Jeremy S. Shock dies from combat wounds

Former coaches described him as “a solid kid,” “a hard worker,” “respectful and polite,” “a great student” and “good hearted.”

To his father, he was “an extraordinary person.”

A recurring word Monday was “a tragedy.”

Green Springs Lance Cpl. Jeremy Shock, 22, was killed Sunday, Marine Corps officials confirmed Monday.

“Any time a young man loses his life in the defense of his country it’s a tragedy,” Joe Webb, principal of Shock’s alma mater Clyde High School, said. “I’m proud that young men like Jeremy Shock serve our country and protect our freedoms.”

A Department of Defense news release stated Monday Shock died from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in the Iraqi Al Anbar province.

Col. Joe Reimer said Shock, a member of the Marine reserves 1st Battalion of the 24th Regiment, arrived in Iraq at the end of September. Shock died, Reimer said, while on a mobile patrol in Fallujah where he was a passenger in a Humvee, that was struck by an improvised explosive device.

Descriptions of the Marine from those who knew him in his school years paint a portrait of a proactive and well-liked student. Webb, who presided over Shock on Clyde’s football team, said he was a respectful and good-hearted “outstanding young man” involved in numerous athletics and countless clubs.

“Jeremy was that type of kid that you wish you had 20 of on your offensive line,” Webb said. “He was the type of kid that was a leader through example — he would give you a great effort every time.”

When Shock arrived at Tiffin University, where he would major in criminal justice, he ended up playing football as a tight end under the tutelage of coach Nate Cole. Cole said Shock gave up football to pursue a career in the military, and his talents were not limited to the playing field.

“He was a great kid and a great student — he did a great job in the classroom,” he said. “ ... It’s just a horrible thing to hear.”

Shock is survived by his parents, Duane and Shelly, and siblings Zack and Sara. Duane said Jeremy did an internship with the International Criminal Police Organization in the summer of 2005, and while there he realized government offices often require a military background on applications.

“He decided then he was going to go into the Marines,” Duane said.

United States Marine Corps documents show Shock joined in late 2004, and would go on to acquire a National Defense Service medal and a certificate of commendation during his tenure; Reimer said Shock specialized as a machine-gunner in Iraq and also worked in the armory repairing weapons.

Jeremy married his fiancée shortly before he left, Duane said. He added Jeremy only had been in Iraq a short time and he had not had much opportunity to talk to him; Duane said he and his wife did, however, speak to Jeremy Friday, and he seemed to be doing OK.

The Shocks were informed of their son’s death Sunday afternoon, Duane said.

“He was just a great young man,” he said. “It’s a shame he didn’t get to grow up and become a man and fulfill his dreams.”

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