Chesapeake, Virginia Jag fan (late intro)
#1
03-29-2014, 05:20 PM
Chesapeake, Virginia Jag fan (late intro)
Again, I apologize for the tardiness of my introduction.
I will try to sum up my 42 years on Earth as shortly as possible while making the most value with my words.
I was born in Los Angeles, CA, and lived in Compton and Long Beach but moved to Indiana when was four as that is where my family is from. In 1991 I joined the Army to serve my country, but while in training, peace broke out and that situation was avoided. I married, divorced, married again and have four children. One from each marriage and I adopted the children that came from my wive's past. We're all much better off that way! I had seven MOS's (Military Occupational Specialties) as I absorbed as much as I possibly could. From Weapons specialist, to Engineer, to mechanic, etc, etc, etc.
I deployed many times to many different places throughout my Army career, but on May 25th, 2005, that all changed. I was medivacced back to the states and as much as the military Dr.’s tried, they couldn't patch me up to, at least, finish out 20 years. In 2008, after 16 1/2 years, I was medically retired from the Army. In between surgeries and while healing, I started to learn about Information Technology (IT) and furthered my education to my first degree and six IT certifications to include the WMware Certified Professional (VCP).
My oldest son, Adam, is 25, is a Staff Sergeant (SSG) in the Army, Airborne Infantry, currently stationed in Alaska. Nicholas (Nick) is 18 and in his freshman year at ODU (Old Dominion University) in Norfolk, VA. His plan is to become an English teacher. I’m not sure why has chosen English as he got an “A” in the AP Advanced Calculus class in grade 11. My eldest daughter, Taryn (means “Little Thunder” in Celtic) is 15 and drives the boys crazy as she is truly a striking young woman. Thankfully, she has a love of God that is helping to keep her on the right path. She wants to join the Peace Corps for a year prior to college after high school. My last little one is 10 and is named after a move character called “Somewhere in Time”. Her name is Kenna (I know it’s not the full name of the movie character, but it’ what we both preferred). Like her siblings, she is in AP classes and all of them will be a force to be reckoned with when they’re unleashed on the world (if they haven’t already). lol
I’ve had 20 surgeries all together. Spent months in the hospital, 2 weeks in a coma, the majority of my intestines removed, a heart attack (which technically I died briefly), 2/3 of my colon removed (courtesy of the heart attack), etc, etc, etc.
In my mind, the Jag is one of the most striking vehicles ever made and the XJ8 being my favorite. On the 24th of January of this year, I had surgery #20 in the hopes that this will be the last one for a while. I had saved up a few bucks in the hopes of picking up an 04 (or 06) XJ8 that needed some work so I could have some of me in it when it was ready was in the hospital for a week and the day after I got home I was subject to a RIF (Reduction in Force) and was let go. My wife has been, not only, a housewife and Mother, she had to be my part-time nurse so I was gob smacked.
The very next day I received a call about a position that paid considerably more for the same work. I already had the funds for the Jag so we went and got it! All the boxes were checked and the job was mine, or so I thought. I had one last call with the Asst PM which consisted of two questions and it went very well. I got the call later that afternoon that I was considered to “Gun ho” for the position and they were looking for someone a bit more laid back to the SME and lead for the techs. and they hired an internal candidate. I was told I was the ONLY candidate and had no worries. In truth, the powers that be already had their choice made and needed to make it appear like due process was done. At any rate, I spent two weeks on this and neglecting my resume because, for all intents and purposes, I didn’t need to tend to it.
That night, my resume was updated and on all the job sites I know of. My wife and I are the only two drivers in the house and I had four vehicles. I sold the XJ8 while I could get “top-dollar” for it as opposed to waiting until I “had” to sell it if it came down to that. I wasn’t THAT attached to it yet (who am I kidding, I REALLY was). And, learning a bit late, I asked a great deal too little for it as a man learned of it on Sunday, flew here from Indiana (750+ miles) on Tuesday, and drove it home. I had seller’s remorse immediately after accepting the offer.
These past few days have been more than interesting and “high-end” used car dealership experience later. Who I caught in a NADA value lie and showed them the proof and then learned they lied to the owner about why I didn’t buy the Jag. He was told that I “walked” due to the paint chips and some broken plastic pieces here and there. No mention of the windows or stereo. Now, they want full price, AS-IS. Not from me they won’t be getting it!!! (Read all about it here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...please-114626/
A little over 100 miles away is a 2003 Vanden Plas with 102,000 miles and the owner of the dealership sent me 25+ HQ pics of anything I asked for and answered all my questions. He’s retired military and that was applauded by me, rightfully so. I will be going there on Monday, it’s near Richmond, Virginia, and if all is well, I will be driving it home. I will have another post soon on 03 VP questions as this is not the place for it.
I love life. I have always wanted a Jag and can now say that I have owned one. It’s quite possible that I will be the proud owner of TWO Jag in my lifetime (at least). I plan to see Stonehenge before I die. I feel that it will be quite moving for me.
