Leave a post in memory of Jon Orr celebrating his life.
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16 responses
Mark Walker
I love you, Brother. I’ll see you soon
Dr. TJ Zito, Jr.
Jon Orr was my teammate in high school wrestling. He was a senior and I was a sophomore. He had a larger than life personality and had comedic lines. He had this habit of nicknaming teams and wrestlers we faced. Although some names were not family friendly or aged well, I can still look back and laugh. I can’t hear the names of these schools today without thinking of Jon. There was something unique in that wrestling room where everyone still feels connected…..and decades later we all feel the void from losing our friend, our teammate. I will never forget him pretending to be John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever. Our coach went into a closet the night of a match and found warm ups from the 70s in an old box…..and this was mid 90s. To our coach , these looked great. The warm ups were hip hugging polyester bell bottoms. The zip up jacket was form fitting stretch. Jon Orr was the first one to put them on and bust out the dance moves. It looked like a scene from a comedy movie….. he always made us laugh.
Emily Smith
I met Jon when I was a teenager during a summer break from boarding school. He was working at Camp Rockmont as a counselor and I was serving pies at My Father’s Pizza in Black Mountain after quickly ditching a job lifeguarding at Camp Lurecrest. (Rockmont was the *cool* camp to work at, for sure.) I was a fledging believer and Jon encouraged me in the way only older brothers can do; plenty of teasing, plenty of silly antics, but also plenty of serious talks about where I was headed in life. He was compassionate and kind, but also pretty firm on setting me straight when I needed it. I was dreading heading back to school after the summer and he knew it. As the break ended, he decided to drive with a bunch of us from Asheville to Columbia, SC just to see me safely delivered on campus with a good ol’ boost of encouragement. It meant the world to me. Jon gave me his worn copy of “Streams in the Desert” as a token of our friendship and also in an effort to help me “dig my own well with Jesus.” We stayed in touch for the rest of my teens and into my twenties- always encouraging, always interested in what I was doing, and definitely always giving relationship advice! My husband and I moved to Birmingham in late 2000 and it was so fun to actually see Jon in person again. My last way-more-than-and-hour phone call with him was in 2024 and guess what it included? Encouragement, advice, and definitely lots of laughing- in the way that only older brothers can do. Jon will be greatly missed, but ever so fondly remembered.
(PS- I will smile every time I see one of those yellow and red Little Tikes Coupes and remember how he got stuck in one for about half an hour and had to ride it down a parking lot hill with one leg over his head in an effort to hide from the authorities at my school.)
Chris Guess
Jon had a heart for the underdog. That is my memory of Him. Heaven welcomes him now.
Mary Brakefield
What a beautiful tribute to Jon and a wonderful glimpse into his life. I didn’t know that he was a wrestler- our three grandsons were part of that sport in high school and would have enjoyed talking to him. As a long time friend of his Mom, I know Jon was encouraged and comforted body and soul
Robbie Stefanski
Jon was a dear friend to me in high school. He was a great listener and could always make me laugh. Jon had a heart of gold! Rejoice with our Savior, Jon!
Jim Kenney
Jon was definitely a kind and gentle spirit. We worked together many times, me with my camera and Jon with his audio kit. Tethered at the hip. My favorite memories are of the longer road trips where we would talk for long stretches. It always amazed me to hear Jon tell a life story so casually yet amazing. “And so I hitch hiked across the country and lived in a teepee in New Mexico”, one story began. One of many that would blow your mind. That said, I don’t think we ever had a conversation where he didn’t speak fondly of his girls. They were his true compass. His goal in life was to be theirs. RIP friend.
Frank Modarelli
I met Jon many years ago through a mutual friend at a gathering. Jon and I connected immediately as we talked underneath a beach house near a grill. Our proximity to the grill and apparent availability won us the very important task of manning the grill that was cooking enough chicken to feed the entire party. Our conversation deepened and grew more complex. I couldn’t tell you what exactly we were talking about but it was somewhere on the cosmic meter. The chicken two feet away from us, in the meantime, burned to a crisp.
Years later, Jon began working for me as a partner and contractor. We had a great trust and respect for eachother professionally. I couldn’t be more grateful for the heart, and there was plenty of it, that he poured into helping me grow my business. He was always quick to make a sacrifice to keep our clients happy or to move our business forward. Being team-oriented was second nature to him. Don’t be mad, Jon, that I am using corporate sizzle to describe your work attitude.
