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Jon Erikson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jon Erikson
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Ricky Bien-Aime
August 23, 2025
Jon was a hero of mine when I was in the third grade and he was graduating from high school at Harvard St. George in Chicago. Thank you for being such an inspiration to a third grader. love and respect to your family
Ricky Bien-Aime
August 23, 2025
Pam
July 27, 2025
Still missing you!
joseph foley
September 29, 2024
I knew both Jon and Ted Erikson from the late 1960s. Jon and I were the same age and swam together at Ridge Park in Chicago. I will never forget the day he told me he wanted to do something that no one had ever done before. We were both eleven years old. He said he wanted to swim the English Channel. The following year my family moved to Arizona and Jon became the youngest person ever to swim the English Channel. I lost contact with Jon for almost 45 years but reconnected with his dad late in life. I always have missed my friend. Rest in peace Jon. Joe Foley.
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2024
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2024
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2024
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2024
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2024
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2024
I still find it hard to believe that you are no longer with us.
Jon, I miss you so much.
Pam Perkins
November 2, 2023
I just found this photo.
You were about 2 years old in Hometown.
Thom Moriarty
April 19, 2023
You were a great friend John and I never imagined that you would leave this earthly life so soon. You are missed.
Pam Perkins
April 17, 2023
Thinking about you.
Miss you so much!
Pam Perkins
July 28, 2022
Pam Perkins
July 28, 2022
Pam Perkins
July 28, 2022
I miss your smiling face.
Wherever you are, I pray that you are happy.
Love you, Jon!
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2022
Just a little message... Sending you my love!
Pam Perkins
December 5, 2021
Jon... Dad died Wednesday morning (December 1, 2021).
His passing was a shock for everyone.
We thought he was getting better.
The day before, Ted received a pocket talker that I sent and the social worker helped set up a face time call for Dad and me.
Ted heard every word and we talked for some time.
He was happy and even laughing.
So, the next morning, when I received the news, I was shocked.
The social worker said that sometimes when a person knows they are going to die, they "Rally".
And she thinks that is what Ted did on the Face-Time call.
Now I take comfort in the fact that he is at peace and maybe even swimming up there with you and Umbra.
I am sending you all my love.
Pammy
Pam Perkins
September 28, 2021
We are but a moment's sunlight, fading in the grass.
Miss you!
Pam Perkins
September 1, 2021
Oh Jon,
Your birthday is in a few days.
I wish I could trade one of my tomorrows for a single yesterday.
I miss you.
Pam Perkins
July 27, 2021
Always on my mind.
Forever in my heart.
Pam Perkins
April 8, 2021
Dear little brother
It is truly amazing how many lives you have touched.
*******
I thought of you today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that, too.
I think of you in silence. I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake from which I’ll never part.
God has you in his arms.
I have you in my heart.
David Groeneveld
April 7, 2021
I ran across a Facebook post about Channel swimmers, and I stopped and googled Jon. He student taught at my high school (Thornwood, South Holland, IL) when I was a freshman (76-77). I was certainly in awe of his accomplishments. He was a truly kind and caring person. He stopped back a few years after his student teaching cycle and asked how my butterfly times were. He had mostly worked with the varsity team, so I was impressed that he actually remembered who I was, let alone my events. Along with asking he offered genuine words of encouragement. This just speaks to his genuine interest in the students he worked with and all the people he met throughout his life. I'm sad to hear he died prematurely. He is not forgotten.
Pam Perkins
January 20, 2021
The ones we love, never really leave us.
They are forever in our heart.
Pam Perkins
October 24, 2020
Not a day goes by that you are not thought of.
Ted A Erikson
October 19, 2020
Jon Erikson's life was fore shortened by a unidentified malady. I felt it necessary to record his last few hours during a sad visit to his hospital bed in Boca Raton. His open water swim achievements as a 2014 Honor Open Water Swimmer are recorded in the annals of the International Swimming Hall of Fame...
Pam Perkins
October 16, 2020
Thinking of you and happier times.
Thomas J Moriarty
July 27, 2020
Jon was destined for greatness and his life achievements prove that! I am still shocked that he predeceased me. But, I know that he is making a big difference in Heaven. That smile of his was really something! I can still feel how my hand would hurt in my catcher's mitt after catching his fastball.
