Followup: Memorial for (& name of) man found dead in Junction

JJ April 13, 2010 (5:27 pm)

May he rest in peace.

Shannon April 13, 2010 (6:30 pm)

Really Bill? You didn’t know him but found it necessary to give us your two cents on hia cause of death? Awesome.

Babs April 13, 2010 (6:35 pm)

Thanks Tracy for this follow-up to this sad story. I think its great that some people placed those teddy bears and such there. Whatever the outcome, he died alone, and if there are family who go there where it ended, they will see a simple kindness.

35this35mph April 13, 2010 (7:15 pm)

Godspeed Jeffery.

Absolution for the rest of us.

Sargon Bighorn April 13, 2010 (9:08 pm)

What a good Finnish name. I hope it was not Meth related. Too much of that poison about.

pot pie April 14, 2010 (12:36 am)

Just saw the memorial in front of Twilight, with his picture. Not to show disrespect to the dead or anything, but that was a bad dude. Yeah, he was probably homeless and society failed him and all that, but he is one of the reasons I don’t feel safe in my own community once the sun goes down. At least a dozen times, over about the past year, he has followed me across the street and down the block when I wouldn’t give him change or a cigarette. I work at a local restaurant, live near the Junction, and love everything West Seattle. Except for this guy. Don’t like him or his “colleagues” at all. His death is sad, don’t get me wrong. There are so many resources out there to help people get off drugs and receive job training, and sadly he never got that. But I have a hard time feeling sorry for the death of someone that wouldn’t think twice about following a person home when they wouldn’t just give him spare change so he can buy drugs. I’m not just assuming he was a druggie because he was homeless, I’ve seen him in the alley behind where i work, smoking something that definitely wasn’t tobacco or pot. So before everyone puts this guy on a pedestal because he is dead, just know that he was a menace in our community and we’re better off without him.

MTM April 14, 2010 (6:10 am)

Dear Pot Pie.. There but for the grace of God go you or I. Even in death you can’t find compassion for those among us who struggle with pain, addiction and mental illness? I feel sorry for you that you can’t find forgiveness and compassion now that the final toll has been paid by this man. Yeah, there are creepy people out there, but I believe that even creepy people deserve a sendoff into that great darkness that has some compassion melded in – and we’re all better people for joining together to wish him peace in death, if not in life.

amy April 14, 2010 (9:05 am)

I agree completely with what MTM has to say. I am amazed by some of the comments left regarding this man. Yet again, no consideration for the family and friends that may subscribe to WSB and would be reading this.

Sometimes the most menacing people in society are those who act out of ignorance. as the saying goes “There is nothing worse than ignorance in action. You have no idea what this man’s true personal issues were. I am not condoning any mistreatment he had toward others but you could stand a look in the mirror with your lack of compassion.

Kristina April 14, 2010 (9:33 am)

Oh, Pot Pie. Your post makes me so sad! I hope that when you displease others they offer you more compassion than you have offered here.

If Jeff’s life was as troubled as these posts seem, I offer even more sympathy to his family and friends. It must be doubly hard to deal with his death when his life was in chaos and he didn’t get a chance to reveal his potential.

The majority of the posts here remind me of the great community of West Seattle. There is a lot of compassion here, even for those who live on the edges.

wolfbain April 14, 2010 (10:21 am)

pot pie. it,s true. some are sicker than others.please seek help.

Cheryl April 14, 2010 (10:23 am)

As MTM said…

.

“There but for the grace of God…”

Whomever this young man was, and whatever his “Story” may have been, someone, somewhere loved him. And if nothing else, I’m feeling sorrow for THEM and sending them my condolences and prayers as they surely grieve.

.

I hope you’ll keep us updated on any developments WSB. Thank you for telling the happy stories, and the sad.

Josh April 14, 2010 (11:20 am)

God’s Grace has nothing to do with whether you choose to abuse drugs or not.

Cherylc April 14, 2010 (11:31 am)

I don’t think potpie needs professional help. Potpie is not a gender-specific name, but as a woman, I don’t have a lot of sympathy for people who threaten my physical safety. I used to live on Capitol Hill, and there was a neighborhood guy who would follow me, and once grabbed me. I’m certain he would have hurt me worse if he had a chance to do so. When he disappeared, I thought he might have died, and I felt greatly relieved. I felt bad about it, but from my perspective things were much better.