Growing the business meant lots of communication. Countless conversations started out with talk of contracts and troubleshooting. Those conversations often, usually it seems, meandered into talks about our shared interests outside of work (which were serendipitously kindred), the universe, solving the world’s problems, friends, and family. They often went on for hours, and often while one or both of us were en route to our next job destination.
If Jon was at home during those conversations, then Asher and Rya were almost certain to be in the background, if not simultaneously having conversations with their dad while the two of us talked. Sometimes they were in the background while Jon was on a jobsite, because it was the only way for him to work out the logistics. Since Jon and I collaborated on his work schedule, I probably know as well as anyone how dedicated of a father he was. There were only two determining factors/challenges when Jon and I worked out his schedule: 1) How can we work this out so I don’t have to be away from my girls for too long, and 2) How can I make sure I am making enough to support my girls? That was it. Nothing else factored. How grueling the schedule was, or any of the other challenges that came with it, were inconsequential.
I had plans to meet Asher and Rya few times but ended up never having the chance. Still, I feel like I know you all so well. I hope you carry the torch of your dad’s spirit high above your head on your way forward. I know that is what I will be doing.
Trent McCool
I started writing something and realized that there’s no way to do justice in explaining him to anyone. If you were friends with him, you know what a genuine, refreshing, encouraging, and unique experience it was. I miss you, my friend. Love you, brother.
Scott Hudson
Jon was one of the first bass guitarists in a band that I’ve played in for the last 25 years called Earthbound. I believe I met him through a mutual friend Mark Lindsey who passed away a few years ago as well. He only played bass with us for a few months, but we spent a lot of time together during that period , which was probably 1999 or 2000.
He was a natural playing bass and always added something interesting to the conversation. If Memory serves he played with us until he moved to Asheville, North Carolina.
What I remember most about Jon though was what a soft spoken, thoughtful, kind, easy-going , and caring person that he was.
He was a really nice guy, and when I think back about him, I associate him with the Grateful Dead song, uncle John’s band . It’s not a song that we covered in the band, although we did other Grateful Dead material. I’m not sure where that association began but it makes total sense – if you’re familiar with the song and you knew Jon, you’ll probably understand.
“Well the first days are the hardest days, don’t you worry anymore. Because when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door. Think this through with me, let me know your mind , whoa -ho what I want to know-ho , is are you kind ? “ – Uncle John’s Band – Robert Hunter / Jerry Garcia
I’m sorry to say that we lost touch for the most part over the years, but even 25 years later, I have very clear memories of what a nice person Jon was. Rest easy old friend.
Jane Hill
I only met Jon last year but immediately loved his beautiful spurt and grateful heart.
He came to my Wellness Center before he got his diagnosis because he wasn’t feeling well.
We became friends as I helped him make decisions after he got his diagnosis.
I met his family, girls , mother and sister Julie as he fought hard towards the end.
He changed my life as I watched him fight to always do Gods will. I love you Jon always & forever.
Micah Caldwell
I had the pleasure of working with Jon several times in the production world. But we really got to know each other during the two season of NBC’s Lost Speedways that we worked on together. We traveled around the U.S staying in hotels, laughing and shooting a TV show with a lot of great friends. Jon could always make us laugh and had such a beautiful outlook on life and people. Until we meet again my friend!
Micah
Tim and Cindy Morrison
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into Jon’s life. How precious each moment was!
We are grieved for your loss. May God give you his peace and comfort.
Allison Frk
Jon and I became friends in the early 2000’s when we moved to Asheville around the same time. He was an amazing friend and through him, I met one of my best forever friends tubing on the Green River. I will always think of him as our connector and I am so grateful for that. I last talked to Jon around 2020 when the pandemic struck and he was ever so calm and caring as usual. Jon had a nuturing way about him and he loved his friends and family in a big way. He was a man with a huge spirit and love of the outdoors. Jon made an impact on all of those around him and will be remembered by all for years to come. Rest peacefully, my friend .
Bonnie Stroud
What a beautiful tribute to a man that had a life well-lived according to those who have posted here. Thank you for sharing, and I pray the Lord will comfort the friends and family that are missing him.
