Jonathan Michael David Lyons

Jonathan Michael David Lyons, 24, of Forest, VA, died Thursday, June 10, 2010.

Jonathan was born Tuesday, July 9, 1985 in Lynchburg, VA, a son of David Bruce Lyons and Elizabeth Grine Lyons.  He worked for Cabaniss Consultants where he was a caregiver.  He was a member of Altavista Presbyterian Church, Blackwater Rugby Team, was active in the Boy Scouts, and was a Camp Ottari Counselor (Little Jon).

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Jessica Ann Peterson and husband, Keith, of Bridgeport, CT; his paternal grandfather, Rowland Dean Lyons, of Baltimore, MD; and his fiancée, Kim Kelly, of Forest, VA.

As many people know, despite his Camp Ottari Boy Scout nickname of \"Little Jon\", he was almost larger than life, which is a good thing, because he gave so much to so many people.  For all the people in the world (he knew so many from Scouts) who had the good fortune to come across his path, thank you for allowing him to enter your life.  His family hopes you will remember and cherish his humor, love, HUGS, consideration, work and compassion.

He was a graduate of Brookville High School (2003) and active in many school activities.  He wrestled for four years.  As the coaches and members of the team know, the first three years were training on what not to do.  His dedication, focus and training paid off when he finished fourth in the state championship his senior year.  He played trombone and tuba in the Brookville Concert and Marching Band. His senior year he went with the Concert Band to play in Carnegie Hall in New York City.

He was in the Brookville Marching band for 6 years and in his senior year was the Brass Section leader and was awarded the Patrick S. Gilmore Outstanding Achievement Award for his efforts.

He was an Eagle Scout, member of the Order of the Arrow and spent seven years as a Camp Counselor mainly at Camp Ottari with one year at Camp Powhatan.  He started as a counselor at Brown Sea Isle (BSI) for the younger scouts.  He also served officially over the years as a director in the Mess Hall, Waterfront, and Shooting.  His unofficial jobs included role model, homesickness counselor, shoulder to cry on, friend to anybody who needed one and a wonderful guy to just hang with when the opportunity was available.

Outside of Scouts and school Jon seemed to make friends with everybody.  He played rugby for three years, was active with a local car group, and willing to help anybody who needed it.

He will be missed by all and cherished for his humanity.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 \"" 8:00 pm today, June 14, 2010 at Tharp Funeral Home.   A celebration of Jonathan's life will be conducted at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg with Pastor Dwight Weaver officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 3305 Naval Reserve Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424.