As the hundreds of facebook entries on his home page attest, the life and ministry of Jonate Scales impacted a large, diverse group of people in the Cookeville area. 

The news of Jonate's sudden death passed quickly among friends on Saturday morning, both here and among friends and church associates from the Gainesville, Florida First Assembly of God where he was serving as Associate Pastor/Worship Leader. 

The moving portrait of Jonate with his daughter, Madison, just weeks old, was posted only days ago by Jonate in response to requests wishing him and his wife, Brandy, well in their new roles as parents.

"Jonate" was born Jonathan Duran Scales in Shelbyville, TN and will lie in state at the Scales and Sons Funeral Home in Shelbyville from 12 noon - 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2010.    There will be a second lie in state from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Fairlane Church of Christ in Shelbyville, TN.   Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon on Friday, September 10, 2010 also at Fairlane Church of Christ in Shelbyville with the funeral following at 12 noon at the same location.

Jonathan Duran Scales was born in Shelbyville, TN on June 25, 1979 to Clarence Wayne Scales and Shelia Felessia Scales.  

A devoted husband and new father, Jonate is known locally for his work at TTU as part of the Trinity Assembly campus ministries.    Jonate was serving as Minister and Worship Leader at 1st Assembly of Gainesville at the Lincoln Middle School location at the time of his death.

Friends like Scott Northrup have articulated sentiments of loss, love and appreciation.  Said Northrup in his post "You left a huge imprint in all of our hearts, and now there is a huge hole there. You taught me so much about worshipping God, about music, about passion for Jesus. You stretched me like no one else. My life will never be the same because of what you've done for me. We'll miss you, brother."

Those impacted by the college ministry remember "United Voices of Praise" and the powerful music that the group shared.  Candidate for State Representative Ryan Williams is one of those who remembers.  WIlliams posted "I just put my kids to bed. Was trying to think of the song you taught us in Cookeville that I love to sing to them and finally remembered it. "You are the reason I live, You are reason I move, Your are the I breathe, You are the reason its you. You are the reason, You are the reason, You are the reason, it's you. And aft...er, everything is over, You'll be the song I sing forever. Sing it Jonate! Miss you much. Love ya."  

Some have been moved to add videos in memory.    Others have posted videos of "old times" in Cookeville.

Andrea Bradley writes "Jonate, you were truly one of my highlights at Tech and Chi Alpha. You were a awesome Godly example that I think back on sometimes when I am looking for words of wisdom. I know you are up there singing and worshiping right now and I will see you soon!!!! You will be missed and always loved!!!"

Ricky Thompson articulated what many seem to be feeling at the unexpected loss,  "I am going to miss you so much. Every bit of confusion over this is I will take to the Lord. You were so good at running the race that now you are in the major leagues instead of the minors. A starter not on the practice squad. I wish I had reached out to you more because I hunger for the spiritual leadership that you ...have provided to so many others. We will keep running this race until we are champions like you."

Singer Adam Hamby remembers the vibrant Jonate saying  "when i say Jesus, you say Christ" - i'll never forget you."

Joshua Symonette remembers a passionate director who, at a young age, created vision and music at TTU.

Perhaps most moving of all are the words of his wife, Brandy Walter Scales, who writes "I just happened to think of your last words to me..."I'll be waiting on you"...made me smile...big. Oh my heart...."  and promises to "try to make you and Abba proud."   

Jonate's facebook page appears to be a place for continued tributes and shared memories among friends who are "looking forward to seeing him again, soon" and "realizing how happy he must be" though he will be sorely missed by those who loved him here.