The local Jag was a 04 XJ8 with 112,000 for $7800. The Richmond Jag is a 03, XJ8 VP, with 102,000 for, Out The Door cost of $6500. I got the military discount! Lol That’s about all I can say about me. Feel free to PM me and ask just about anything.
I will try to sum up my 42 years on Earth as shortly as possible while making the most value with my words.
I was born in Los Angeles, CA, and lived in Compton and Long Beach but moved to Indiana when was four as that is where my family is from. In 1991 I joined the Army to serve my country, but while in training, peace broke out and that situation was avoided. I married, divorced, married again and have four children. One from each marriage and I adopted the children that came from my wive's past. We're all much better off that way! I had seven MOS's (Military Occupational Specialties) as I absorbed as much as I possibly could. From Weapons specialist, to Engineer, to mechanic, etc, etc, etc.
I deployed many times to many different places throughout my Army career, but on May 25th, 2005, that all changed. I was medivacced back to the states and as much as the military Dr.’s tried, they couldn't patch me up to, at least, finish out 20 years. In 2008, after 16 1/2 years, I was medically retired from the Army. In between surgeries and while healing, I started to learn about Information Technology (IT) and furthered my education to my first degree and six IT certifications to include the WMware Certified Professional (VCP).
My oldest son, Adam, is 25, is a Staff Sergeant (SSG) in the Army, Airborne Infantry, currently stationed in Alaska. Nicholas (Nick) is 18 and in his freshman year at ODU (Old Dominion University) in Norfolk, VA. His plan is to become an English teacher. I’m not sure why has chosen English as he got an “A” in the AP Advanced Calculus class in grade 11. My eldest daughter, Taryn (means “Little Thunder” in Celtic) is 15 and drives the boys crazy as she is truly a striking young woman. Thankfully, she has a love of God that is helping to keep her on the right path. She wants to join the Peace Corps for a year prior to college after high school. My last little one is 10 and is named after a move character called “Somewhere in Time”. Her name is Kenna (I know it’s not the full name of the movie character, but it’ what we both preferred). Like her siblings, she is in AP classes and all of them will be a force to be reckoned with when they’re unleashed on the world (if they haven’t already). lol
I’ve had 20 surgeries all together. Spent months in the hospital, 2 weeks in a coma, the majority of my intestines removed, a heart attack (which technically I died briefly), 2/3 of my colon removed (courtesy of the heart attack), etc, etc, etc.
In my mind, the Jag is one of the most striking vehicles ever made and the XJ8 being my favorite. On the 24th of January of this year, I had surgery #20 in the hopes that this will be the last one for a while. I had saved up a few bucks in the hopes of picking up an 04 (or 06) XJ8 that needed some work so I could have some of me in it when it was ready was in the hospital for a week and the day after I got home I was subject to a RIF (Reduction in Force) and was let go. My wife has been, not only, a housewife and Mother, she had to be my part-time nurse so I was gob smacked.
The very next day I received a call about a position that paid considerably more for the same work. I already had the funds for the Jag so we went and got it! All the boxes were checked and the job was mine, or so I thought. I had one last call with the Asst PM which consisted of two questions and it went very well. I got the call later that afternoon that I was considered to “Gun ho” for the position and they were looking for someone a bit more laid back to the SME and lead for the techs. and they hired an internal candidate. I was told I was the ONLY candidate and had no worries. In truth, the powers that be already had their choice made and needed to make it appear like due process was done. At any rate, I spent two weeks on this and neglecting my resume because, for all intents and purposes, I didn’t need to tend to it.
That night, my resume was updated and on all the job sites I know of. My wife and I are the only two drivers in the house and I had four vehicles. I sold the XJ8 while I could get “top-dollar” for it as opposed to waiting until I “had” to sell it if it came down to that. I wasn’t THAT attached to it yet (who am I kidding, I REALLY was). And, learning a bit late, I asked a great deal too little for it as a man learned of it on Sunday, flew here from Indiana (750+ miles) on Tuesday, and drove it home. I had seller’s remorse immediately after accepting the offer.
These past few days have been more than interesting and “high-end” used car dealership experience later. Who I caught in a NADA value lie and showed them the proof and then learned they lied to the owner about why I didn’t buy the Jag. He was told that I “walked” due to the paint chips and some broken plastic pieces here and there. No mention of the windows or stereo. Now, they want full price, AS-IS. Not from me they won’t be getting it!!! (Read all about it here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...please-114626/
A little over 100 miles away is a 2003 Vanden Plas with 102,000 miles and the owner of the dealership sent me 25+ HQ pics of anything I asked for and answered all my questions. He’s retired military and that was applauded by me, rightfully so. I will be going there on Monday, it’s near Richmond, Virginia, and if all is well, I will be driving it home. I will have another post soon on 03 VP questions as this is not the place for it.