Jennifer Montalbano
Jon was such a great guy…a friend to everyone. We met in high school. I liked him immediately. We had several classes together and he made Spanish and math so much more tolerable!! There is a video floating around somewhere of our Spanish project, an ad for some sort of shampoo!! I’m sure we got an A for his performance in the shower!!😂. I also went to Auburn with him. He was so kind and always had a big smile when we saw each other! He tried to teach me to water ski one weekend at lake Martin to no avail. I will always remember Jon and his kind friendly spirit. I have no doubt he is healed and whole in heaven now. He will be missed! ❤️
Comments
16 responses
I love you, Brother. I’ll see you soon
Jon Orr was my teammate in high school wrestling. He was a senior and I was a sophomore. He had a larger than life personality and had comedic lines. He had this habit of nicknaming teams and wrestlers we faced. Although some names were not family friendly or aged well, I can still look back and laugh. I can’t hear the names of these schools today without thinking of Jon. There was something unique in that wrestling room where everyone still feels connected…..and decades later we all feel the void from losing our friend, our teammate. I will never forget him pretending to be John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever. Our coach went into a closet the night of a match and found warm ups from the 70s in an old box…..and this was mid 90s. To our coach , these looked great. The warm ups were hip hugging polyester bell bottoms. The zip up jacket was form fitting stretch. Jon Orr was the first one to put them on and bust out the dance moves. It looked like a scene from a comedy movie….. he always made us laugh.
I met Jon when I was a teenager during a summer break from boarding school. He was working at Camp Rockmont as a counselor and I was serving pies at My Father’s Pizza in Black Mountain after quickly ditching a job lifeguarding at Camp Lurecrest. (Rockmont was the *cool* camp to work at, for sure.) I was a fledging believer and Jon encouraged me in the way only older brothers can do; plenty of teasing, plenty of silly antics, but also plenty of serious talks about where I was headed in life. He was compassionate and kind, but also pretty firm on setting me straight when I needed it. I was dreading heading back to school after the summer and he knew it. As the break ended, he decided to drive with a bunch of us from Asheville to Columbia, SC just to see me safely delivered on campus with a good ol’ boost of encouragement. It meant the world to me. Jon gave me his worn copy of “Streams in the Desert” as a token of our friendship and also in an effort to help me “dig my own well with Jesus.” We stayed in touch for the rest of my teens and into my twenties- always encouraging, always interested in what I was doing, and definitely always giving relationship advice! My husband and I moved to Birmingham in late 2000 and it was so fun to actually see Jon in person again. My last way-more-than-and-hour phone call with him was in 2024 and guess what it included? Encouragement, advice, and definitely lots of laughing- in the way that only older brothers can do. Jon will be greatly missed, but ever so fondly remembered.
(PS- I will smile every time I see one of those yellow and red Little Tikes Coupes and remember how he got stuck in one for about half an hour and had to ride it down a parking lot hill with one leg over his head in an effort to hide from the authorities at my school.)
Jon had a heart for the underdog. That is my memory of Him. Heaven welcomes him now.
What a beautiful tribute to Jon and a wonderful glimpse into his life. I didn’t know that he was a wrestler- our three grandsons were part of that sport in high school and would have enjoyed talking to him. As a long time friend of his Mom, I know Jon was encouraged and comforted body and soul
Jon was a dear friend to me in high school. He was a great listener and could always make me laugh. Jon had a heart of gold! Rejoice with our Savior, Jon!
Jon was definitely a kind and gentle spirit. We worked together many times, me with my camera and Jon with his audio kit. Tethered at the hip. My favorite memories are of the longer road trips where we would talk for long stretches. It always amazed me to hear Jon tell a life story so casually yet amazing. “And so I hitch hiked across the country and lived in a teepee in New Mexico”, one story began. One of many that would blow your mind. That said, I don’t think we ever had a conversation where he didn’t speak fondly of his girls. They were his true compass. His goal in life was to be theirs. RIP friend.
I met Jon many years ago through a mutual friend at a gathering. Jon and I connected immediately as we talked underneath a beach house near a grill. Our proximity to the grill and apparent availability won us the very important task of manning the grill that was cooking enough chicken to feed the entire party. Our conversation deepened and grew more complex. I couldn’t tell you what exactly we were talking about but it was somewhere on the cosmic meter. The chicken two feet away from us, in the meantime, burned to a crisp.
Years later, Jon began working for me as a partner and contractor. We had a great trust and respect for eachother professionally. I couldn’t be more grateful for the heart, and there was plenty of it, that he poured into helping me grow my business. He was always quick to make a sacrifice to keep our clients happy or to move our business forward. Being team-oriented was second nature to him. Don’t be mad, Jon, that I am using corporate sizzle to describe your work attitude.
