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Jonathan Biller Obituary
January 7, 1969- August 31, 2024
Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1969, Jonathan Lee Biller passed away on August 31, 2024.
He leaves behind his mother Margaret C. Biller, his brother Daniel H. Biller, sister-in-law Tara Biller, sister Caroline Biller Bernstein, and 5 beloved nieces and nephews. Jonathan is predeceased by his father, Stephen H. Biller.
Jonathan graduated from Christian Brothers High School, attended UT Knoxville, and the Memphis College of Art. While at the Penland School for the Arts, Jonathan fell in love with North Carolina, made it his home apprenticing with glass artist masters, and subsequently custom built his own hot shop enabling him to blow glass when assistance was not available. While continuing his art career, he found work pursing his hobby of landscaping and in construction.
Jonathan's artistic creations reflect his love of the female form and animals. A close look at each piece reveals subtle messaging, self-portraits, and figures within the larger. He played with color, light, and darkness.
Jonathan was a gentle, sweet, generous and courageous soul. He was an artist, talented creative, intelligent philosopher, passionate music lover, animal whisperer, and rescuer. Justice and fairness, passed down from his father, was paramount. He was charismatic and kind. He never met a stranger, lit up the room when he entered, and connected people. He had a natural way with children that was evident in his interactions with his nieces and nephews while teaching art and glass blowing.
Jonathan collected and maintained lifelong friends. Friends in North Carolina and beyond became his family. He was uninterested in status, class, race, and creed. Life with Jonathan was filled with laughter, mischief, and fun. We will forever hear Jonathan's voice and see his trademark smile.
Jonathan will be missed dearly. He would want you to celebrate his life and live courageously as he did. May his memory be a blessing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Biller
Sponsored by Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis.
4 Entries
Sally Rogers
September 6, 2024
I met Jonathan oh-so-many years ago, when he first took a glass class at Penland, and I was Resident Artist there. He was an open, fun, guileless, and creative person, and we became friends. We both subsequently settled in Mitchell County, where we put together our respective glass-studios, and it was always a delight to catch up with him whenever I would run into him. I used to keep foster dogs for The Mitchell County Animal Rescue; Jonathan's beloved dog "Greta" was one of them, and she couldn't have gone to a more loving, caring owner/caretaker. I was shocked to learn of Jonathan's untimely and unexpected passing, and wish to express my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.
Tyrus McCormick
September 5, 2024
Was saddened to hear of Jonathan's sudden passing. He was so young! As a neighbor down the street, Me and my Son watched him do some glass making on a couple occasions, it was so interesting and Jonathan was so focused and intense while crafting his art. I recently asked Jonathan... Maybe just two weeks ago... "What is a single Grateful Dead Song that would get me into their music?" His response was simply their song... "Ripple". A wonderful song and I did not get a chance to thank Jonathan for suggesting it to me. Good Bye... and "Glow with the Gold of Sunshine!"
Amanda
September 5, 2024
Though heartbroken to say goodbye to my friend, surrogate big brother, and cheerleader I know I am blessed to have known him. Deep sympathy and love to Jonathan's biological and chosen family.
Laura
September 4, 2024
I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a wonderful person. Jonathon was my next door neighbor and friend in NC. Before he was a wonderful neighbor to me, he was a dear friend and neighbor to my Grandmother. They spent many days together on her front porch. He always brought his dogs over to see her and they were always so gentle and friendly. Our neighborhood has lost a dear friend and we are all missing him. He was, among so many things, wonderfully kind.
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