I think it’s possible to feel compassion for a person who died and sympathy for the family, while at the same time knowing you won’t miss him.

wolfbain April 14, 2010 (11:46 am)

if you think a dead drug addict lying on the sidewalk makes your world a safer place, your warped.

Aa April 14, 2010 (12:38 pm)

Some of my favorite “regulars” in West Seattle are the homeless. My experience has been good, and the gentlemen we know who choose this alternative lifestyle are always friendly, respectful and giving where they can in spite of whatever state of inebriation or mental illness they may be under the influence of. I am aware others may have unpleasant interactions, but speaking for myself and my circle of local professionals, I am happy to know a wide range of residents.
We’ve found that when they know we care and look out for them, they do the same for us.

Cherylc April 14, 2010 (1:58 pm)

Generally, wolfbain, I agree with you, although I might say it differently. But, in my case, the guy I was talking about was targeting me specifically, and so when he was gone I was safer, from him anyway. And I thought potpie might feel the same way not having to deal with this individual anymore. Of course, I don’t know if this man was actually dangerous or just irritating. And I still think it’s sad that he died alone, possibly from drug-related causes.

Potpie April 14, 2010 (1:59 pm)

I just want to apologise. My words were callous and insensitive, and I regret I said them. I was not thinking of jeff’s family and friends. I would never wish for the death of anyone, even someone who scared me. I’m sorry if it came across as such. It is tragic, and I am so sorry I was not more sensitive. I’m sorry.

T_Bickle April 14, 2010 (2:14 pm)

right on Pot-Pie.

Baba April 14, 2010 (2:22 pm)

+1 for pot pie. Overcompassion is destroying our society. Every child molester, rapist and junkie out there are just “lost souls” and “good people inside”. Yeah Right!!! People need to be accountable for their bad choices. Death is one of the ways! DEAL WITH IT, PEOPLE!!!

T_Bickle April 14, 2010 (2:22 pm)

All of the people that have developed a sudden sense of compassion for this man, had the chance to help the FIRST TIME THEY SAW HIM. They chose not to.

Mary April 14, 2010 (3:00 pm)

I am wondering if anyone knows what happened to the memorial outside of Twilight. We had agreed with the deceased friends to let it remain for the week. I was disappointed to see it had been cleared when I arrived this morning at 11AM.

~Mary/Twilight

Baba April 14, 2010 (3:11 pm)

God’s Grace has nothing to do with whether you choose to abuse drugs or not.

Comment by Josh —–

I’m sure the guy is in heaven by now…

you were kidding, right???

Kayleigh April 14, 2010 (3:38 pm)

Is the nastiness about a person who has passed and therefore cannot defend himself really necessary? What is wrong with some of you?
.
“Overcompassion”? In today’s narcissistic, emotionally arrested America? Yeah, right.

newnative April 14, 2010 (3:43 pm)

Good question, I came down to pay my respects and noticed some others came too. the memorial was gone

Baba April 14, 2010 (4:10 pm)

Some of us still CAN tell a difference between right and wrong. And teddy bears and flowers at the junkies death site are just WRONG!

PS: The only argument that can be successfully used against my above statement…- You didn’t know the guy – Well, I didn’t – But this overcompassion pattern is way too obvious all across the USA.
PS2: I can’t wait for his “pending toxicology results” and a criminal record to be released to prove me WRONG!!!

johnyonthespot April 14, 2010 (5:43 pm)

I agree with the first comment by PotPie and the comments by BABA. Bleeding hearts have there place. Im am sorry for the parents who have lost the memories of a child of years ago. The friends well I dont know the friends but I do know friends try to help not encourage when someone they care about is doing things they shouldnt. Drugs or not. We all make a choice. He chose to live the way he wanted to. He died the way he wanted to. It wasnt sudden it wasnt tragic you live a life of destroying your body and mind and people are shocked to see the results. I wondering if he ever showed up to strangers memorials because he “felt” for the family? I hope his parents worries are eased because atleast now they know he is safe and not hurting himself. Im sorry

Kristina April 14, 2010 (9:14 pm)

Potpie, your follow up is very considerate and compassionate; it shows great kindness.

