So, to all who have been both following this saga and offering information, support, and advice, I got the Jeep back on Jan 21st. Seems that when the hydrolic lifters (lash adjusters) were not changed out in the initial repair, they decided to fail. So cyls 2 and 4 had the rockers fall off when the lifters did not pump up.... put things back together, rockers that is, and she ran briefly but threw them again... only this time the exhaust valves on #2 and #4 bent and stuck....
Took the head to local machine shop, cleaned it up, replaced two valves, checked all others.... installed it then new lifters both sides..... runs and sounds like a dream.....
After the initial rebuild at $3k, I paid for only parts here to the tune of $245.... he had lots of hours into it but as a friend of my best friend he did not charge me labor.... I plan on throwing a couple bucks his way as if not this jeep I may need him again on something else!!
Thanks again folks!!

again!
JJ