August 25, 1970 ~ January 25, 2022
Born in: Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC
Jonathan Wesley Israel (Jon), 51, of Asheville, went to be with his heavenly father on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
Born August 25, 1970 in Buncombe Co., he was a graduate of Enka High School, class of 1988. Attended Phoenix East Aviation flight school in Daytona Beach, FL. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University, with a degree in Sports Management. He was a licensed general contractor in commercial and residential development.
He is the son of Janice Herren Israel and of the late Phillip Michael Israel; his son, Noah; Noah’s mother, Julie Fox Israel; sister, Julie Drake; brother-in-law Jack Drake; niece, Emma Drake; and many other cousins.
Jon had a huge heart that loved God, his son Noah, his family, friends, and people he worked for and with. Jon was a hard worker, big personality, quick witted, a wordsmith, and passionate for life. He left us suddenly and far too soon, but God called you home. We will miss you dearly, but know that we will see you again in Heaven. Rest in peace, our dear sweet Jon.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 30, at Pisgah View Memorial Park. Pastor David Bruce of Lake Hills Church will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at Groce Funeral Home, Patton Avenue.
Services
Visitation: January 29, 2022 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Graveside Service: January 30, 2022 2:00 pm
Pisgah View Memorial Park
1529 Smoky Park Highway
Candler, NC 28715
828-667-4415
Ken & Sonia Pressley
I will never ever forget our fun times together Jon! The July 4th weekend we had to swim across Lake Jocasse. All the fun times over the years every weekend at Lake James and all the fun times you Barry and me rode our fast sport bikes and I got the 120mph speeding ticket coming back through Western Carolina. Jon rest in peace sir you will be missed by many!! Love you man!! God Bless!!!
Only knew Jon a short time but he showed what a gentleman he was. Our Sympathy goes to his friends and family. May he Rest In Peace knowing others care. So sorry!
Barbara Benson
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories that involve Jon. He was a fun loving, sweet, wonderful man that I will always remember fondly, May God give you peace and strength in the coming days. My continued prayers.
I didn’t know him well except at Cabdler School but I loved his sweet family then.
I pray that God will comfort you and give you the peace that passes all human understanding .
It is too sad to hear of Jon’s passing. My heart aches for, and special prayers sent for the healing of his family especially to his sister Julie and his Aunt Sandra.
God bless you Julie and Noah! You’re Dad spoke well of you Noah! He told me wonderful things about you! And I know he loved you very much! Live your life for Jesus Noah. May God bless you! Chris Wright.
Our hearts are forever broken A lost love and wonderful father♥️
Gonna miss you brother
Janice and Julie. I just found out today. My brother texted me Jon’s obit. I’m at a loss! My childhood friend! I dont know what to say. I miss seeing him and talking at Ingles. I pray for you guys! He loved his son! He really did, we talked alot. I love you guys! Cant wait to see my friend again and Mike in Heaven!
Janice, I can not even start to tell how so sorry for you my friend. It makes no sense to me that this beautiful man and kind a true friend. God must needed a strong Angel in him. I am sorry to say I am not able come to the funeral. I live in South Carolina , I hope you understand God bless your family. Most love to you,
Deanna
❤️🩹
Janice and Julie
We were so sorry to hear about Jon! Our thoughts and prayers are with you both during this sad time.
Arnold and Mary Joyce
👋 👋👋👋👋 My life has forever changed from that moment on! You brought me joy, happiness, laughter and love the past three years. I have never laughed so hard and now crying so hard as I have with you these past 3 years! We have so many awesome memories that will be forever branded on my heart! This is so surreal! My thoughts heart and prayers go out to your precious mama Janice, your sweetest sister Julie, Julie’s husband Jack, your twin in many ways Emma and the most incredible son Noah (Golden Son). You got your wish…you now can be with Noah and watch over him forever! Never take today for granite’ Cherishing the sweetest times and memories together I will never forget us! Just as you said to me this past week…”just love, love, love. Sheri, love is all there is and I love you from the moment we met until forever! ❤️“ Jonathan, You were the Joy of my life, nobody but you, happy anywhere with you! See you soon! ❤️😘🤗
Janice,Julie,Jack and everyone in the family.. I’m terribly sorry for the loss of John. It was a shock to me when I heard of his passing on.He was one of the best friends I’ve ever had! Well honestly like a brother to me actually.. I’ll miss John. I’m glad to hear that John loved GOD and lived for him.
I’m so heartbroken! My prayers are with you all. I just found out about it. Jon was a wonderful, fun, caring and compassionate human being! I’m lost for words.😔
I’m so heartbroken! My prayers are with you all. I just found out about it. Jon was a wonderful, fun, caring and compassionate human being! I’m lost for words.😔
Janice we are so sorry to hear about your son. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.