I love life. I have always wanted a Jag and can now say that I have owned one. It’s quite possible that I will be the proud owner of TWO Jag in my lifetime (at least). I plan to see Stonehenge before I die. I feel that it will be quite moving for me.
The local Jag was a 04 XJ8 with 112,000 for $7800. The Richmond Jag is a 03, XJ8 VP, with 102,000 for, Out The Door cost of $6500. I got the military discount! Lol That’s about all I can say about me. Feel free to PM me and ask just about anything.
Last edited by ragman1171; 03-29-2014 at 09:17 PM.
#2
03-29-2014, 06:45 PM
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ragman1171 (12-14-2014)
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03-29-2014, 07:38 PM
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03-29-2014, 07:53 PM
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Ragman,
Welcome to the forum, and please allow me this opportunity to thank both you and your son for your service to our country. We don't take your sacrifice for granted, and I'm thankful that part of your reward is to have owned two Jaguars!
Our family has vacationed a few times on Mackinac Island, where "Somewhere in Time" was filmed. A beautiful place that you should add to your bucket list along with Stonehenge.
Can't wait to hear more about the newest one in the X308 forum!
Cheers,
Don
Welcome to the forum, and please allow me this opportunity to thank both you and your son for your service to our country. We don't take your sacrifice for granted, and I'm thankful that part of your reward is to have owned two Jaguars!
Our family has vacationed a few times on Mackinac Island, where "Somewhere in Time" was filmed. A beautiful place that you should add to your bucket list along with Stonehenge.
Can't wait to hear more about the newest one in the X308 forum!
Cheers,
Don
The following users liked this post:
ragman1171 (12-14-2014)
#5
03-29-2014, 08:59 PM
Ragman,
Welcome to the forum, and please allow me this opportunity to thank both you and your son for your service to our country. We don't take your sacrifice for granted, and I'm thankful that part of your reward is to have owned two Jaguars!
Our family has vacationed a few times on Mackinac Island, where "Somewhere in Time" was filmed. A beautiful place that you should add to your bucket list along with Stonehenge.
Can't wait to hear more about the newest one in the X308 forum!
Cheers,
Don
Welcome to the forum, and please allow me this opportunity to thank both you and your son for your service to our country. We don't take your sacrifice for granted, and I'm thankful that part of your reward is to have owned two Jaguars!
Our family has vacationed a few times on Mackinac Island, where "Somewhere in Time" was filmed. A beautiful place that you should add to your bucket list along with Stonehenge.
Can't wait to hear more about the newest one in the X308 forum!
Cheers,
Don
You are absolutely correct....> The Grand Hotel. I've been across the bridge a couple times when I was a teenager growing up in Indiana, but never made it to the island. It's another location I'd like to see before the Reaper Man darkens my doorway once again...
R,
RAGMAN!!!
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03-29-2014, 09:08 PM
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Welcome to Jaguar Forums ragman1171,
Good to have you with us.
That's quite an intro! You have already found the way to the tech sections so no need for links, don't forget to check your regional section also Mid Atlantic - MD VA DC DE WV - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
Good to have you with us.
That's quite an intro! You have already found the way to the tech sections so no need for links, don't forget to check your regional section also Mid Atlantic - MD VA DC DE WV - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
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ragman1171 (12-14-2014)
#7
03-29-2014, 09:22 PM
Welcome to Jaguar Forums ragman1171,
Good to have you with us.
That's quite an intro! You have already found the way to the tech sections so no need for links, don't forget to check your regional section also Mid Atlantic - MD VA DC DE WV - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
Good to have you with us.
That's quite an intro! You have already found the way to the tech sections so no need for links, don't forget to check your regional section also Mid Atlantic - MD VA DC DE WV - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
Enjoy the forum.
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
Respects,
Jason
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#8
03-30-2014, 04:16 AM
Welcome to the forum Jason,
Your Intro may well have been delayed, but it was certainly worth waiting for. My best wishes to you and your family.
I can see you've already found your way to the tech section so there's no need for a link to it from me.
Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.
Enjoy the forums.
Graham
Your Intro may well have been delayed, but it was certainly worth waiting for. My best wishes to you and your family.
I can see you've already found your way to the tech section so there's no need for a link to it from me.
Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.
Enjoy the forums.
Graham
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ragman1171 (03-30-2014)
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03-30-2014, 07:22 AM
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ragman1171 (03-30-2014)
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04-01-2014, 07:22 PM
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Hi and welcome aboard, its good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums
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In the meantime, any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos, using the
search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Helpful_information
There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ForumNeed a Manual, a TSB, or General Info' about your Jag? Check out our >> DOWNLOAD AREA <<
I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features.
Please Jump on in and enjoy the site........
If you need any further help with the site moving forward, please just ask any moderator, veteran member and we'll be glad to assist.
In the meantime, any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos, using the
search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Helpful_information
There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ForumNeed a Manual, a TSB, or General Info' about your Jag? Check out our >> DOWNLOAD AREA <<
I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features.
Please Jump on in and enjoy the site........
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