My name is Melinda (Jody called me Melin) Simon and Jody was my step-brother. My Mom (Sally Mc) married Jody's Dad (Dr. Joe Risser, Sr). She was his medical secretary. Even before they were married Mother was Jody's staunch ally.

     I loved Jody all of my life as did every other woman who came in contact with him! I am eight years younger than Jody. When I was 10 or 11 Jody built a car down at SWP (Southwest Pump Company) a gasoline pump manufacturer company owned by the Risser family. Every employee at SWP had some input or helped build on the car. In reality it was just a car frame, but it was great fun to ride in, even if you had to hold the battery in your lap. The battery was sitting in an oblong cake pan. This car just drew more of Jody's female admirers.

     Jody was a great athlete in high school (All District Football) and I think he made All State one year. The ladies loved him then also.

     If you look up the term "free spirit" in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Jody instead of a definition. He lived life the way he wanted to. When I think of how early in life he left us, sometimes I think what a waste, but then I know Jody left this earth the way he lived; on his own terms.

     I think of him quite often, especially when I hear "Wine, Wine, Wine". Jody used to get asked lots of times, if he was related to Elvis. It used to make him mad as Hell, I always thought he could have held his own with Elvis, whether it be on the stage or with the ladies.

     Our all school reunion will be held in June and I will have to tell many of Jody's old friends that he is no longer with us on earth, but will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

~ Melinda Simon~