Jake left Synanon and remained clean & sober and married to Priscilla. He died in 2001 and this epitaph was written on the Synanon.org site by the Mulkey Family
“Whereas, Jake Smotherman was an individual who rose above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity – unselfishly sharing his person, wit, and laughter throughout the years of his professional life; and
Whereas, his life embraced the understanding that
Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it
Bitterness paralyzes life; Love empowers it,
Bitterness sickens life; Love heals it
Bitterness blinds life, Love anoints its eyes, and
Whereas, Jake conceptualized the ideal that :
It is not our position, but our disposition that makes us happy and
It is not just live and let live, but live and help live; and
Whereas, Jake left a legacy of LOVE, GENEROSITY and RESPECT
Walden House, his beloved workplace; Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, his beloved church and the place where he received spiritual fulfillment, and his neighborhood where he was highly respected; and
Whereas, his warmth and concern for the Mulkey family earned a place as a cherished friend and an extended family member. This family does recognize that death is separation, but it is not an end to joy and laughter – nothing would less honor a life than to make our lives drab in response to the ending of what was good; and
Whereas, we resolve that the Mulkey family bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father who does know best. We extend to Andy, Mimi, Meredith, Gregory, Melvin, grandchildren, and of course to our precious son, brother, uncle, and cousin, Duane our profound love and heartfelt sympathy at their loss and commend them to HIM who is able and willing to heal all sorrow.
Farewell Jake, we will surely miss you.
Respectfully submitted,
The Mulkey Family
Jake left Synanon and remained clean & sober and married to Priscilla. He died in 2001 and this epitaph was written on the Synanon.org site by the Mulkey Family
“Whereas, Jake Smotherman was an individual who rose above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity – unselfishly sharing his person, wit, and laughter throughout the years of his professional life; and
Whereas, his life embraced the understanding that
Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it
Bitterness paralyzes life; Love empowers it,
Bitterness sickens life; Love heals it
Bitterness blinds life, Love anoints its eyes, and
Whereas, Jake conceptualized the ideal that :
It is not our position, but our disposition that makes us happy and
It is not just live and let live, but live and help live; and
Whereas, Jake left a legacy of LOVE, GENEROSITY and RESPECT
Walden House, his beloved workplace; Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, his beloved church and the place where he received spiritual fulfillment, and his neighborhood where he was highly respected; and
Whereas, his warmth and concern for the Mulkey family earned a place as a cherished friend and an extended family member. This family does recognize that death is separation, but it is not an end to joy and laughter – nothing would less honor a life than to make our lives drab in response to the ending of what was good; and
Whereas, we resolve that the Mulkey family bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father who does know best. We extend to Andy, Mimi, Meredith, Gregory, Melvin, grandchildren, and of course to our precious son, brother, uncle, and cousin, Duane our profound love and heartfelt sympathy at their loss and commend them to HIM who is able and willing to heal all sorrow.
Farewell Jake, we will surely miss you.
Respectfully submitted,
The Mulkey Family