Jonathan Ewing

Jon Ewing was a fun-loving son, brother, uncle, grandson, and friend to many. Taken too soon, he leaves behind a rich legacy of living each day to the fullest and working hard to make his way in the world. His positive outlook and easy-going personality will be forever etched on the hearts of his many close friends and family.

His story begins in the year of 1989. Sony CD players, Play-Doh Whopper kits, and the Sega Genesis were collecting in homes across the nation. The Berlin Wall was dismantled leading to the reunification of East and West Germany, the first episode of The Simpsons aired, and Back to the Future II opened in theaters. The music of Madonna, New Kids on the Block, and Phil Collins topped the Billboard charts. With the computer age gaining momentum, Tarrey Ewing and Cindy Berry welcomed the arrival of their newborn baby boy, Jonathan, on December 27th in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His birth brought his parents great joy and happiness.

Growing up, Jonathan lived a typical childhood of the times. Always up for an adventure, he tried his hand at a wide variety of activities. When he was young, he was so into learning to ride his bike that he once rode straight into the back of his dad’s truck leaving a dent! Luckily, he wore his helmet that day! Jon mostly favored the time he spent outdoors either camping or swimming in local lakes and pools. He hung around with his buddies, Chris and Dan, every chance he had and there was never a dull moment when they were together. They spent so much time together they earned the nickname, The Three Amigos.

Jon took several backpacking trips to the Manitou Islands with his dad and sister, trips which left a lasting impression on Jon. He enjoyed returning to the area several times to relive the experience either alone or with friends over the years. Anytime he was hiking or swimming in the Great Lakes, his heart was content.

As a teenager, he enjoyed playing online video games with friends. They savored Warcraft as well as Dungeons and Dragons. After graduating from Portage Northern High School, he set off for Kalamazoo Valley Community College. His love of pizza eventually landed him a job at Geno’s Pizza, the perfect match for his appetite. Before long he worked his way up to Assistant Manager of the local restaurant. He approached his work with great dedication and was well liked by management as well as his fellow co-workers over the years.

Jon held many special interests. He especially loved hockey and following the Detroit Red Wings, even attending games from time to time. A lifelong lover of music, he was happy to have seen Van Halen live during one of their last performances as well as AC/DC and Brit Floyd, the Pink Floyd tribute band. When it came to food, he was incredibly picky. He especially never liked spaghetti. He often remarked it reminded him of worms! However, he did have a real sweet tooth and never passed up a soft chocolate chip cookie…or two.

Jon was always very independent and enjoyed being around people. He lived his life with passion, reflecting a true acceptance of all people. Jon had a remarkable gift of making each and every person he met feel special. Social by nature, he liked getting to know people and finding out their special interests. Described as a genuine person who didn’t have a mean bone in his body and a smile that could light up any room, Jon will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many special friends and family. As they heal their hearts from the grief of such a tremendous loss in their lives, may they lean on the wonderful memories he leaves behind.

Jonathan Ewing, age 30, of Portage, Michigan, died on October 17, 2020. Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ernest Berry and Robert (Betty) Ewing; his uncle, Frank Berry; and his aunt, Sherry Domanski. Surviving are his parents: Cindy (Gerald) Kurtz and Tarrey (Jan) Ewing; siblings: Robert (Jennifer Flieler) Ewing and Kelly (Matt) Compher; step-siblings: Jill Kurtz, Jenny Kurtz; nieces and nephews: Jana, Gunnar, Finley, Reed; and his grandmother: Audrey Berry. Cremation has taken place. No services will be held at this time. Visit Jonathan’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Animal Rescue Project. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.