IN MEMORY OF JON J
This is a letter written by Jon's brother.

A Tribute to JON J

I was checking through the technical pages on how to start my car @ yugo.putz when I heard that my bother Vlad died. It was a sinking feeling in my gut akin to the G-forces that always slam me into the back seat whenever my Yugo's gas pedal was stomped to the floor. After the initial tears and shock I realized we would never settle the matter. You see, Vlad was afraid of racing just one specific car - my 25 hp 767cc Zastava 750 - the yellow one with the pinstripe holding it together. This is no stinking Italian knock-off. It's a genuine Yugoslavian road warrior and Vlad, familiar with the workmanship of this precision European touring sedan was fearful of a showdown. We frequently swapped lies about our respective machines and in a moment of boasting and braggadocio Jon agreed to make it an even race by putting his Mustang on blocks. But after he saw the mighty yellow rocket start with a bitter cough and a belch of smoke he knew it was over. Our pink slip contest was to be this weekend past and I think he died from grief over the impending loss of his beloved car. In trying to make sense of his untimely death I have concluded he just couldn't bear to lose his beloved car - just as it is so difficult bearing the loss of Jon. In my years on this earth I discovered there is only one thing that we can take with us when we leave this life. It is our relationships. It was wonderful reading your comments on this site and I take comfort in knowing that Vlad/Jon deeply touched many of you folks with his insight and humor. Your well wishes give testimony that he truly stored up riches in heaven. I thank you. But I also know that Vlad is already scheming. In fact he's probably down at St Pete's Bargain Beater Lot working down the price on another Turbo so he can be ready when I arrive. It was damned inconsiderate of him to leave us this way and when I next see him he'll know it 'cause it will be for pink slips - for real. Man & Machine vs Man & Machine...Road Warrior vs Road Warrior...Brother with Brother...forever...

If you don't know who Jon J was you have missed out.He was one of the most colorful people I have ever come across, with an imagination far beyond the limits of a normal person.Though I only met him through his words(posts on turboford.org) somehow there is this empty feeling when I log on to the board.We will all miss him dearly. RACE in peace JON J.