Jonathan Crafts Zilles
December 31, 1978 ~ January 1, 2024
Born in:
Jacksonville, Florida
Resided in:
Sandy Springs, Georgia
Jonathan C. Zilles passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 45 after a courageous battle with Friedreich’s Ataxia, surrounded by his family and all those who loved him, including his faithful Canine Assistant service dog, “Chunk.”
Jon completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Auburn University. He has been a die-hard Auburn Tiger all his life. During high school and college, he enjoyed volunteering at Canine Assistants and sharing his story.
Jon was always passionate about music and loved watching all sports, attending Auburn games and many concerts. He had a wonderful sense of humor, personality, and an engaging smile. What an inspiration Jon was to all who knew him, and his ability and strength to carry on amid such a struggle with a debilitating disease.
He is survived by his loving parents, Linda and Dave Zilles; sister, Kristen Poinsette (Jason) and sister, Kelley Mauriello (Keith); and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for 11 am on January 8, 2024, at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Canine Assistants at canineassistants.org or Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) at curefa.org.
Peace and care🙏
I cared for John during the last few months he was with us. He is such a sweet soul and I will keep memories of him in my heart. Rest in peace.
Andrea ,
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your heartfelt care of JON!
Please come by to see us if you come in this direction anytime!!!’ Call to make sure we are here , don’t want to miss you !!
Hugs
Linda & Dave
Maybe got to meet Jonathan once when his lovely sister, Kelly, married my nephew – Keith Mauriello – but always thought Kelly’s deep love for her brother Jonathan, may have inspired her to become a nurse, a wonderful one at that!! Sincere sympathy at the untimely loss of Jonathan from Stanis and Michael Beck
RIP John! You are no longer suffering. Praying for peace for your family during this difficult time.
David and Linda, words cannot express our feelings ! We are so sorry the loss ofyour son
God bless you, your family and Jon !!!!
Lennie & Linda
So
Sorry
Dave- I’m so sorry for your families loss. Although, I did not know Jon personally – I felt like I did through our advocacy efforts together in GA over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. 💛
My prayers to your family.
My heart aches for all the trials y’all have endured and knowing
Jon is at peace with God is some solace..
My love to you all.
Pam
Though we never met Jon, we are greatly appreciative of his advocacy for FA. As parents, we share your heartbreak, and pray for your comfort. May Jon’s memory live on through the stories and love you share around the table.
Peter & Krissa Lazaropoulos
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family!
So sorry for your loss. Mother of 2
FA. Sean is 43, Corey is 38
Debbie Emerick
We want you to know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.
Sincerely,
Jack and Clair Hamlin
May John rest in peace and his memory live on.
Kelley and the whole Zilles family— I’m so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. It is a comfort that he is at peace with his Lord. I offer prayers for all of you, his family and friends, who will miss him beyond measure.
Love,
Laurie Thomas
Kelley,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Back in Deerfield, Jon always seemed to have a smile and a positive take. May he rest in peace, and War Eagle for him.
Chris