Entrepreneurial porn site master Messner dies

[Casey]

Nancy Powell (npowell@octnews.com)
Associate Editor

(April 8, 2005) The man who sent flowers anonymously to every resident in the Berlin Nursing Home for Christmas died this week. That gesture was just one of several that Jon David Messner made without the recipients knowing the name of the giver.

He did not want his gifts or money turned down because of possible prejudice against him. He was best known as a pornographer, but he also used his computer savvy to work on national security issues and to hijack a militant Islamic website promoting the terror organization, al-Qaida.

His ability to use the Internet to investigate and to capture the site led to an invitation to speak at the country’s war college, the National Defense University. It was a highlight of his life.

Although he started spending most of his time monitoring several websites he set up to search for terrorist activity, he maintained the site that made him and his wife known around the world. Started from a corner in their Ocean Pines house, the website featured amateurs posing nude.

The site gained notoriety and the Messners were featured in national magazines and on many television shows, including Dateline NBS, plus shows in Europe. A film about them and their site was promoted at the Cannes Film Festival.

Messner branched out into more mainstream endeavors and owned an Internet Service Provider for a few years.


His success earned him millions and he was generous with his money. In 2001, he gave a limousine to charity and although that gift was written about, he said he usually liked to make donations anonymously. He just liked to do nice things for people, he said. He particularly enjoying sending flowers to people in the nursing home so they would know someone cared about them, he said.

He bought an Ocean City condominium and then his dream home in Lighthouse Sound in 2001. An accomplished artist and photographer, he put decorative finishes on many of the walls and then filled the home with his photographs. He loved the home, but it was that home, he would say, that led to his illness.

In a lawsuit filed against Monogram Building and Design and other firms last summer, Messner contended water got into the house and caused a mold infestation problem. He had photographs showing himself sitting in the living room holding an umbrella because of water entering the house.

Messner became ill, was hospitalized a number of times and had varying diagnoses. Eventually, he was told that the mold had made him sick.

In December 2003, the Messners left their dream home, which had become a nightmare and moved to an Ocean City apartment. He was too ill to run his pornographic website and the income was reduced to what he said was a moderate level.

He had respiratory and memory problems and did not expect to recover.

One benefit, he said, of the changes in his life since becoming ill was that his family had become closer. He cherished being with them, he said.

Messner seldom left his apartment, not wanting to be seen and not wanting to be pitied. He ended his life on Monday. He was 46 years old. He is survived by his wife, Cherie, a son and a daughter. Funeral services were to be private.



http://www.oceancity.md/octoday/headline.cfm?PubID=2798

[Nyarlathotep]

i hope this is finally enough evidence to convince some people that Regis has indeed died.

[snoopydog]

When I said that I viewed him as a mysterious benefactor, I did not know how right I was, Casey. He was, and evidently enjoyed being, a mysterious benefactor to a great many people.

RIP, Regis.

[God]

He ended his life.

That line sends shivers up my spine.

[Alli]

He ended his life.

That line sends shivers up my spine.
OMG, I missed that. Eff :(

[lotimer]

He ended his life.

That line sends shivers up my spine.


Yes that struck me as well.

[sexy_beast]

Good lord, I didn't know he was only 46 :(

[God]

Good lord, I didn't know he was only 46 :(

Really. I'm too damn close to that.

[Nyarlathotep]

He ended his life.

That line sends shivers up my spine.
It was just a figure of speech that journalists use.....nothing insidious.

[voyeurgirl]

It was just a figure of speech that journalists use.....nothing insidious.
It was more than that.

[Alli]

It was just a figure of speech that journalists use.....nothing insidious.
Hmmm, wouldn't it be "His life ended"..or "he lost his fight with his debilitating illness..."

[Synner]

It was just a figure of speech that journalists use.....nothing insidious.No it wasn't. See Casey's comment in the RnR version of this thread.

[knightroar]

It was just a figure of speech that journalists use.....nothing insidious.


I hope you are right, R&R is going nuts right now over that statement

[Casey]

I was in touch with Cherie prior to posting this.

The article is correct, Jon took his life.

Let's keep in mind everything else we know about the man, please.

[latent aaaack]

......

Casey's post corrected me.

[Synner]

I was in touch with Cherie prior to posting this.

The article is correct, Jon took his life.

Let's keep in mind everything else we know about the man, please.I think that everyone is just flat out shocked, Casey. I doubt anyone that knew his condition would have trouble understanding the "why's".

[God]

I think that everyone is just flat out shocked, Casey. I doubt anyone that knew his condition would have trouble understanding the "why's".

Well as the article says...he did a good job of avoiding being pitied. He had a number of people here and elsewhere fooled. By choice.

[voyeurgirl]

He was in a lot of pain and not thinking clearly most of the time. I can't say I blame him.