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2020
It has been 6 long years.
Still so difficult for me to fathom.
The winds of heaven blow softly.
You are but a song in the wind.
My love is with you, little brother.
Pam Perkins
April 1, 2020
Life has sure changed.
The Earth has been in pandemic mode since January.
Amid COVID 19 (Coronavirus), existence has been transformed: social distancing, food on-line, cabin-fever.
I dream of angels and sunshine.
Nobody here can find you, but you will always be around.
I know you are watching over us all.
Pam Perkins
February 12, 2020
Jon, I still miss you.
Your star in the sky still burns bright.
Thom Moriarty
January 26, 2020
I was Jon's catcher in Little League baseball and I will never forget having to put a cutout sponge in my catcher's mitt because of how hard Jon threw his fastball!!!! It really came at you fast and hard and even with the sponge in my glove, after catching him for several innings, my hand would hurt. He was a great pitcher, and he could really hit the ball too! But most of all, I remember that he was a great teammate and I will never forget that smile of his, which he seemed to always have. And I absolutely will never forget the time that I stayed over at his house and the strawberry crepes his Dad made for breakfast the next morning. I had never had anything so delicious!!!!
Pam Perkins
January 24, 2020
Here's a riddle
I can bring tears to your eyes,
Resurrect the dead,
Make you smile,
And reverse time.
I form in an instant,
But I last a life-time.
What am I?
ANSWER: A memory.
Jon, you will always be remembered!
1988
December 21, 2019
Thinking of you during the holidays.
I found another old photo of you and Sean.
Carol Hauser
November 28, 2019
Confess Jon and my daughter were cousins and friends when they were young. Strangely enough they both died in 2014 way too young. I lost track of Jon after he got older and move to Florida but I'm sure he was so lovely young man
1960
November 26, 2019
Baby Brother I am thankful for the time we had.
Wish it had been longer.
Thom Moriarty
November 3, 2019
Rest in eternal peace with Our Father in Heaven Jon!
Pam Perkins
October 29, 2019
Allhallowtide
A time to remember.
A part of you will always be with us.
Love
Thom Moriarty
October 25, 2019
Jon - you and I were on the same RMP Little League team. You were the pitcher and I was your catcher! I knew you were a great swimmer then, but I also knew you could have easily become a major-league ball player! You had the stuff on the mound and you also had power at the plate - rare in a pitcher! I just found out you passed in 2014. I am so sorry we lost touch! But, I know you are at peace with Our Father in Heaven! You were a true friend and a great American! I'll never forget the time I slept over at your house and your Dad made his famous crepes!!!! Best I ever had!
Pam Perkins
September 26, 2019
Your spirit, your soul and your heart will always be with us.
Pam Perkins
September 23, 2019
Thinking of you...
November 27, 1999
Pam Perkins
August 30, 2019
I took this 1999 pic in Florida at the Swimming Marathon Hall of Fame.
I remember that you were a bit embarrassed, but gave us all a big smile anyway.
Miss you.
Pam Perkins
July 26, 2019
Baby brother... You will always be remembered.
Jim Beitler
July 26, 2019
By far one of the best if not the best teacher/coach I ever had. I only had Mr Erikson for a short time at Spohn Middle School 79 - 80 but I have great memories of him.
Ted Erikson
July 26, 2019
Coming on 5 years since you have gone, Jon. Life is strange when a son leaves before the father..
Pam Perkins
July 12, 2019
Miss you so much!
Always a smile!
May 30, 2019
Eventually everything come to an end.
The door closes and we say goodbye.
You were so much a part of us that you will be with us no matter what... A small glimmer a feeling a voice in our hearts that will be with us forever.
Them was the days still in everyone's memory!Jon in his hey days..
Ted Erikson
May 25, 2019
Pam Perkins
May 24, 2019
I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Still don't understand why... Miss you!
Here is another oldie. After Dad's Lake swim in 1961.
