Elijah Jones Obituary

Elijah Bradley Jones

Elijah Bradley "Eli" Jones, 16, passed away unexpectedly in peaceful sleep Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

Eli was born May 29, 2007, to Bradley and Laura Jones, the cherished star of his family. His presence was a light from the moment he was born and it shone brightly on all those that knew him. While that light was taken too soon, we will forever hold it in our hearts.

Eli will be remembered for many things like his infallibly kind and thoughtful heart being the most remarkable. He loved his family dearly and they will especially miss his warm hugs, sweet smile, and bright eyes. Eli was his parents' pride and joy, his sister's treasure, and his brother's best friend. He had a special fondness for his loving grandparents as well as his "lake family." His family's home-away-from-home on Indian Lake will forever hold memories of Eli as a boat captain and fisherman.

Eli was rooted in faith and found his strength in God. Close to his heart was always the crucifix he wore around his neck that was gifted to him by his mother. He also showed faithfulness to his teams and friends. Elijah was a dedicated football player, track runner, and weightlifter, and he was committed to bettering himself and those around him. He was always first to celebrate a good play or to help a player up. Even off the field, you could find him cheering for Ohio State Buckeyes or Cleveland Browns with his dad, who not only served as his father, but as his mentor and coach. Eli's hard work extended to his academic achievements as well, earning straight A's as a scholar athlete.

He is survived by his parents, Bradley and Laura Jones; siblings Anna, (Garrick) Schroeder and Samuel Crisp; grandparents, Susan Jones and William "Bill" (Deb) Jones; special great-aunt, Jane Seibert; uncles and aunts, Kevin (Michele) Wiechart, Keith (Rosalind) Wiechart, Lisa (Jay) Taylor, and Scott (Bridgette) Jones; cousins, Kyle (Keri Ann) Wiechart, Brittany (Jordan) Sternberg, Travis (Rachel) Taylor, Lydia (Jacob Clemens) Wiechart, Lyric Jones, Barrette Jones, Casen Jones, and Kennedy Jones; and precious second-cousins, Zoe and Sophia Sternberg, Josephine "Jo-Jo," and baby-on-the way, Taylor.

Eli was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard J. and Dolores Ann Wiechart.

Elijah was a young man of few words and when he did speak, everyone wanted to listen. He was kind and wise beyond his years and he blessed every life he touched. Please join Eli's family to mourn his loss, but also to celebrate the tremendous blessing that he was to so many.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Bluffton High School. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Bluffton, with Father John McLoughlin presiding. Private burial will follow Mass at Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Elijah Jones Memorial Fund" to be used in support of Christian athlete scholarships and faith-based activities. Checks will be accepted at visitation or via mail at 8871 Road R7, Columbus Grove, Ohio, 45830.

Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton, is honored to be providing services to Eli's family.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.