Jon Kimlinger

Jonathan Thomas "Jon" Kimlinger, age 39, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at his home.
Jon was a man of quiet depth, surprising humor, and immense heart. Born November 7, 1985, in Columbia, Mo., a son of William Robert and Melinda Merl (Lewis) Kimlinger, he was raised in Jefferson City and graduated from Jefferson City High School in 2004 before going on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from Columbia College. Jon found his professional calling as a software engineer, working for the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the City of Columbia, Hitachi, and Huber and Associates-where his passion for coding met his desire to serve others.
Fate-and a little help from Match.com-brought Jon and Brittany Levin together. They married on October 4, 2014, beginning a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Alden was Jon's greatest joy. He cherished the time spent playing and laughing with his beloved son.
Jon had a brilliant mind and a quirky, creative spirit. Whether he was designing intricate mechanical keyboards or mastering the art of crocheting-where he was a proud and enthusiastic member of the Sugar Britches Saturday crochet group-he poured his heart into every detail. He was a gamer at heart, especially fond of Final Fantasy VII and Bioshock, often paired with a Mountain Dew and a row of birthday cake Oreos or a stash of sour gummy worms and Reese's peanut butter cups.
He had a love for animals that was as strong as his love for people. His faithful companion, Gracie, a border collie and pit mix, was never far from his side, and his home was always open to any creature or person in need. Jon's generosity knew no bounds-he once offered a part of his liver to his mother during her illness, an act that defined his selfless nature.
As a child, Jon's family vacations were filled with adventure. He explored the great outdoors through scuba diving, rock climbing, and even ice climbing at Rocky Mountain National Park. These early memories helped shape a man who loved experiences-whether it was enjoying musicals at The Fox (his favorite being Wicked), reading the Redwall book series with his dad, or quoting every line of UHF with his family, a tradition that became a signature part of the Kimlinger household.
A devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, Jon eagerly anticipated fantasy football season and loved the camaraderie it brought. Though he was often quiet when you first met him, those who knew him well were met with a dry wit, a healthy dose of sarcasm, and a fun-loving prankster who could both dish out and take a joke.
Jon was a man of old-fashioned values with a modern heart. Before marrying Brittany, he honored tradition by asking her father for his blessing-a simple act that reflected his respect and thoughtfulness.
Jon leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and love. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew him-in every line of a cherished movie quote, in every strand of yarn passed through a hook, in every keyboard click, and in the gentle pawprints of the animals he held dear. Jon's presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Survivors include his loving wife of the home, Brittany; his son, Alden Kimlinger of Jefferson City, Mo.; his parents, Will and Melinda Kimlinger of Jefferson City, Mo.; four siblings, Melissa Lawrence (Thomas) of Milan, Mich., Eric Kimlinger (Angie) of Platte City, Mo., Ryan Kimlinger (Jennifer) of Jefferson City, Mo., Amanda Kimlinger of Bastrop, Tx.; 15 nieces and nephews; numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his best dog, Gracie; his grandparents, Sam and Mablelee Lewis; one uncle, Tom Lewis; and grandma, Shirley Kimlinger.
A visitation to celebrate Jon's life will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in the Freeman Mortuary Chapel, 915 Madison, Jefferson City, Mo., 65101.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to NAMI-Missouri, 3405 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, Mo., 65109 or The Cappy Classic Foundation, Survivors of Suicide Educational Scholarships, 1626 W. Main St., Jefferson City, Mo., 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.