Pam Perkins
April 30, 2019
Some may come and some may go
We shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moment's sunlight
Fading in the grass
Charlie McCarthy and Jon
Pam Perkins
March 24, 2019
I remember when you were showing me your Charlie McCarthy puppet and your best ventriloquist talent. Lots of laughs.
.... miss you.
Dec. 1966
Pam Perkins
February 19, 2019
Jonny... Remembering you!
1966 Pam and Jon and Boots (or maybe Little Boots: both looked the same)
Corner house: 11460 South Longwood Drive, Chicago, Illinois
You look so serious in this photo.
I remember
The Gold Dress for a school winter formal dance
The pumped-up Hair
The swimming Trophy
The petrified-branch Ashtray
The 60's Style Drapes and the black Couch slip-covers
The Mosaic Table (Mom glued all the mosaic tiles)
The African stretched-canvas on the wall
Pam Perkins
January 20, 2019
I remember one year you taught the Boy Scouts about the Hopi Indians.
Here is the HOPI PRAYER of The Soul's Graduation:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive
2003 Happy Times
Pammy Perkins
December 25, 2018
We are stardust, we are golden.
We are billion-year-old carbon.
We are magic.
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.
Heaven took an angel home.
But your spirit will always be here.
Pam Perkins
December 24, 2018
Thinking of you!
Jim Beitler
December 17, 2018
Had Mr Erikson for PE class in Spohn Middle School 1979 - 80 super great nice guy he will be missed.
Jim Beitler Easton PA formerly Hammond IN
1960 Masonic Temple Royal Arcanum
November 16, 2018
This is the first day in a long time that we have sunshine here in Cary. The leaves are turning orange and red and yellow. Wish you were here.
1999 You were pointing to your name with your right hand (not sure aboout the left).
Pammy Perkins
October 13, 2018
Jon... You will always be here with us, as long as we remember you. I will never forget you little brother.
You always loved to find your name (spelled your way). Great loafers: love the fringe.
Pammy Perkins
October 13, 2018
Natalia Tamarina
August 29, 2018
Jon Erikson is an inspiration - even to people who have never met him. The written story about his first swim through The Channel, at just 14 years old, in his own words, - it's unforgettable. It blows my mind how someone can be so determined, strong and spirited and capable of a heroic feat - at such a young age. He was a truly remarkable person!
Pam Perkins
August 17, 2018
Here is a link to Jon's gracious and elegant speech for being inducted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
https://youtu.be/fpFaFUR6u5U
Jon, I will always remember you as the vibrant individual that you were.
Jon in Hospital
Ted Erikson
August 16, 2018
Pam Perkins
August 12, 2018
Our 1965 visit to New York City...
Riding the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
I think Uncle Wally gave us the sweaters we were wearing as Christmas presents the year before. Happy times.
Pam Perkins
July 30, 2018
"A photograph never grows old. You and I change, people change all through the months and years but a photograph always remains the same. How nice to look at a photograph taken many years ago. You see them as you remember them - Albert Einstein
Jon, I will always remember you.
July 4, 2003 Cooking on the grill.
Pammy Perkins
July 4, 2018
Thinking about you, Jon.
Here's a pic from 15 years ago.
Great food... Great fun... Great Family!
1963
Pammy Perkins
June 8, 2018
Up-Side-Down!
Gee, we sure were silly.
I think Jon was about 7 years old.
What fun!
1958
Pammy Perkins
May 28, 2018
Pammy Perkins
April 24, 2018
Jonny.....
We miss you.
Jon is about 4 years old in this pic.
Pam Perkins
March 23, 2018
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Taken around 1961
Pam Perkins
February 6, 2018
I found another old picture. You were such a cute kid! Love your smiles!
Pam Perkins
January 14, 2018
Thinking of you.
December 1995
Pam Perkins
December 22, 2017
Christmas is coming. I remember how you would dress up as Santa. Such love! You may not be here in body, but your spirit is all around us.
Pam Perkins
October 28, 2017
Thinking of you.
September 19, 2017
Jon was an extraordinary man, that did extraordinary things.
He will always be remembered for his smile, his faith, and his determination.
He worked hard for his family and had honor in his work and personal life.
He was never afraid to go above and beyond for what he believed in.
Jon.. Wherever you are, there will always be a special part of you in my heart.
