In loving memory of Jonathon Aaron Jackson

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce our beloved Jonathon has joined his Momma on June 28,
2022. Jonathon was the Stepfather to Dayanna Hernandez. He was one of three Children of Katherine
Louise Boyd and Johnny Alan Jackson. The brother of Jason Alan Jackson and Jessica Alana Manning.
Devoted Uncle to Julia Alana Mogren, Joel Alan Jackson, Jackson Robert Manning and June Rae
Manning. Jonathon is preceded by his Momma Katharine Louise Jackson and Grandparents George
Dewey Boyd, Elmira Elizabeth Barfield Boyd, Edna Louise Jackson York and Johnny William Jackson, his
dear cousin Jerry Henry Garrett Jr., and his very best friend and business partner Michael Kerestes.
His sister held his hand while Jonathon took his last breath at the St. Francis of Hospice. His Cousin
Felicia and his good buddy Mark were present.
Jonathan was born in Morganton North Carolina at Grace Hospital on July 10, 1978. Not long after his
birth the the family moved to Florida in 1979. Jon had a medical issue as a child and almost lost his life
but because of his mother’s love and perseverance, she saved him, convincing doctors there were
problems. He was diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease. Jon always pushed the limits and was
self-destructive at a young age. When he was young, he broke his arms 3 times in one year. Once he
even had an axe stuck in his head. The list is long on how many times he may have been hit by a car. The
truth is Jon grew up tough.
He went to Titusville High School but never completed the 12th grade. School was never his strong suite,
he did however, have the smarts to get his GED. Jon worked at Canaveral Plastering for 12 years with his
great friend Jon Beni. He traveled twice to Ascension Islands (a place that he truly loved) right off the
coast of Africa. After this is when Jon got the inspiration to have his own business. He studied and
landed his contractor’s license in 2016, he passed his test on the first attempt.
Jonathon married Karen Padilla on October 26, 2006. He took on a stepfather role to Dayanna, known as
his “Monster”. They divorced on April 24, 2020. He had great love for them both until the day that he
died.
Jonathon Started his business Better Built and took pride in his jobs. He was a smart man, who could
always see the vision of the project and bring it to life. He was a great teacher and to be one, his
knowledge of many aspects of home construction was amazing. Building codes, job costs, mechanical
requirements and a designer’s eye for useful spaces. Plus, his ability to make someone’s ambition a
reality. Meaning nothing ever scared him from a challenge. He would always joke that “dumber people
than us are already doing it.” His confidence, charisma and charm also made him a great salesman.
Nearly all his work was by referral and repeat customers.
Jonathon enjoyed cooking and baking cakes. He was a great cook. He never disappointed. Jon had a
passion for books, politics, sports, guns, aquariums, and Chevrolets.
He had a great love for family and friends. Which was evident with the number of visitors he had in the
hospital. Jon played Santa Clause for the Children Center. Something he took Great Pride in. He was
devoted to bringing joy to the children.
His companionship with his dogs Kumba, Daisy, Darlin and Patches were his whole world. He cherished
the “little girl,” his sister, who was his rock. The love he had for his nieces and his nephews was limitless.
Jon loved his Momma fiercely and missed her dearly.
Jon had the biggest heart, which was a blessing and a curse. He would help anyone in need, even if it
was his last dollar. There were many times that he was a HERO to the ones he loved. Jonathon lit up
every room he entered with his big personality and beautiful dimpled smile. The world was fortunate to
have had him and will be less without him. He will be forever missed and etched into our hearts.