Baba: “Overcompassion”? Wow that is a new one for me. I don’t believe that such a thing is possible. I am constantly working on my own compassion…sometimes more successfully than others. I’m trying to be compassionate towards you right now, but I’m feeling judgemental. I’ll keep working on it.

Amanda April 14, 2010 (9:21 pm)

I’m sorry that Jeff died on a public street creating this firestorm of commenting about who’s compassionate and who isn’t. I also lived on CapHill and was scared of some of the mentally ill who also lived there. There are plenty of nice homeless people who are just trying really hard to survive. But there are really nasty scary homeless people who will kill you for the money in your pocket. It’s the truth, sorry it seems so hard for people to accept it. If this guy was threatening someone, he was a menace. And that’s also truth. Unfortunately, he overdosed in the Junction, maybe it was his last statement to society? Much more memorable death than overdosing at someone’s house at a party. And Potpie, don’t apologize for your opinions, they are valid.

ljd April 14, 2010 (10:11 pm)

i walked through the junction this evening and saw that the memorial was back. unfortunately there was also a group of four transients who were looking at it who were crying and screaming/cussing at the person who died. i don’t know if they were mad that he died or were glad that he died. grief can be ugly sometimes i guess.

wolfbain April 14, 2010 (10:14 pm)

right on 1000 times pot pie . love

Westside J. April 14, 2010 (11:11 pm)

Man.. Some of you really concern me. You’re condemning the people who are offering respect and positive wishes to this man and his fam/friends? But since he was a homeless junkie he deserves your angry and borderline hateful remarks and NOT the good things?? Why can you speak your opinions but the people with positive things to say can’t??
So he made some wrong turns in life.. But who’s to say he wouldn’t have wanted help if he knew how to get it? Some junkies don’t want to be junkies, and sometimes they need people to help them before they can help themselves.
Everyone knows at least one good person who went down a bad road, and you people who are “more perfect than thou”, who think your “S*** don’t stink” disgust me sometimes. Get off your judgmental high horses.

wolfbain April 14, 2010 (11:12 pm)

kristina, keep up the good work. your on the right path. happy trails.

Westside J. April 14, 2010 (11:16 pm)

BTW, PotPie, it’s takes class to apologize like that, good on ya.

Andrea(sister) April 14, 2010 (11:22 pm)

Jeff had a good heart. 1st he was not homeless we just didnt like him to drink so he would stay out.My brother asked for money 4 a beer food or ciggs. maybe but would put your life b-4 his own!!! Missed by everyone of his family members because of his big heart. to pot pie he prob. thought you was cute.he was a little sick and had a drinking prob. he did drugs but not like you think not everyday i never seen him strung out just really drunk.I love you my brother my your soul be at rest and you get some good sleep.

Andrea(sister) April 14, 2010 (11:46 pm)

Alot of friends and family my brother had in west seattle. he fell down we were waitin for him to get back on his feet.He lived poorly and life never was on his side even as a kid.His mind was tired and he was so alone. As my older brother he took care of us 3 girls i remember him curling our hair and dressing us 4 pic day cus my mom could not just a really helpful big brother he played his tricks on us to but would never hurt anyone. Thanks to all the people who showed up at my fathers house he was truely loved by alot and knew by even more. Sorry if you never took the time to say hi to him or get to know him as a person but i did and he taught my son so much and now he is not here.Man my brother was a good dresser and all the girls i knew at school liked him good looking young man.We have not been informed cause of death and wont 4 8-10 weeks please dont bad mouth him he died alone and should of been home and not alone. who wants to die alone.

HomeInWS April 15, 2010 (12:48 am)

Man, there are some really scary people posting on here. To Baba and those like “it” – please be careful with what you say… with your non-bleeding hearts, you may end up dying alone. This lack of compassion for the living is appalling. These are people wanting to deal with their loss by leaving teddy bears and flowers. Leave them alone, and while you are at it – leave West Seattle. Move to Bellevue where you belong.

KBear April 15, 2010 (8:47 am)

Wolfbain, Pot Pie, Baba: Compassion is not a weakness, but the lack of it is. May you all receive more than you have shown.