Growing the business meant lots of communication. Countless conversations started out with talk of contracts and troubleshooting. Those conversations often, usually it seems, meandered into talks about our shared interests outside of work (which were serendipitously kindred), the universe, solving the world’s problems, friends, and family. They often went on for hours, and often while one or both of us were en route to our next job destination.
If Jon was at home during those conversations, then Asher and Rya were almost certain to be in the background, if not simultaneously having conversations with their dad while the two of us talked. Sometimes they were in the background while Jon was on a jobsite, because it was the only way for him to work out the logistics. Since Jon and I collaborated on his work schedule, I probably know as well as anyone how dedicated of a father he was. There were only two determining factors/challenges when Jon and I worked out his schedule: 1) How can we work this out so I don’t have to be away from my girls for too long, and 2) How can I make sure I am making enough to support my girls? That was it. Nothing else factored. How grueling the schedule was, or any of the other challenges that came with it, were inconsequential.
I had plans to meet Asher and Rya few times but ended up never having the chance. Still, I feel like I know you all so well. I hope you carry the torch of your dad’s spirit high above your head on your way forward. I know that is what I will be doing.
I started writing something and realized that there’s no way to do justice in explaining him to anyone. If you were friends with him, you know what a genuine, refreshing, encouraging, and unique experience it was. I miss you, my friend. Love you, brother.
Jon was one of the first bass guitarists in a band that I’ve played in for the last 25 years called Earthbound. I believe I met him through a mutual friend Mark Lindsey who passed away a few years ago as well. He only played bass with us for a few months, but we spent a lot of time together during that period , which was probably 1999 or 2000.
He was a natural playing bass and always added something interesting to the conversation. If Memory serves he played with us until he moved to Asheville, North Carolina.
What I remember most about Jon though was what a soft spoken, thoughtful, kind, easy-going , and caring person that he was.
He was a really nice guy, and when I think back about him, I associate him with the Grateful Dead song, uncle John’s band . It’s not a song that we covered in the band, although we did other Grateful Dead material. I’m not sure where that association began but it makes total sense – if you’re familiar with the song and you knew Jon, you’ll probably understand.
“Well the first days are the hardest days, don’t you worry anymore. Because when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door. Think this through with me, let me know your mind , whoa -ho what I want to know-ho , is are you kind ? “ – Uncle John’s Band – Robert Hunter / Jerry Garcia
I’m sorry to say that we lost touch for the most part over the years, but even 25 years later, I have very clear memories of what a nice person Jon was. Rest easy old friend.
I only met Jon last year but immediately loved his beautiful spurt and grateful heart.
He came to my Wellness Center before he got his diagnosis because he wasn’t feeling well.
We became friends as I helped him make decisions after he got his diagnosis.
I met his family, girls , mother and sister Julie as he fought hard towards the end.
He changed my life as I watched him fight to always do Gods will. I love you Jon always & forever.
I had the pleasure of working with Jon several times in the production world. But we really got to know each other during the two season of NBC’s Lost Speedways that we worked on together. We traveled around the U.S staying in hotels, laughing and shooting a TV show with a lot of great friends. Jon could always make us laugh and had such a beautiful outlook on life and people. Until we meet again my friend!
Micah
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into Jon’s life. How precious each moment was!
We are grieved for your loss. May God give you his peace and comfort.
Jon and I became friends in the early 2000’s when we moved to Asheville around the same time. He was an amazing friend and through him, I met one of my best forever friends tubing on the Green River. I will always think of him as our connector and I am so grateful for that. I last talked to Jon around 2020 when the pandemic struck and he was ever so calm and caring as usual. Jon had a nuturing way about him and he loved his friends and family in a big way. He was a man with a huge spirit and love of the outdoors. Jon made an impact on all of those around him and will be remembered by all for years to come. Rest peacefully, my friend .
What a beautiful tribute to a man that had a life well-lived according to those who have posted here. Thank you for sharing, and I pray the Lord will comfort the friends and family that are missing him.
Jon was such a great guy…a friend to everyone. We met in high school. I liked him immediately. We had several classes together and he made Spanish and math so much more tolerable!! There is a video floating around somewhere of our Spanish project, an ad for some sort of shampoo!! I’m sure we got an A for his performance in the shower!!😂. I also went to Auburn with him. He was so kind and always had a big smile when we saw each other! He tried to teach me to water ski one weekend at lake Martin to no avail. I will always remember Jon and his kind friendly spirit. I have no doubt he is healed and whole in heaven now. He will be missed! ❤️