Jonathan Exil Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Island Memorial Funeral Home on Jan. 19, 2026.
Jonathan Exil was born on July 1, 1990, to Eder-Lytz and Nicole Exil. He was the beloved eldest of two children and a devoted brother to Kimberly Exil. From an early age, Jonathan's brilliance and talent were evident, as he participated in the Gifted and Talented program from third through eighth grade. He later attended and proudly graduated from St. Mary's High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
While Jonathan was known for his fun, kindness, and gentle spirit, his life journey also reflected tremendous strength and resilience. At just 15 years old, he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his shoulder. Despite aggressive treatment and a brief remission, the cancer eventually spread to his lungs. Yet through every step of the fight, Jonathan carried himself with remarkable courage, often with a smile on his face and without complaint. He faced that challenge head-on ... and he WON.
After high school, Jonathan enrolled at NJIT, initially pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering. Along the way, he discovered his true passion in Information Technology - a field in which he would later thrive. Over the years, Jonathan held a variety of roles that allowed him to sharpen his skills and build a strong professional reputation. In 2023, his hard work and dedication paid off when he secured a position in the IT Department for Linden Public Schools, where he served as an IT technician across multiple schools in the district until his early departure.
Jonathan's faith was the foundation of his life. A devoted Seventh-day Adventist Christian, church was not simply a part of his life, but it was a cornerstone. As a lifelong member of the Elizabeth English SDA Church, Jonathan served faithfully in many roles, including Youth Choir member, Youth Leader, and Pathfinder Director. He poured into the lives of countless children both inside and outside of the church, sharing his love of Christ, music, and his commitment to living a meaningful and positive life.
Jonathan was not only filled with love, but he gave it freely and wholeheartedly. Although their paths crossed in high school in 2008, it wasn't until later that love came. After graduating, he remained close with his wife Kesha, forming a friendship that would later grow into something beautiful. In 2018, their bond deepened as they began dating.
With laughter, passion, and unwavering love, Jonathan proposed to Kesha on the sandy beaches of Jamaica in 2023. The two were married on January 27, 2024, and together, along with their son Adrian, began building a life rooted in love and family.
In 2024, Jonathan made the bold decision to step into entrepreneurship, launching his own business as a solo tech consultant under the name Tektalkers. His creativity, drive, and talent were deeply woven into everything he built, and those around him, clients, friends, and family alike, watched him bloom with pride.
In his personal life, Jonathan was a devoted husband, a beaming father, a loving son, brother, and a loyal friend. He enjoyed music, the Detroit Pistons, the Patriots, and fantasy sports. He carried a quiet joy that made others feel seen, supported, and loved.
As Jonathan was stepping fully into the prime of his life, heartbreaking news came in September 2025 when he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his heart. With the same grit and grace, he showed years before, Jonathan fought once again. Though his battle was short, he fought with everything in him. On January 9, 2026, Jonathan took his final breath and returned home to his Lord and Savior.
Jonathan is survived by his wife, Kesha Exil, son Adrian, mother, Nicole Exil, sister Kimberly Exil; mother-in-law, Martine Joseph and family; Exil family; Neptune family; Petit-Frere family, Pierre and Jon-Baptiste family; godchildren, church community, family, and colleagues. He was predeceased by his father, Eder-Lytz, paternal grandmother, Fernande Exil, and maternal grandmother, Carmen Antoine.
There will never be another Jonathan. Lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice. He was a soul like no other. A life with no enemies, no harsh words, no anger ... just love. He was the definition of laid-back, but always fully present. He didn't need to do too much because his energy spoke for itself. Jonathan made life feel lighter. Easy to love and even easier to be around. To the peaceful spirit with an unforgettable laugh -you will be truly missed.
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