Meet The Jolleys

In this crazy world of uncertainty, I find myself desiring to appreciate every moment I have above ground! More than ever, each and every day, I cherish not only those close to me and the simple pleasures in life, but the simple act of human kindness. Today is a gift, a new opportunity to start over and to live each day as if it was our last, to be kind, and not only towards others, but to my own self! For the 47 years that I have been able to live and breathe, I have finally learned a little bit about what kindness toward myself and to others actually means, and it’s FAR from perfection. Kindness is far from people-pleasing. I know that harsh words from the tongue can be as devastating as death, but that a simple act of kindness, a kind word, can bring Life to one’s soul. When I think about kindness here in our community, there is a family who has shown my family unconditional kindness when we were the new kids on the block. They were especially kind to me, because that is who they are. Through the ups and downs of life recently, I’ve continued to seize the day and take hold of each moment, focusing on what matters most- kindness to myself and others, living life with a positive attitude to the best of my ability, and to raise kind humans: Bryce, Abbey, and Savannah. Enough about me!

This brings me to share with you one of my favorite families here in our community, who represent Kindness. They are, The one and only Mike and Kathy Jolley family and all of their precious children, grandchildren and animals.

Mike and Kathy were both 17 years old when they first met at church in Santa Ana. He was visiting for a week’s vacation from the foster home where he lived. Mike’s sister Pat and Kathy were great friends at church, school, and work. Pat would join Kathy’s family every night for dinner. When Mike came to town, his sister brought him with her wherever she went outside of work. Within six months of Mike and Kathy meeting each other, Mike asked her to marry him, and they did get married about two years later. After being married for over 15 years and two kids later, Mike and Kathy found a home in Orange Park Acres.

When they were looking for a home that would fit their needs, which they found in Orange Park Acres, Kathy found it in the newspaper, after having looked with a realtor for about two years. And just coincidentally, after they moved in, they discovered that one of their new neighbors was someone that they already knew, and Kathy had even cleaned their house as a teenager. When they were touring the home here in OPA, they didn’t even realize that the barn and arena area were part of the property. What a bonus!

Mike grew up bouncing between his mom, his dad, his grandparents’ ranch, and a foster home.

His grandparents’ ranch was like a “slice of heaven” for this young cowboy. Some of the happiest days of Mike’s life were being on their ranch, where he was introduced to horses. He was around horses in the foster home where he lived, too.

When Mike’s grandfather passed away, Mike bought his 1948 TO-30 Ferguson tractor, which Mike still owns and drives today. He has ridden it in the Orange Park Acres Fourth of July Parade several times.

Mike’s love for cow sorting and gymkhana led him to win a few big buckles.

One of my favorite things about the Jolleys is that they strongly believe and abide by kindness to others and their “NO DRAMA” in his barn policy! For me, it was a relief, and nice to meet new friends.

Kathy has lived a very simple, peaceful life with herfamily, and one of the main reasons for moving to Orange Park acres was to find a property with a guest house for her parents to live in after they retired. She has been a court reporter for about 25 years now and finds it to be a perfect career, enabling her to always be available for her children and grandchildren.

The joys of their life are not only horse riding, camping, walking in the community, and still riding his tractor, but it is their family! Their children are Kenny, Katie, their dog Kami, horse Buddy, mom Carolyn, sister Karyn, and extended adopted family. Among their precious grandchildren are Cowgirl Lexxi, Gymnast Kodi, and J, the queen of softball.

For a long time, Kenny and Katie, as well as Mike, participated in gymkhanas, rode in the Fourth of July Parade, and participated in 4H. One of their favorite things about living in OPA is that it is nice to be where (almost) everybody knows your name.

When I first came to Orange Park Acres, the Jolley family was one of the first families that I met. Shortly after, I also learned that Mike, who’s been employed by BOMEL for 35 years with 44 years in the carpenter’s union, worked with my dad in commercial construction! It’s a small world!

The Jolleys cherish their family and their peaceful lifestyle. I think probably kindness and loyalty are my top two attributes in a human being. With Mike’s and Kathy’s flare for kind-ness and this family’s commitment to each other, they certainly won me over instantly! It is obvious that they spread their loyalty and kindness to those around them and help to make this difficult world a better place. The world is hurting, and it can always use more kindness and loyalty.

“You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
RALPH WALDO EMERSON