Jonathan Walter Medders

Jonathan Walter Medders. Champion for Christ. Optimist for this World. Loyal Friend. Jonathan Medders left this world peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 7, 2017, just three weeks before his 35th birthday. He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Lois Medders, of Birmingham, Alabama; two older sisters, Lisabeth Vining (Wayne) of West Blocton, Alabama, and Lorilee Medders (Gary) of Boone, North Carolina; and one older brother, Timothy Medders of Birmingham, Alabama; and a host of other family and friends. Jon is preceded in passing by his grandparents, Thomas Glover and Hardie Davis Medders, Margaret Hubbard Medders, Frank F. Oden, and Dorothy Lindeman Oden; and his older brother, Thomas. Jon wanted his family and friends to know his work here is done. He has traveled around the corner, just beyond our line of view, to be with God, and to catch up with family and friends who traveled there ahead of him -- some of whom he has not seen in some time and others he is just now meeting for the first time. (Imagine! He is now joyfully sharing conversation with CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien!) His journey takes him to a wonderful place where music, laughter, love and peace are assured. Our gentle giant is hugging and getting hugs, being silly, and praising God without thought of deadlines or results. Jon is wholly restored and resting in joyful awe in the arms of God. In his earthly life, he loved sharing ideas about the important stuff, and could be found talking and listening on any given day about life’s purpose and our meaning to one another in it. He felt life deeply yet was able in large part to live it playfully. Jon made friends of strangers and was always ready with an understanding smile or hug for someone who needed it. Even as his body began to attack itself, Jon’s spirit remained steadfastly in God’s hands. Trusting God’s purpose for his life, he spent his energy enjoying and sharing in the fullness of the Spirit with those whose lives he touched. Whatever he did, he did it well, yet regardless of what he was doing – reading, writing, cooking, ministering, singing, counseling – he did it with a playfulness that hinted at the inner joy with which he lived. It is not that he never felt sad. Entrusted with large doses of empathy, Jon experienced deep sadness at times. Yet his faith always led him back to a playful spirit that spilled over and blessed us all. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11). Jon has moved into his future, no longer holding to hope, but instead to the Hand of God. Join Jon’s family and friends for a Celebration of Life & Resurrection Service at McCalla Memorial Funeral Home Thursday, October 12th, 2017 at 12 pm, with a viewing period at 11 am (4780 Letson Farms Parkway, McCalla, Alabama, 35111). The Graveside and Committal Service will follow immediately at Ada Chapel – Stewart Cemetery (12540 N. Scotsville Road, West Blocton, Alabama, 35184). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Association – Alabama Chapter (webal.alsa.org).

Jonathan Walter Medders

October 27, 1982 - October 7, 2017