Jon & James

Jon was truly one of a kind. He was always happy and full of love, with a unique humor and charm that could brighten any situation. A natural peacekeeper, arguments never lasted long around him. His upbeat spirit was infectious, and he could diffuse tension with a quick joke and an easy smile.

Jon’s kind heart showed in the way he served others. The residents at the retirement homes he visited for charity work would eagerly tell you how much his presence meant to them, as would his many friends. He loved cars, video games, music (and he could sing well himself), and most of all, his family.

As a senior at Southlake Christian Academy, Jon was a devoted big brother. He often made grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes for James and Jessie and drove them to school each day. He loved Chinese food, pineapple pizza, and washing it down with a Purple Fanta, Diet Coke, or Diet Mountain Dew. Jon planned to attend Appalachian State University, and his optimism and energy for life would have carried him exactly where he wanted to go.

James feared nothing. You could see it in the way he raced dirt bikes or flew through a skatepark on one of his many skateboards. He was naturally talented at nearly everything he tried and loved the water, swimming, and staying active.

James had a huge heart and genuinely loved helping others. “A guy who would give you the shirt off his back” wasn’t just an expression — it was exactly who he was. Whether it was his shirt, a skateboard, or a meal, he was always willing to give to someone in need.

Like his siblings, James attended Southlake Christian Academy and was in seventh grade. He loved Max & Erma’s cheese fries, macaroni and cheese, pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut, and going to Cracker Barrel with his family. His favorite shows were Rob & Big and Viva La Bam, and he loved the movies Talladega Nights and Elf. Like his older brother, his spirit was infectious, and he had a way of making everyone around him smile.