[Casey]

I think that everyone is just flat out shocked, Casey. I doubt anyone that knew his condition would have trouble understanding the "why's".

Don't get me wrong, shock is exactly what it is.

[Motley]

My god, I went from extreme highs reading about his life..... to an extreme low learning how he died.

But as some have already noted, knowing what we did about his condition maybe it really should not come as any big shock. But yet I am.

Fuck
:( :( :(

I am so sad over this :(

[Cali/Yank]

I don't blame him and only have the utmost respect for him....He will always be Regis...The Grand Poobah.....

I think it was strike that brought up if he may have been influenced by the Terrie Shiavo spectacle... anyway Jon will be missed and I hope that he is somewhere tasting the sweetness of another plain or or dimension.

[Nyarlathotep]

this hurts bad hearing this.

[Shaggy]

this hurts bad hearing this.
I have tears in my eyes.

[NYC]

I don't blame him and only have the utmost respect for him....He will always be Regis...The Grand Poobah.....

I think it was strike that brought up if he may have been influenced by the Terrie Shiavo spectacle... anyway Jon will be missed and I hope that he is somewhere tasting the sweetness of another plain or or dimension.

I agree, to The Grand Poobah :food_10:

[Motley]

I have tears in my eyes.

Me 2 :(

[latent aaaack]

The disease is what took his life no matter what exactly the end was like. Besides the shock I don't think it makes much difference. A really terrible loss.

[Nero]

I knew he was "Secret Santa." That was one of the things he posted a long time ago which stood out to me.

[Flying_Monkey]

I respect Jon's decision because he was in pain.

I'm glad for him that he didn't go out the slow way my grandfather did.

[JimHere4U]

I can't fucking believe he tried to upstage the Pope and Bob Hope.

Was a fucking asshole!

[Nero]

I can't fucking believe he tried to upstage the Pope and Bob Hope.

Was a fucking asshole!

Bob Hope is dead?

[hecubus]

I can't fucking believe he tried to upstage the Pope and Bob Hope.

Was a fucking asshole!

I'm gonna miss you, Jim.

[latent aaaack]

I can't fucking believe he tried to upstage the Pope and Bob Hope.

Was a fucking asshole!

I had to laugh at the timing immediately following none other than the pope.

[JimHere4U]

I had to laugh at the timing immediately following none other than the pope.

Anything for attention.

[Nyarlathotep]

Bob Hope is dead?
yeah

[usn_72]

Jon did what Jon had to do......with all the shiavo bullshit I think he'd seen enough......So direct your anger to the Florida Fucktards would you!

[Virginia]

To Jon! I sorely miss you, ache for the pain you went through and will always carry love and respect for you

Thank you for the joy you've brought to so many people!

[Citizen Snipps]

yeah
Wouldn't it be weird if Bob Hope became the next pope.

[Groder Mullet]

Wow. Thats a bit shocking that he was in such bad shape, he chose to call it quits. I had no idea he was doing that bad.

This has to be hell on his family. 46 is way, way, way too young to go.

[DavesGirl]

That's so sad, that things got bad enough to make someone want to end it. Must've really been bad. I don't blame him, I'd rather take my own life than leave it up to the courts or other family members to make such a life-altering decision.

[PhantomII]

That's so sad, that things got bad enough to make someone want to end it. Must've really been bad. I don't blame him, I'd rather take my own life than leave it up to the courts or other family members to make such a life-altering decision.

If you wish to learn more about ALS you can go here:

http://my.webmd.com/search/search_results/?query=ALS&filter=mywebmd_all_filter

[Elli]

:sad_03:

My heart aches and is breaking for Jon and his family and friends. I understand why and no matter what or why he chose to do this... he did it his way. I am so sad that he is no longer with us.

What a wonderful article to highlight who Jon was and what he did for others.

[Black Flag]

From: http://sc.groups.msn.com/themes/R9c/pby/img/cmd/cool_global_nick.gifhttp://sc.groups.msn.com/img/R9c/c.gifAbuhajar11 (http://groups.msn.com/Battleforheartsandminds/profile?user=Abuhajar11%E2%9C%93)Sent: 4/8/2005 8:35 PMVery nice post NoFate! I know nothing of this desiese.Regards to his family at this time,Many might
not understand why the Muslim posters wish the best for his family or why we care, i thank Ahmed for pounding in alot of our minds that it is NOT Americans we hate- it is the leader and the policys we hate! The way Muslims are treated by the American puppet of Sharon(Bush), regis was a good man with noble thoughts and a great humor to him.His posts will be mised greatly by all

[pixikill]

no.
i dont want it to have happened.
im gonna live afew days behind, in a world with regis.

(why wont it happen? i have my fingers crossed!)