Shaun April 15, 2010 (9:15 am)

I don’t doubt that he was a good person to some. Most everyone has good and bad things in their character. Addicts need help and support, but I don’t think anyone’s required to feel compassion for anyone they don’t know. If you feel compassion or empathy, fine, but don’t expect others to do so. I gave him cigarettes several times, but never money ’cause I didn’t think it would go to the right place. He never gave me trouble, but I know others who did have problems with him. Maybe his so-called friends will see what can happen and get their lives in order. They’ve been walking these streets for way too long and their welcome is seriously worn out.

KBear April 15, 2010 (10:44 am)

“I don’t think anyone’s required to feel compassion for anyone they don’t know.”
.
Hmm. That’s not what Jesus said.

Baba April 15, 2010 (11:39 am)

A lot of posters here intentionally or genuinely don’t get my point. Being compassionate is great!
But there has to be a line. A line that we as a society cross all the time today:
Constantly finding excuses for peoples bad choices and calling it compassion.

It’s not compassion! It’s called enabling!!!

Andrea(sister) April 15, 2010 (1:37 pm)

I bet you never had day that he lived in. he is in peace now and i hope it opens the eyes of others who are in the same place as my brother he was NOT HOMELESS. he had a drinking prob. NOT A JUNNKIE. I want 2 c if u lost ur job ur girl and kid left u alone and ur family starts to turn there backs on u, how would u feel. dont feel 4 him just dont bad mouth him and have respect 4 the dead. his up bring was way hard and u dont no him. (TO BABA IF U HAVE NO COMPASSION WHY LEAVE ANY MESSAGE- you have alot of hurt and i wish i could take that pain away just like i wished i could of with my brothers pain and i dont no you but pray 4 u and everyone with my son every nite.)he might of followed you around potpie and who ever else im sorry for that he wasn’t always like that he worked and hard until just a yr an a half ago.but got sick 3 yrs. ago with alcohol. he took free drugs but when you have no where to go your going to be around drugs and yes its your choice to choose whats right and wrong.you prob. had a better life and up bring so choices might not of been that hard i bet you had your family to tell you right from wrong some people grow up thinking at a young age that the wrong is right and didnt no what wrong was. some people cant figure it out when they get older and some do but its very hard.

Andrea(sister) April 15, 2010 (1:41 pm)

IT HURTS 2 C ALL THIS HATE. TOGETHER IS HOW YOU GET BY IN THIS WORLD.I PRAY FOR YOU WHO ARE HURT MAY YOUR PAIN BE HEALED OR NUMBED WITH LOVE A JOY.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL EVERY NIGHT I PRAY 4 GOOD OR BAD AND HURT AND SICK.LOVE TO ALL

M.R. 33 April 15, 2010 (5:16 pm)

Dear Andrea,

Well said. I so can relate to your pain. We spoke the other night & I really cared for your brother a lot… I think when people can’t relate by 1st hand, or just assume what they can’t imagine or freaging GRASP, that wrong things are said>offending really,if people aren’t in the same shoes…..Instead of people(some) just saying ,”hey, I’m sorry this happened,& best wishes.” they try to deal with it as if they know what SHOULD have happened to prevent such a tragedy…I had a very ruff patch last summer&year(It’s getting better,thankfully>but it was hard for while which made me understand that it could truly happen to anyone!). Jeff was amazing& we would go to alki several times a week,as well as walks around the neighbourhood.. & talk & see each other often while both trying to “figure it out..”, (that is,trying to figure out how to get our lives better& have more peace). He was trying. &for the assumer’s out there>he WASN’T a junkie AT ALL& he was cared for a lot. If circumstances where different I’m sure he would have been alive and thriving in the future. I hope I get to see you for more than a wave that time& remissness of how cool your bro was. Take care, & see you soon. M

tammy April 15, 2010 (9:57 pm)

To Andrea I am very sorry for you lost.I was on my way to work last friday and I saw jeff he was smiling and was happy.I never had no problem with him i gave him change whenever I saw him.did your dad get the card i left by the teddy bears .it said for jeffs dad

krysta lil sis April 15, 2010 (11:56 pm)

i really feel sorry 4 most of the people cause god dont like ugly only the devil says bad things about people i hate 2 see how u live on a daily basis my brother was the most amazing person i no he would give his last $ 2 any1 stranger,even if he didnt like u if u were hungrey even if he needed a beer he alwaYz puts every1 1st just be LUCKYur not the going through it!!!!! LUV U BRO UR MY WORLD

krysta lil sis April 16, 2010 (12:00 am)

