK baseball team of which Jon was a member: the players each wrote a fond memory of Jon and compiled them into a booklet and presented it to Jon’s mother. Those memories and stories are all cherished by his family. The family continues to need the support and prayers of others since the loss of Jon and Scarlett will be a painful consequence for many years to come.

Jon left this world on Aug. 27, 2006, at the highest point in his life, the morning after marrying Scarlett, the love of his life. On a good day, his family can think about how few people get to leave this world feeling that way; however, on a bad day, they think of all he left behind, the things he will miss, and the constant pain of his absence here on Earth.

The family of Jonathan Hooker