Jonathan Paul Isenhower

He didn't see the Redwood trees
He didn't get to go to the Kentucky Derby
My brother Jon passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Friday at my parents' house, his home. Jon was my oldest acquaintance, my first friend, my first enemy, my twin brother, a burden, a blessing, a friend, and a foe. Jon was better than me at most things. He rode a two-wheeled bike at the age of two while I stood by crying. He was a handyman, mechanical, and could do anything in my eyes as far as building, fixing things, welding, and construction projects. He could fix a car, build a house, pour a concrete patio, etc. He could out-hunt me and out-fish me, which were some of our passions, and he had the trophies to prove it. The few things I excelled at over him, unfortunately, were some of the important ones-expressing yourself, finding happiness, knowing who you are.
My brother struggled through life, usually barefoot, and many times made the wrong choices, but this was compensated by him trying to be a good friend. He was a hard-working man, a true friend to many. He would give you the shirt off his back, which may or may not have been your own shirt, since he was famous for acquiring other people's clothing. He was quick to give you a free day's hard work on any project. Jon worked hard as a carpenter most of his life and did the job right, never compromising or cutting corners. His lifestyle may have been disruptive and unorganized, but his work was not-everything went exactly where it should, and everything was done correctly.
His struggles in life and in sobriety sometimes stepped on toes and at times broke hearts, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who truly gave up on him, because at his core, Jon was a good friend-or at least he tried to be. If you didn't know Jon, he didn't look good on paper. But if you did know him, he got a pass because he was Jon. Jon loved the outdoors, loved music, loved friendship, loved to fish and hunt. He loved his mom and dad, his brothers, his family, his wife and stepson, his friends, and he loved his son Abraham.
There was a sadness to Jon that he tried to cover up. I used to think he didn't feel guilt, but now I think it filled him. He just didn't know how to let it out. His passing has changed me and my family. A piece is missing forever. Jon leaves behind family, many friends, a son, memories, multiple misdemeanors, and a felony I would rather have my brother here to worry about than to not.
Rest in peace, Q.
Jon was born on April 20, 1971. He was a lifelong resident of St. Johns. He graduated from St. Johns High School in 1990.
Jon is survived by his son, Abraham; his wife, Danielle Lufsey; and stepson, Liam; his brother, Josh Isenhower; his nephew, Cash; his brother, Jake Isenhower (Stacy); his niece, Emma; and his nephew, Travis. His parents are Ernest and Patty Isenhower.
Services will be held privately.