I LOVE MY BROTHER I CANT STOP THINKING OF HIM HE ALWAYS MADE ME SMILE I FEEL BAD THAT I COULDNT DO SOMETHING LIKE A FAMLIY THING I MISS HIM SO MUCH!!!!! RIP TO MY ONLY BIG BRO JEFF

Casey April 16, 2010 (12:13 am)

Well I really have no say in this but I thought I would say something cus really this affected a lot of people even people jeff didn’t really know I know so many people that r torn up by this as well as I am I mean he really was a great person only if u got to know him even saying hi or talking to him for a second u could tell he’s a great guy rest in peace forever jeff much love

tammy April 16, 2010 (11:00 am)

hey andrea and krysta I told the lady that sells real change at pcc about jeff she just stared crying . i felt bad telling her .she said she saw jeff last friday also and he looked happy .GOD BLESS you 2 and family .Sometimes things happen for a reason we just don;t know why. someone said jeff had a duaghter?

krysta lil sis April 16, 2010 (1:14 pm)

i ill never 4get all the good times my brother gave me its never live unless my bro is there his smile his laugh his jokes i wish more people could no him because him being in ur lifes makes a better life just noing him 1 time i was with him and he was drunk this lady upstairs 4rm us had a lot of problems she didnt no us but we new that she needed things just like every1 else my brother got so drunk he knocked up stairs on the door the lady lived in and my brother just got paid when she answer the door he threw ”man i couldnt even tell u a few hundreds” she didnt really no what was going on because she didnt speak any english so she shut the door and i was gonna get his money back but he really wanted her to have it i love him so much never and i mean never go to sleep made at some1 u never no when the time you will see a person always say u love some1 u could never say that to much as much as we say it its not enough!!! my bro was my fav i love him so much

krysta lil sis April 16, 2010 (1:28 pm)

my brother has the most beautiful little girl ever blue eyes blond hair and the best part the reddest rose cheeks just like her dad (my brother) and she is half mexican my brother did a very very good job on helping raising us 3 girls he has me and my 2 sisters a beautiful little girl and of corse mom and dad the very last thing i said to my bro is i was on my way to work and i looked at him and said hey jeff and i handed him 2 ciggs and said i love u jeff have a good day he said i love u to krysta i miss him so much i wish i could of done something 4 him with him i just hope he new how much i really love him

tammy April 16, 2010 (3:44 pm)

krysta you sound like a great person.remember your brother loved you.I Want to give you and each of your sisters a little angel each. i lost my son in 2004 .alot of people give me angeles I now collet them I would like to share with you and your sisters.

namerequired April 20, 2010 (12:23 am)

I just really hope they (police)Take a good look as to who he was with and where he was at before he passed. The people he was with need to be held responsable for this as well.

krysta lil sis April 20, 2010 (8:10 pm)

love you and miss you jeffrey kukkonen ill see you in heaven

shauna April 28, 2010 (5:36 am)

life is precious dont take it 4 granted time lost is never found again. i love u jeff, im proud u r my big bro. i pray u found comfort in the arms of the angels so that u may rest in peace. ur memories will never fade i will keep them with me.i miss u deeply, and im sorry ur life was shortly lived. thank you 4 being my brother, my idol amd friend also not 2 4get my enemy at times growing up. no matter what i was alawys proud u were my big brother. i wish i had more time another day one mo0re chance id make it up to u. like my sister wrote never go to bed being mad at someone u never know what tommorrow has in store.

