By, Darlene Mae O’Connor
No one leaves you when they live in your heart and mind
No one dies they just move to the other side
When were gone watch the world simply carry on
It’s okay we will stay and be happy
With those who have loved us today
–Marillion
Music bridges the gap between the hearts of humans and the heavenlies. The space between is filled with the rhythm of our dreams and the notes of our souls and they are breathed into life through the voices of minstrels and troubadours. Embracing instruments suited to their beat, these intuitive tellers of tragedy and triumph weave together lyrics and scales to stir our spirits, excite our minds and bring comfort to our anxious hearts. Truly the universal language, music possesses charms to soothe the salvage beast.
The Muse freely gives what cannot be taken, valuable opportunities for us to journey through the spectrum of human emotions through stories delivered to us in song. Sometimes seeing our lives reflected within the refrains, reminds us we are not alone on our journey through the complexities of the human experience. Musicians who are revered and long remembered are passionate listeners. They piece together our fragmented stories of joy and pain, victories and defeats and stitch them into the fabric of their life stories and deliver them in song to bring us: hope, share in joy and to remind us that true love endures all things forever. Jackson Rohm will be forever missed and remembered fondly as one of our Hometown Legendary Leaders of the Band and Beloved Muse. He was a “Super Hero Dad” to his 6-year-old son Asher, and Best Friend and Beloved Husband to his wife Tereasa. They are the Songs of His Soul.
On June 30th at the Village Casino in Bemus Point, long time friend and loyal fan; Campbell Dawson hosted an incredible, inspirational and unforgettable tribute and Celebration of Life to honor Jackson. While Campbell is a professional organizer of tributes and benefits, this particular gathering was a deeply personal and powerful event. His relationship with Jackson began on Chautauqua Lake, as both young men were Wakeboard enthusiasts. Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer spent jumping water moguls while tethered to the back of speed boats, generally ended somewhere between the Surf Club, and the Casino, where Campbell starred behind the bar. Snug Harbor Lounge, where Jackson occupied the upstairs apartment was yet another hot spot where lake lovers could enjoy the cool evenings & hot entertainment. Campbell remembers shamelessly pushing for Jackson gigs on the Bemus side of the bridge. He recalls that exactly 29 years ago to the day, Jackson played his first gig in this very venue.
Jackson Rohm composed songs of intention. He sang about love and loss, of courage and hope and his music inspires us still, to believe in the power of human connection. He was of man of many talents and intellect. He was a Track and Field Scholar Athlete and a graduate of Miami University. He was later accepted into the University of Buffalo’s esteemed Law School, but after a semester, he realized the Music couldn’t wait. Jackson’s future held much promise and he could have pursued careers in business or practicing law however, his love for composing and performing music had taken hold of his soul and would be the pathway to his truest self.
A 1989 graduate of Southwestern Central High School, Jackson was first bit by the music bug while hanging out in middle school with guitar guy’s and drummer, Rob Welling. “Four on the Floor”, was written as a tribute to Welling at the time of his death in a fatal motorcycle accident. Later becoming the Title Song of Jackson’s 2006 Album release, Campbell tells me that Rob was at the heart of Jackson’s deep dive into music in their earliest years of friendship and that these lyrics say it best; “You changed my life with music when you opened my eyes, in your old man’s garage back in 1985”. A young duet from Maple Springs performed this hit later and everyone sang along.
From the first note of the first song performed that night, there was not a dry eye in the house, as local musician Jamie Smith, graciously and masterfully accompanied the singers paying tribute that evening.
Jackson’s sister Amy, an extremely talented vocalist, started the tears rolling as she performed Jackson’s most requested song throughout the years, “Rio”. She certainly did her brother proud, as the cheers and tears rolled on. Ben Cornell stepped up to the mic emotionally recalling that it was Jackson who gave him his first opportunity to sing for an audience and it was on that very stage. He then proceeded to sing and the faucets were turned back on.
One of Jackson’s best buddies through high school was not a musician, though a close confidant and forever friend. Paul Cardinale recalls Jackson’s most appealing characteristic as being his ability to be authentic and genuinely interested in the lives and aspirations of others. He was kind and humble and a great listener. Paul recalls how during the years when Rohm frequented local stages between here and Buffalo, every week Rohm paid him a visit while Paul was confined for considerable duration to a hospital bed in Buffalo. “When you are experiencing a major health crisis and your farther from home than a quick trip for a visit allows, visitors become scarce. But Rohm, he visited me every week, faithfully”. Paul would be a recipient of a life saving Kidney Transplant made possible by the;
Western New York Kidney Connection, founded by Paul’s mother: Jeanette Caprino.
You don’t win awards for these truly unselfish and humble acts of friendship, but they are what Jackson Rohm is really known for. Campbell recalls how Jackson raised the vibrations of every room he walked into and Paul declares him to be a “Faithful Keeper and Bearer of Light”.
I want to Thank Campbell Dawson for an Inspiring and Life Affirming Celebration, and to those who performed. Additionally, Thanks are to the Village Casino for their years of commitment to quality entertainment and the support they have always given to our Amazing Local Musicians.