Love always,
Your sister, Pammy
Pam Perkins
August 29, 2017
Some may come and some may go.
We shall surely pass.
When the one that left us here,
Returns for us at last.
We are but a moment's sunlight,
Fading in the grass.
Pam Perkins
August 7, 2017
Has it been three years?
Rarely goes by a day, that I do not have fleeting thoughts of you.
------- What is the soul? -------
The definition: (noun) the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.
Wherever you are, know that you are loved.
Pammy
Dad
August 6, 2017
Thinking of you so often, Jon. Several Point swimmers wear the hat that commemorates you!!
1992
Pam Perkins
July 6, 2017
Your love is always with us:
Our feelings we can't hide.
And though we cannot see you,
you are always by our side.
Ted and Jon
Pam Perkins
May 27, 2017
Jonny, I still miss you.
Here is a great photo.
Dad and you look so happy.
It must have been in the early 1980s, around the time of your English Channel triple cross.
Jon's calendar letter.. 1985
Pammy Perkins
May 23, 2017
I was just going through some old papers and found this letter dated August 11, 1985.
You wrote us on your calendar page.
Guess what I found on my calendar today?
Pretty good likeness wouldn't you say?.... Jon
Very cool!
We are still so proud of you.
Pammy Perkins
April 28, 2017
Jon:
Here is another pic.
I think it might be your record 37 mile Lake Michigan swim: August 21, 1971, Chicago to Michigan City, 25 hours, 22 minutes.
Looks like Mom was there.
You were an incredible swimmer!
It still blows my mind, when I think of all that you and Dad undertook and achieved.
Dad is still swimming regularly and in swim-meets, even though he now has a pacemaker insertion.
I wish you were here.
Miss you so much.
But you are always in our hearts!
Love,
Pammy
Dad
April 16, 2017
Pam! That pic was taken at La Tuque 24 hueres team swim where he partnered with Raul Villagomez (who was swimming his relay portion) They got 3rd place!!
Pam Perkins
April 15, 2017
Happy times!
This is a great photo of you and Dad.
You both look so relaxed.
I think it was taken in the late 70's (or maybe early 80's).
Miss you Jon.
Pammy Perkins
March 11, 2017
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Pam Perkins
February 7, 2017
Jon.....
Just thinking about you, and wishing you were here.
Love Pammy
Pammy Perkins
December 31, 2016
The beginning of another year.
I found another picture.
I think this one was in the early 70's.
Miss you.
Pam Perkins
December 24, 2016
Where did the year go?
Christmas is already here.
****
Jon, we are lighting a candle for you.
Pam Perkins
December 18, 2016
I found another picture of you.
The date on the back is September 1964.
You sure loved baseball.
Missing you,
Pammy
Pammy Perkins
December 1, 2016
Loved you yesterday.
Love you still.
Always have.
Always will.
Pammy Perkins
November 4, 2016
Do you believe it?
After 108 years of waiting, the Cubs finally won the World Series (2016).
Hope you were watching from above.
Smiles!
Pam Perkins
October 7, 2016
What is this journey (called life) all about?
Will we ever know?
We should spend more time reflecting on our blessings.
You always made me smile.
Miss you, Jon!
Pam Perkins
September 2, 2016
Here it is September already.
I am lighting a candle in remembrance of your birthday.
Love you Jon!
Pam Perkins
August 7, 2016
As I browse through old photos, it is hard to find a picture where you are not smiling.
Your cheerfulness was (and still is) so contagious.
Dad
July 28, 2016
This obituary will remain on line permanently, Jon. YOU will not be forgotten as long as the internet survives. I beileve that anyone can print copies for their perusal.
"erikson lives forever"
Pammy Perkins
July 25, 2016
Gone but not forgotten
Although we are apart
Your spirit lives within us
Forever in our hearts
Pammy Perkins
July 20, 2016
Miss you so much!
September 1981
Pam Perkins
June 18, 2016
Just a picture of happy times.
This was taken in September of 1981 near Promontory Point in Hyde Park, Chicago.
Pammy Perkins
May 24, 2016
Jon, you are still in our hearts, and will stay there forever.
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