Bio

[See CV for a more detailed history. Hosts and introducers, please see Bios For Hosts]

 

PERSONAL

 

JD is married to his graciously-supportive (and patient) spouse Ann (since 1987). They have two children, both now grown and pursuing their own passions (computer programming/management/music [son], and ministry/military chaplaincy [daughter])

 

JD plays drums and percussion, performing here and there with singer-songwriters as they pass through, and frequently at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg. Best part: nailing a song on stage with no rehearsal, then laughing together with delight.

 

In 1986, JD and several hundred close friends walked from Los Angeles to Washington DC to call for an end to the nuclear arms race. The Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament was pivotal in JD’s life, in more ways than could be counted. It’s amazing how little things can sequentially add up to big changes! Best part: meeting Ann.

 

Then, in the summer of 1987, JD was one of 200 Americans who joined 200 Soviets to walk from Leningrad to Moscow on the American-Soviet Walk. Best part: playing drums for 50,000 people in the first-ever outdoor rock concert inside the Soviet Union, also featuring James Taylor, the Doobie Brothers, Santana, and Bonny Raitt.

 

JD’s other interests include hiking & backpacking, public speaking, dancing with Ann, drum circles, proof-reading, container-gardening, travel, a good belly laugh so hard you can’t breathe, managing money, building and fixing things, technology, making kettle corn, connecting people, recycling metals and electronics, couch-surfing, reading science magazines, reading great poems and writing mediocre ones.

 

Interesting bits:

 

  • JD has spent time in all 50 states and 19 other countries. 
  • Cliff-jumped off the southern-most point in the U.S., a drop of over 40 feet. 
  • Delivered a baby as the sole birth attendant (in a bus). 
  • Witnessed a total solar eclipse, and plans to travel to see more. 
  • Swam in iceberg-infested waters & slapped an iceberg. 
  • Rafted the Grand Canyon. 
  • Converted a retired bookmobile to a comfy home, then lived (and traveled) in it with Ann and kids. 
  • Converted a horse barn to a beautiful, expansive home.
  • Worked as a stay-at-home father when the kids were pre-schoolers. 
  • Directed a summer camp as Program Director and Camp Director.