Jonathan Rian Crumes

Jonathan Rian Crumes Jonathan R. Crumes passed away January 1, 2009 after a courageous effort to overcome a life threatening condition called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He was born in Miami, Florida in 1988. Shortly after he was born, his parent's moved to California where his family resided near the beautiful beaches of Southern California. Jonathan loved the ocean. He seemed to have an innate love for the water that his mother would soon learn at very young age. His mother would also learn that she was in for an adventurous ride. Jon was diagnosed at the age of 3 1/2 years old. The family eventually moved to Austin, Texas, where he spent the majority of his youth attending his primary school years in the Leander school district and finished out his education at Cedar Park High School. Jon was involved in the choir; he had a love for friends, sports, the arts, snow skiing and his love for basketball. He loved basketball so much that one evening while staying at Children's Hospital he ventured out of the hospital with his friend Robert Hartman without telling anyone where they were going. They motored over to the U.T. stadium during a home game and met Coach Rick Barnes. Rick was so impressed with his determination to see a live game that he invited Jonathan into the locker room after the game to meet the players. The team hung out with Jon they talked about basketball then decorated his gown with all their autographs. They gave him an autographed basketball and other memorabilia. When Jon and Robert returned to the hospital it was clear where he had ventured off to. The staff thought it was hilarious and to this day still talks about that night. He will always be remembered for his independence and his love for the game. In 2000, Jonathan's name came off the waiting list for a Canine Companion. He flew to San Diego, California to receive a companion named Norway, a beautiful golden retriever lab who would become his best friend. Norway would also become the glue in a family that was managing the dynamics of living with a terminal illness. Norway would retrieve anything from T.V. remotes, phones, credit cards, tickets, to just about anything. He was always at his side. He would follow him everywhere. When Jonathan turned eighteen years old he would also fulfill his dream of living on his own. He showed all of us that dreams are real and attainable. He was an extraordinary young man; he was brave and courageous to a fault and humbly taught all of us that one can overcome obstacles if you believe in your heart that you can. Jonathan will remain with us in loving thoughts and we will always cherish the memories that we have and to hold forever and forever. Jonathan is survived by his mother, Diana Johnson; his father, Joe Crumes; grandparents, Jim and Henrietta Crumes; grandmother, Patricia Smith; and his brother, Alec Klein. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jon. He will be missed. We know in our hearts that he is in a much better place. We believe that he has been made whole by God, and is relieved from the suffering of the condition that he has lived with on earth his whole life. For this reason, we are content and at peace. The family would like to recognize Dr. Gregory Johnson, his cardiologist, and Hospice of Austin. We would like to especially like to thank Graham Duncan, a Hospice volunteer, for his loving support and kindness. We would also like to thank Dave Mc Collum from Leander School District for his years of loving and caring for Jonathan. E Jaye Jones for There many others in the community to thank for their ongoing loving support over the years that we hope they know how deeply grateful we are for being apart of our lives. We are blessed to have known all of you. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at their home at 3108 Brigham Court, Austin, Texas. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate Jonathan's life with us.