The site is dedicated to Jonathan Matthew Dailey,
Born July 8th, 1989 – Died October 2012.
This site will be a continuous work – see the Photo Gallery and any recent posts.

Words from Jon’s portfolio/resume:
I grew up in Charlotte, NC in a nice family. I was inspired when I was little to pursue architecture by a scout leader who was also an architect. I studied music performance, enrolled in an arts high school for the violin. I then attended Appalachian State University’s Building Science college where I majored in Architectural Technology and Design and minored in Community & Regional Planning and Music (again with the violin). Beyond being involved with architectural clubs and extracurricular activities, I played in the school orchestra and several bands where I song wrote and sang and all that.
…from an ASU essay:
I remember every detail of the house I grew up in. I can recall every corner, floor material, wall material; every room. I think it’s because my brother and I explored it as much as it could possibly be explored. I literally could go through every single room and give the exact layout…[we lived in that house until Jon was 15]

Some of Jon’s favorite activities and achievements:
beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin
hanging out and traveling with family, playing with his nephews
faithful, quiet, loyal friend
one post-graduate year at Boston Architectural College
graduate of Appalachian State University
Eagle Scout
YMCA Camp Thunderbird Counselor / certified Lifeguard
Leader of Morningstar campus ministry at ASU
songwriting, playing violin, guitar, piano and singing
music performances with various school orchestras, Art Society, Wooden Ships, Fishmilk, gigs with dad and other family members
camping, hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, motorcycling, photography, drawing

Drawn Home was written by Jonathan, in collaboration with Art Society (the music group he co-founded) during 2008 in Boone, NC. Most of the Art Society’s members (Justina Brinkley, Brandon Crockett, Becca Mintz, Jared Sapp, Jessie Stafford and Jon) were students at Appalachian State University at the time. When we were grieving together after Jon’s death, we remembered having several Art Society recordings, and began listening together. As the remarkable, poetic lyrics of Drawn Home progressed and concluded, we were amazed and weeping. It seemed that Jonathan was foretelling the tragedy in the Charles River, but also prophesying his beautiful, eternal redemption from this world.
The video was produced by our friend Nathaniel Calnin, and was the finale presentation at Jonathan’s memorial service.

Drawn Home from Bruce Dailey on Vimeo.

Also see Christmas Morning.

Beautiful Nature was written by Spence Hoffman (Jon’s brother-in-law), based on writings and prayers found in Jonathan’s journals.
The video was produced by our friend Thomas Torrey and features Spence, Chris Dailey (Jon’s uncle) and Sarah Stephens (a dear friend), and was presented at Jonathan’s memorial service.

Beautiful Nature from Thomas Torrey on Vimeo.

Christmas Morning is a song written by Jon and performed by Art Society in Boone around 2009. Here’s a YouTube recording:

…and the lyrics:

What shall I bring but this offering, voice rejoicing, Christmas morning.

And ice falls on this broken-down car of mine, falls on this life, of no design.
And You wait so patiently, for my soul, wait for the day, when you can send Your Son.

Morning lights come, newborn, might’s sum, countless undone, from oppression.
And you, me, him, her, seeming unheard, lift your voice toward that small manger.
Tear off old clothes, dress in new robes, heaven now shows, Christmas morning.

And song is like a treasure unto our ears, clings to these walls, haven from fears.
And love is like a precious mist, in our house, waits to be seen.

Morning lights come, newborn, might’s sum, countless undone, from oppression.
And you, me, him, her, seeming unheard, lift your voice toward that small manger.
Tear off old clothes, dress in new robes, heaven now shows, Christmas morning. 

Baby’s first breath, listen close lest, fall upon death, but Heaven’s sound saves.
Weary poor souls, heavy world toils, seize celestials, claim Your bounty.
Christ now among, christened all lungs, Christmas song sung, Christmas morning.