Taken from the Mass of Christian Burial for Jon
September 23, 1979 – February 28, 2005


In a mere 25 years, Jonathan had touched so many lives in such a caring and positive manner and will continue to do so for a long time to come. If you were to look up ‘beautiful person’ in the dictionary, you would find his picture. He was one of the most genuine, full of life, loving, respectful and dependable, young men you would ever meet. 

Our memories of Jon are vast as the heavens above. For 12 years his sister-in-law Michelle could always count on Jon’s gift of assorted coffee beans for Christmas; now that’s consistency. By nature, he always made a habit of helping anyone who asked at anytime, especially his sister, Jody. And without fail he always told her that he loved her, even though she knew he sometimes didn’t feel like it. He was also always available to baby-sit his brother Jeff’s and sister-in-law’s cats whenever they were out of town, ensuring the house was extra clean to hide evidence of any ‘spontaneous social gatherings,’ prior to their return. Jonathan was also a selfless giver. In fact, during one Halloween he ran out of candy to give to the children. He went trick-or-treating himself to replenish candy to distribute to the kids.

Jonathan had forged many friendships and was in the process of experiencing his first ‘real love’ with his girlfriend Alyssa. He was there at any hour, day or night, listening to any of her problems no matter how small. Not only did he do this for her, but for many others and will continue to do so in some way.
Jon is loved by all those he met and is still viewed as a pillar of support by many; particularly when it seemed as if no one else was around. He accomplished so much in such a brief time...from winning golf tournaments to establishing himself as a respected member of University of Cincinnati, Lambda Chi Alpha and society. Everything he accomplished, he did on his own. Some friends have referred to him as the ‘legendary Jon B.’ His father remembers him saying “If I am judged by the quality of my son, then I shall be called king.”

Jon was taught to always express and take pride in his individuality. It made no difference if his hair was blue, orange, or cut into a Mohawk, he was always a son, brother, and a friend. He will be missed by everyone here. Remember, all his persona l characteristics made him into this beautiful person. And beauty is never forgotten.
We love and thank you, Jonathan, for being our guardian angel.


For more information about Sudden Death in Athletes please visit the Minneapolis Heart Institute by going tohttp://www.suddendeathathletes.org/default.asp