Following the news of my father’s passing we received a lot of emails and cards from family and friends. It was really comforting to read these words of praise and they helped me through the early days of our loss. I thought I would post some of them here. Thanks to everyone that had a kind word or sent an email, card, or flowers. It is much appreciated even now.

I was off the past couple of days. Needless to say, I was stunned and saddened when I read this. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Your Dad will be missed. With your permission, I'd like to post his passing to the CTO SeaDogs message board. Regards, and respects,
// Jim Corn

My sincerest condolences. Please tell your Mom and sisters that our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Otherwise, I, of all people, am currently at a slight loss of further words. Maybe it's because it's been only two years since my father went...I got a little idea of how you are likely-currently feeling. I had to give my father his last dose of morphine; was holding his hand when he took his last breath (but I had got the chance to say my goodbyes before he had went into a coma). I'll always remember my Dad telling me, while he was still conscious, "Don't worry about me. When it's my time...it's my time. After it's yours, I'll be waiting to meet you in Heaven." After my Dad's passing, the one, specific thing that I kept thinking about, while I grieved my loss...my father was suffering no more in a place free of pain.
// Gary McGuin

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I had just asked your Mom about two weeks ago how he was doing and she seemed optimistic. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your and your entire family. Very Respectfully,
// Debbie Gibson

My condolences go out to you and your family. Your father was a good and funny person and I must say there's not too many people that have crossed my path at NCIS that I can say that about. When we shared watches together he was always trying to feed me. I would always tell him when I retired I wanted to be just like him. What a blessing for you all to be there to say goodbye. May your father rest in peace.
// The (Sheila) Miles Family

I was sorry to learn that we had lost your Dad. I was totally unaware that he taken a turn for the worst. I saw him about a month after the surgery, and he looked really good considering all that he had endured. Myself and my family wish to offer our condolences in this time of deep sorrow. Anything I can do, don't hesitate to let me know.
// Tony Turner

This is so sad. I can not believe what I am reading. Jeff was always dear my heart. He was always very kind and respected me. I will miss him dearly.
// Phyllis Thibodeaux

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I completely understand what you are going through right now as I just lost my father in September. Please, know that he is at peace and in a better place.
// Shawnda White

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I only met your father a couple of times, many years ago. He was a very lucky man to have a wonderful son like you. God bless you, your father, and your family.
// Karen Cooper

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I had no idea that your dad had lung cancer and had taken a turn for the worse. Thank you for sending the e-mail, I know it couldn't be easy for you. Your mom will hopefully see what you sent and be very proud of you. I know your dad is very proud of you and your sisters are as well. Please let us know if we can do anything for you or your family, we are here for you.
// Michelle Sawall

I only met your dad five years ago when I came to NCIS headquarters. We had a great deal in common and he was truly a dear friend. I cherished the time I spent with him talking about the Steelers, hunting and fishing. I will truly miss the times we spent in the woods and over at the Legion after an outing. He was in our prayers and I am glad he went peacefully. Please pass on my condolences to the rest of the family and let me know what funeral arrangements have been made so that I can attend. May peace be with you.
// Tony Zgainer

I was really saddened when I heard about your father, God rest his soul. I only have good, funny memories of him I'm sure you know he was a very Good guy I think about often.
// Grace Barcia

I hope you are all doing okay. I can't even imagine what you must be gong through. You have all been on my mind since Uncle Jeff got sick. I know how much he loved you all. It has always been obvious. I hope the good memories of him are comforting. What I will always remember the most is his wonderful sense of humor. He was always kidding around & enjoying life... You will all meet up again in a better place. Love, thoughts & prayers.
//Penny Kline

Please let my cousins know how sorry we are that their father has passed on... The obituary that was in the New Castle News was a very nice reflection of Uncle Jeff and all his accomplishments. He lived more life that many ever will.
//Dan Bales

Please accept my deepest sympathy upon the passing of Jeff Bales. I and my six brothers and sisters grew up in the same neighborhood in New Castle, PA. I recall dropping Jeff off at your home in Chewton a few times prior to your marriage... We fished Slippery Rock Creek and Neshannock and the Clarion, Synamohoning, and Priority Run as well as deer hunted in Potter County... I have always had the highest regard and admiration of the Bales family. With warm regards and sympathy in this time of sorrow.
//Will Kazenski (Kearny, MO)

I will miss all the stories and the good humor. May you take comfort in the memories.
//Jerry Dorsett

I haven't seen Jeff since his dad died, but always remember how kind he was and always had a great sense of humor when we were kids... I wanted you to know I felt very sad to hear of his passing. God Bless you and your family.
//Judy Moses Germani (New Castle, PA)

I worked with your Dad for ten years and genuinely liked the man and miss him now. At some point we got in the habit of calling each other by our usernames, "Hey jcallaha", "hey jbales". It always made us laugh and connect at some weird computer geek level. The knowledge he passed on to me about networking and routers launched my career onto a wonderful path that I still pursue. I won't forget him. He was a very kind and generous soul. Please send your mother my best wishes and the same goes for you.
//John Callahan Washington D.C.