Found the problem! Poor Ground!! ... Had time this afternoon to look at it. The spark at the battery and talking to one of the mechanics led me to look closer at the cables. All cables were in good shape, but the ground wire at the battery terminal was very slightly loose. I cleaned the connection and retightened it and... Voila.. it started.
Everyone is happy again. While I was mucking around in the engine compartment I also found out why it was idling so rough and would stall occaisonally. Daughter is really happy now.
thanks for all the help.. and I'll remember jeepforum for the problems that WILL (not may) happen in the future.
