Starting in the eighties when I came to the US, I took a number of trips to DC from Atlanta with my friends and cousins. Our destination was always at John Prom and Pa Jallow's apartment. Usually, my friend Babou Sallah will pick me up to stay with him. On every occasion, John and Pa will try to convince me to stay with them knowing very well that the apartment is full of strangers from all over the States and sometimes from Gambia. This was how hospitable they were. In some occasions, I will enjoy the company so much that I will spend the night.

The most memorable trip was when I attended John's wedding with my young family; my wife, my three-year-old son Wally and I. My son was a handful and John was so fond of him like most of his friends and family. We had so much found and to this day my wife and I reminiscence that trip. When I broke the news this morning of the passing of John, she was heartbroken. Whenever I met John, he will give me his trademark smile, laugh, and ask about Wally. 

My heartfelt condolences to Pamela and the kids, Pa Jallow, the Prom Family, the DC Gambian community, and the countless friends and family around the globe. John was a gentleman par excellence, full of life, and always smiling. I never seen John angry about anything, always happy and joking around. RIPP my friend and brother.