Jon Minnick, age 59, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on July 18, 2023.

Jon was born on September 17, 1963 to Gary and Janet Minnick in Toledo, Ohio. He attended Clay High School. Jon was a tradesman, he studied auto mechanics in high school, handy with all things that needed repaired, built, fixed and more. He never hesitated to hand out advice and create traditions for our family and included all who wished to participate. We already miss this greatly.

He met his wife, Tina Minnick (Persiani), in 1978 when they both attended Fassett Junior High. Jon married his high school sweetheart on May 23, 1987 surrounded by friends and family. Jon's commitment, loyalty, serving others and being a girl-dad was fierce. Jon embraced life, he shaped our lives with food, travel and tradition, he was present as a dad, a husband, and a member of the communities we passed through. His bear hugs, his words of comfort and his devotion will be missed.

In high school Jon was voted Class Clown. While at that time not seeming as noble as other characterizations, his gift of silly jokes and funny stories carried forward through the years making so many of us laugh and feel all the emotions that only a great story-teller can easily convey. This story-telling was evident during his last months of life. We hope our family and our wonderful friends can convey Jon's stories as greatly as he did in future days, months, years. Jon moved mountains and he inspired all of us. Memories we will forever cherish.

At a young age, he struck an interest in cars and enjoyed remodeling every aspect of them. His particular favorites were his baby blue 1973 Corvette and his red-orange 1971 Chevelle, rebuilding, painting them with his extended family and friends. Car rides were memorable, creating just the right speed and fast turn to get his sweetheart to slide closer, or watching his daughters' hair fly in the wind of the open windows. His love continued with motorcycles, especially his most recent, a Street Glide Special Harley Davidson. Jon even persuaded his wife to get her own motorcycle license and motorcycle. Rides on two-wheels were interesting when both were together, breathtaking scenery and curves at twists that heightened the pulse. Surely God will enjoy a ride in any of Jon's vehicles, and if He does a car ride, He should probably wear a seat belt.

Jon and Tina welcomed their first child in 1992, Jessica, followed with Melissa in 1995, and Sarah in 1998. There is no one who loved and supported their family more than Jon. He was the ultimate girl dad; always providing the best advice for all of life's questions. He instilled determination, kindness, and looking for the humor in the hard times in his daughters. Jon also made sure we knew the best music is, of course, classic rock and it should only be played loud. Some of our best memories of him include going to all kinds of concerts from Janet Jackson to the Goo Goo Dolls and his personal favorite, Cheap Trick. When he was in the hospital and multiple care facilities for 11 months starting in 2021, the power of music was helpful in his journey of recovery.

Holidays are important to our family, a reason to gather and celebrate. Jon devoted his energy and creativity to yard-decorations, something our neighbors will likely recall with a smile during future holidays. Halloween was a favorite time of year, often dressing up as Tigger to hand out candy to the children who came by. Additionally, Jon enjoyed helping Santa at Christmas, dressing as Santa to deliver toys and gifts to foster children in East Tennessee. His teary eyes through his smiles at the end of a long day said it all. To give to others who are in need during some of the most difficult times in life grew his already large service-heart ten times bigger, passing on his passion to all who surrounded him. His infectious spirit was good in every way.

Jon also enjoyed boating and fishing whether it be on Lake Erie while growing up or Norris Lake later in life. While he cannot claim he ever caught the biggest fish, he never stopped trying, never gave up, always wanting to share his tips and tricks and to also learn from others. His handy skills were good for anyone on board, one never felt alone or without protection when Jon was around.

Jon loved cooking all kinds of food for his family; from German to Italian to American—it was always the best. He was a butcher at Stanley's Market and Takacs for many years and continued his love of sausage making—teaching his family and friends the art.

Jon did not desire to share his health struggles publicly. He relied on his family and his own determination and strength (inspiring to his family and friends) to push and power through rehab to overcome multiple complications after bypass surgery in October, 2021. Our family cherished the time with him during these past many months making new memories and laughing about past memories too. We are grateful to all who supported and provided for us during this time.

Jon has never met a stranger and was known for his infectious laugh and sense of humor; we will miss both of those things terribly. Our dog, Remy, our grand-doggers and our grand-kitties will all miss the cheese treats and so many other leftovers. How spoiled we all were. Hug those you love around you a little tighter tonight, as we are never promised tomorrow.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Gary and Janet Minnick. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Tina Minnick; children Jessica Minnick, Melissa Minnick Riley (Andrew), and Sarah Minnick. Jon is also survived by his siblings, Debi Cygnor (David) and Scott Minnick (Mary), along with many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Lake Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Young Williams Animal Center (animal shelter in Knoxville, TN) & St. Jude Children's Hospital. A celebration of life in Knoxville will be announced at a later date.