I first met John Jackson at Blues Week at the Augusta Festival in Elkins about 15 years ago. In John's class that first year, I sat enthralled by his incredible guitar picking (he made it look effortless), his tales both tall and true (and it wasn't always easy to figure out which was which), but most of all by his warmth and willingness to share. That first experience was the beginning of a friendship that will always be precious to me.

The highlight of every day during Blues Week for me and lots of others in recent years was the late afternoon jam that John led on the Halliehurst porch. Everyone was welcomed and encouraged to join in -- from the world-class instructors to the beginners.

I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to have known, loved, and shared time with this great man. I'll miss him so much.