[corpsman69]

From: http://sc.groups.msn.com/themes/R9c/pby/img/cmd/cool_global_nick.gifhttp://sc.groups.msn.com/img/R9c/c.gifAbuhajar11 (http://groups.msn.com/Battleforheartsandminds/profile?user=Abuhajar11%E2%9C%93)Sent: 4/8/2005 8:35 PMVery nice post NoFate! I know nothing of this desiese.Regards to his family at this time,Many might
not understand why the Muslim posters wish the best for his family or why we care, i thank Ahmed for pounding in alot of our minds that it is NOT Americans we hate- it is the leader and the policys we hate! The way Muslims are treated by the American puppet of Sharon(Bush), regis was a good man with noble thoughts and a great humor to him.His posts will be mised greatly by all
Black Flag, it is an amazing thing to witness how far you have come. Truly, Tigger has done a remarkable thing. I told you along time ago that the American people are not the problem, The foreign policy of this administration is.

The article was truly amazing. I am truly impressed with the benevolence of the man'" Regis "! An incredible read. Quite a loss, hard choices never come easy. I can only hope his demise was peaceful and with the dignity he deserved!

[FiremanDave6024]

http://www.daggettfire.org/images/firemen_with_flag.gif

[Ernie]

:sad_03:

My heart aches and is breaking for Jon and his family and friends. I understand why and no matter what or why he chose to do this... he did it his way. I am so sad that he is no longer with us.

What a wonderful article to highlight who Jon was and what he did for others.

Elli, JD lived life on his own terms. He chose to end his life on his own terms. I should only pray that I have the same opportunity to end my life if I shall ever be confronted with similar circumstances. I have a new outlook on my personal life and my decisions, at least for the moment, on life. Whenever somebody in my life's travels passes away, it keeps me "in check". (I am attempting to offer some advise here for anybody who cares to read it) I cherish the moments with my kids, the people I meet, and attempt to make people smile. JD's passing is sad. However, he chose his exit from life. Most people are not afforded that privelege. I am a strong proponent of euthanasia. I firmly believe that we should be granted the legal right to decide when we choose that life is no longer tollerable due to our medical symptoms/condition. I admire JD. I do. The man had the courage to fight on, and when life failed to yield any value other than pain...he made a decision for himsef to end the suffering and the burden on those whom loved him the most.

[Eat Me]

HOLY FUCK!!!

Has anyone bothered to read Regis' last post on IH?

I am completely serious when I say the following because it's very scary and serious: Was someone or some group trying to get Regis? His last post sounds like he was scared or atleast felt someone was trying to get him. His last post makes references to Hate Groups and the Feds and Magnetic fields making him feel disoriented and like a big red target.

Check out the link
http://www.wincoast.com/forum/showpost.php?p=91333&postcount=44

I don't want to sound like a conspiracy nut, but is it possible that a sinister group was pushing Regis in this final direction intentionally? What Regis did with IH and stood for was very bold. I am praying that some sick bastards in whatever organization wasn't doing this to him. It should make us all a bit suspicious. Maybe some of you are closer to Regis and the actual situation and know better. But for those of us who only have the forum and the posts and what we read here, this is scary.

[Ernie]

Jon mentioned to me in posts some things similar...when the board came back online after the infamous IH2 "birth". I'm going to search for the post...gimme' a sec or two.

[Ernie]

Note: I am not sure if that post was here or at the cob. Hopefully, I'll find it.

[Ernie]

No such luck. It was at the cob, and the posts are gone. Regis was posting there before IH came back. Man, I wish I could get them.

[Eat Me]

No it was not.

Well....it helps to know.....thanks

[Citizen Snipps]

HOLY FUCK!!!

Has anyone bothered to read Regis' last post on IH?

I am completely serious when I say the following because it's very scary and serious: Was someone or some group trying to get Regis? His last post sounds like he was scared or atleast felt someone was trying to get him. His last post makes references to Hate Groups and the Feds and Magnetic fields making him feel disoriented and like a big red target.

Check out the link
http://www.wincoast.com/forum/showpost.php?p=91333&postcount=44

I don't want to sound like a conspiracy nut, but is it possible that a sinister group was pushing Regis in this final direction intentionally? What Regis did with IH and stood for was very bold. I am praying that some sick bastards in whatever organization wasn't doing this to him. It should make us all a bit suspicious. Maybe some of you are closer to Regis and the actual situation and know better. But for those of us who only have the forum and the posts and what we read here, this is scary.
What is really weird is that the only time I ever communicated anything directly to Regis I posted. " Just because you are paraniod doen't mean that they are not after you."

[j316]

My sincere condolences to Jon & his friends and family. He will be missed! :sad_03:

[Motley]

^up^

[Motley]

Bump to keep this within the 30 day limit of thread viewing

[Motley]

up. (Never forget him)

[Motley]

Up for Regis

[Motley]

9/11 bump