“Pops” 1935 -1980

After being told he had only a few months to live due to lung cancer from smoking, my father, affectionately known as “pops,” began to record his last messages on cassette tapes for me and my brothers & sisters. At seven years old, his death had a profound effect on my life; the ability to hear his voice and words has often been a comfort during challenging times. 

This project began shortly after I received seven 16mm film reels that he shot in 1973, and converted them into digital video. When I reflect on old photos, my father always had a camera in hand, capturing both moving imagery and moments in photographs. He was also a music recording enthusiast and choir director at our church in San Jose, CA. I wanted to pay tribute to him by sharing some of his unedited work and the message he left to me. As a parent, I often wonder how incredibly difficult it must have been for him to try to convey as much meaning and love as he could within that one final, message. Like all children, I just  wanted to know that he loved me and was proud of who I was becoming.

"Let peace begin with me."

— J.A.