krysta lil sis April 30, 2010 (12:35 am)

love you jeff

shauna May 10, 2010 (1:01 am)

i love u andrea n krysta, we know what kinda person jeff was. ITS SAD THAT SO MANY EDUCATED PEOPLE CAN REALLY BE THIS STUPID!THE ONE THING TO BE4 SURE ABOUT ABOUT IS THAT THE REAL ISSUE ISNT SO MUCH BUFFY’S WELL BEING IN THE COMMUNITY ITS THAT FACT THAT WE HAVE A GREATER ISSUE AT STAKE THATS BECOMING INFECTOIUOS AND DAMAGING MANY LIVES DUE TO THE UNCONTROLLABLE OUTBREAKS OF IGNORANCE ITS HARD TO SHINE LIGHT LONG ENOUGH ON THE ISSUE SO IT MAY BE CORRECTED. WE HAVE NO VACCINE FOR YOUR OPTION OF BEING STUPID IT SPREADS LIKE A WILDFIRE IF U DONT CHANGE URE ONE WAY THINKING. THE COMMUNITY DOESNT NEED UR CRUEL COMMENTS. WE NEED A SOLUTION WHY DID MY BROTHER DIE FACE DOWN ON A DIRTY COLD SIDEWALK ALL ALONE? JUST MAYBE HE HAD TO FIND AWAY TO NUMB HIS SELF FROM UNHUMANE COLD DARK UGLY HEARTLESS PEOPLE LIKE THE FEW WORTHLRESS NARROWS MINDS THAT WERE SO UNCONSIDERATE OF A YOUNG MAN WHO WASNT GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE HIS LIFE, A PERSON WITH A FAMILY A DAUGHTER WHO LOVES AND NEEDS HIM TO BE HERE ALIVE WITH US.

shauna May 10, 2010 (1:14 am)

MY BROTHER JEFF THE COMEDIAN ARTIST CUTEBIG BROTHER HE WAS A PERSON OF UNDERSTANDING COMMPASSIONATE COURAGOUS. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM HIM THRUOUT HIS SHORTLYLIVED LIFE AND I M GREATFUL TO STILL BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO LEARN AN EVEN GREATER LESSON OF LIFE. THANKYOU JEFF FOR OPENING MY EYES. LIFE IS DELICATE AND ONLY A FEW THINGS CAN BECOME A 4SURE THING THATS LIFE AND DEATH NOTHING CAN BE 4SURE PROMISE BECAUSE TOMORROW MIGHT NOT MAKE IT TO KEEP ITS PROMISE.LIVE WITHOUT REGRETS AND FIND BEAUTY WITHIN EVERY SITUATION. A POSITIVE WILL COME OUT OF IT EVENTUALLY SO LOOK4 WARD TO THAT.

John F. Cruz Sr. May 11, 2010 (1:12 pm)

I would like to HELP all you, DISRESPECTFUL person/persons for an UNCALLED-FOR comments; Where these people or persons should feel so so shameful for expressing their personal emotions and sharing it with the public, instead of saying comments before the person as PAST!!!!! This only shows am COLD&HATE-FULL HEART in which this person/persons my speak from their heart, but their timing is late and SELFISH for which the DEAD cannot defend their NAME!! Where, I do not know the decease, but I’m showing and giving him the RESPECT that the whole world , every man, woman, and child show for as long as I can remember!!!

krysta lil sis May 15, 2010 (4:35 am)

its crazy i was on my way home from work i seen a dead body 2 hours ago in white center in the middle of the road police were looking for who did it don’t look like they found who did it!!!!!!! i uv you and miss u jeff!!!!!!!

krysta lil sis May 15, 2010 (3:25 pm)

shauna please call me need to talk mama please call me 206 244 5287 or mark to get cell ph no u can reach me b 4 its too late jeff wish i could reach out to u diffrently but i guess when its yur time to make an exit u gotta go i know u made a deal with yur maker god knows forever in yur heart n soul mama my no will b changed shauna call asap

krysta lil sis May 15, 2010 (3:27 pm)

shauna just call

Andrea(sister) May 15, 2010 (10:39 pm)

Shauna big sis I miss you and love you so much!!!!! You are so beautiful a star and you know how much of a good big heart you have you say your lost already but i see you and your not you have been down this road b-4 and you pulled your self outta it so why can’t you now. you say that you don’t want to deal with it but when ayasiah is crying saying to me that she wants her mama and then i start to cry who said that they were going to take us far away??? at least come around or call i’m so worried about you MA love you please write an let me no u made it back to t town

shanita la chiquita May 24, 2010 (7:49 pm)

dont trip potatoe chip!!! u call me ok 948-8253 love ya all. im ok im not goin down that road nemore, that road is dark twisted and lonely. im doin ok and love ya miss ya so call me soon bcus i have time on my fone now but not foreva. love ya always naw-nah