Jonathan Free Obituary
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Jon will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the love he had for his family and everyone he encountered. Though he faced personal struggles, many of which he suffered in silence, those very challenges shaped him into the compassionate soul he was. His own battles with mental illness gave him a profound empathy that he channeled into his work as a nurse, where he dedicated his life to supporting and uplifting those in need.
Jon had an innate ability to connect with others, especially those who were experiencing pain or hardship, because he understood that pain intimately. He never shied away from the difficult emotions of others, offering comfort and a listening ear. His empathy was a gift that made everyone around him feel seen and heard.
There was nothing that couldn't be made better by a long drive, the perfect playlist, or a walk by the river, a time when he would find solace in nature. Jon had a rare talent for finding joy in the little things. His wit, sarcasm, and unbeatable snack game could always brighten your day, even during the toughest times. A true glass-half-full kind of guy, he had the ability to find humor and positivity, no matter how dark the situation seemed.
While he kept his struggles private, his kindness and humor were reflections of the strength he gained from them. He understood what it was like to feel lost, and that understanding made him a beacon of light for others who were navigating similar battles. Jon's compassionate spirit lives on in his children, who carry his empathy and love for others forward.
A celebration of Jon's life will be held on March 16th at Murray Park Pavilion 2 at 2 PM. Blue or Grateful Dead attire is encouraged in honor of his spirit. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider planting a tree in his memory. You can do so by visiting:
https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-arkansas.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
CM
March 17, 2025
Jon really was the go-to person at ASH ever since I started working there. If we needed to vent, needed advice, or just needed some level headedness among the chaos we could go to him. Almost everyone there has said "I´ll just go talk to Jon!" It can be difficult to be likable as an administrator but he truly was just that.
Jon also supported those in recovery working at ASH and believed in giving others chances to be the best versions of themselves.
While our time knowing each other was only a few short years, I will always remember the kindness he spread to others.
"You have the right personality for this job!" Thank you for believing in me.
Jerri Stanton
March 15, 2025
I remember very clearly the first time that I met Jon. He was working in the Staffing Office at the Arkansas State Hospital, and he just had this inner light within him that made people want to be around him. That light shone the brightest when he was helping people, and we quickly became friends.
Over the next few years, I asked him more than once to apply for a manager position, but he always graciously declined. When I was promoted to the Chief Nursing Officer position, I thought I would try again to get him to come on board full time, and to my surprise, he applied for the ADON position. I was so excited to have that bright light with me on my next journey and thanked God that it was him in that position when COVID hit Arkansas two weeks after we both officially got our respective positions. The next couple of years were just a blur, but we conquered COVID together with the amazing help of all the wonderful staff at the State Hospital. Through all these work challenges, we became partners.
Although the last couple of years I was there, we still had other challenges like "Snowmageddon" and getting stuck in the snow over by the fairgrounds (twice), but we had a lot of great times, too. There was also a lot of laughter, and Jon organized the best 50th birthday party that I could have ever wished for.... again, he was always brightest when he was helping others to shine, too. During this time, we came to know each other on a personal level, both the good times and the struggles, and he became my brother.
I am heartbroken that I will not get to see that light again on this Earth, but he has spread a little of his light into all the lives that he touched, especially mine. Jon is at peace, and his light has spread into all of us. I know that one day I will see my brother again and that he will be the brightest light of all.
Chris Akin
March 14, 2025
Wow Jon , so sad to hear this news . We pretty went to school together from the start to graduation.! Rest easy my friend !
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Buck Burchfield
March 13, 2025
I met Jon at UAMS when I was the ADON and he was charge nurse over the neurosurgery floor. Later he became my boss as ADON at the Arkansas State Hospital but along the way he was always consistent in his compassion to care for those who were unable to care for themselves. He had compassion for those he managed and he always put others needs before his own. He was a part of countless peoples journeys either as a nurse or a friend or as a manager. We talked about God many times. I know he had faith in Jesus Christ as we prayed together in his office over many situations. He helped our hospital navigate through Covid and did it with grace and his commitment to the patients and staff under his leadership. He was the van driver that picked up staff during inclimate weather and made sure they got to work and back home safely in the snow and ice. He was a gift to this world and he will be greatly missed. In his memory, I will go the extra mile to spend time with those who are struggling with life and need someone to hold their hand until the storm is over. He was one of the good ones who left us way to early. Love you Bub.
Diana Billings
March 11, 2025
Love and prayers go out to this family during this time of grief
Rachel Bednar
March 11, 2025
Bub definitely adored his family. This was taken years ago at the Pumpkin Patch down on the Arkansas River near Mayflower. Pictured w Bub are myself, our dad, Payten, Seth, Jackson, Jordan(nephew), Jenna(niece), Mandie(sister), Richard (brother-in-law) and Ethan (nephew). I have so many wonderful memories of Bub, especially all of the outdoor activities we shared together as a family. He loved being outside and playing with our kiddos. I can´t look at the bright blue sky and not think of his beautiful blue eyes gazing into mine always making me feel loved and understood. I will forever miss him but find comfort in believing he has finally found peace, he is now with our family that was there awaiting and welcoming him with open arms and that he is watching over all of us from above, just as he did on earth, but now as our special guardian angel. I love you Bub and look forward to the day when we are reunited in heaven and I am able to hug you and hear you laugh again!
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