1967 ~ 2026
South Mountain Community Church
14216 S. Bangerter Parkway, Draper, UtahMonday Feb 9, 2026: 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
South Mountain Community Church
14216 S. Bangerter Parkway, Draper, UtahMonday Feb 9, 2026: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday Feb 9, 2026: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Jon Absey, the beloved and original Utah Jazz Bear, peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home on January 31, 2026, after a heroic and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 58 years old.
Jon was raised on a farm in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, He graduated From Sacred Heart High School in 1986, attended Moorhead State University and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. His roots shaped the work ethic, humility, and resilience that carried him throughout his life.
In 1994, Jon made history as the first person to bring the Utah Jazz mascot to life. In 1995, he married the love of his life, Shana Christianson, and together, with their three beautiful daughters, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family.
Jon didn’t just wear a costume—he built a character, a program, and a culture that connected fans of all ages to the game. Long before mascots became a staple of professional sports culture, Jon understood the power of laughter, movement, and shared moments. His energy lit up arenas, his creativity broke new ground, and through his performances he gave generations of fans memories they will never forget—making basketball feel a little more magical for over 25 years.
Beyond the costume, Jon was a deeply kind and generous person. He was known for his quick wit, warmth, and genuine ability to make people feel seen and welcomed. Whether performing, creating, or simply showing up for those he loved, Jon gave his whole heart in everything he did.
Jon’s battle with pancreatic cancer was marked by extraordinary courage and grace. He met each day with determination and resilience, inspiring those around him with his strength and spirit. He was lovingly supported throughout his journey by his devoted wife, Shana, whose unwavering love, advocacy, and care carried him through even the hardest moments. Together, with the love of their daughters, sons-in-law, his siblings, extended family, and friends they walked that journey with courage, hope, and deep gratitude for the love that surrounded them. He faced his illness with the same strength, humor, and heart that defined his life, leaving behind a lasting legacy of joy, creativity, and connection.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, James and Charlene Absey, and his sisters, Virgie (Daniel) Krummel and Rosie (Ervin) Larson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shana; his daughters, Lexi Absey, Sydney Eldredge (Conley), and Alyssa Absey (fiancé Cody Atkinson); his grandson, Baker Jon Eldredge; his brothers, Gus (Nancy), Roger (Becky), and Casey (Patty); his sisters, Lori Taylor (Doug) and Lisa Beste (Kevin); his mother-in-law, Kathy Christianson; his father-in-law, Milan Christianson; his sister-in-law, Sara O’Brien (Kevin); and numerous nieces and nephews, dear friends, and countless fans whose lives he touched through both his work and his kindness.
Jon Absey will be remembered not only as a pioneer and performer, but as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, fighter, a friend and so much more. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 on on Monday, February 9, 2026 at South Mountain Community Church, 14216 S. Bangerter Parkway in Draper, Utah. Friends are welcome to greet the family during visitation prior to the services from 1:00 - 2:15 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Jon's honor.
Services will be streamed for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.
Sending love and comfort blessings to all of Jon’s family and friends. Love & God bless.
George & Brian
Jon
You were my brother from another mother. The silence you left behind is heavy. You were more than a friend you were family, chosen and forever. You showed up in my life with loyalty, humor, kindness, and a heart bigger than any room you walked into. You loved deeply, gave freely, and never asked for recognition. You made people feel seen, welcomed, and safe just by being you. I miss our talks, our memories, and the way you always knew how to lift others up, even when you were hurting. I miss your wisdom, your stories, and the way you carried so much love for your family and for the community you served so tirelessly. You left a mark on this world that can never be erased. I will carry you with me—in every smile, every act of kindness, and every moment I try to live the way you taught me to: with compassion, courage, and love. Until we meet again, my brother… thank you for choosing me as family.
I love you. I miss you. Always.
God Bless You
Andy
Jon was my co-worker, my neighbor and lucky me, my friend. When Jon was on the Jazz court he was my co-worker, I was an NBA referee for 18 years and I got to see the best mascot in the whole NBA do his magic up close, many times I would tell him that the fans would be happy if he waved a flag on a 10 foot ladder instead of his thirty foot ladder!! A few years into being a referee we moved to South Jordan and found out Jon's house is a stone's throw from my house, going over to his house made me laugh because he was like Batman, Jon the yard worker in the day and the Jazz Bear at night, and nobody living close to him knew. And last, I get to proudly say he was my friend, from charities he would invite me to come along with, to sitting with him because he wanted to watch as many sunrises as possible after getting sick. I will never look at another sunrise the same way. I have met a lot of people in my life and Jon was truly a special person. He would give you a hug with all his love. Will really miss him!
Hello!
I am so sorry to hear about Jon. My brother Ron was great friends with Jon. Jon was a wonderful person! He will be greatly missed.
Jon was my mentor in the mascot industry and one of the best friends I could ever ask for. Every time we talked on the phone, he was always so happy to hear about my performances and adventures with my mascot. He helped shape me into the mascot performer I am today and for that I am forever grateful. I am going to miss you Jon and I will always carry you in my thoughts and in my heart.
To the Absey Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. The world lost the best mascot performer, friend, and family member anyone could know. I am sending my deepest and most heartwarming thoughts, prayers and condolences to all of you during this difficult time. I know Jon is watching over you all and smiling down from heaven above. Much love and sending bigs hugs your way.
Godspeed my brother. You was an amazing, inspiring person both on and off the court. The love that you had for so many people, is going to live on. Until next time.
Love ya brother,
Travis
I worked at the arena supplementing my income for years as a lowly security officer. Jon would always greet me with a smile and a pat on the back.
On cold winter days when he would find me posted up at the gate to the back lot, he would stop and ask if he could grab me a coffee. I would tell him I was fine but thanks anyway. When Jon found out I didn't drink coffee, he surprised me on many occasions with a hot chocolate. That's who he was, (is) always looking out for others. Till we meet again brother!
My heart goes out to the Absey family with the passing of Jon. What an amazing person, and such a great loss to all whose lives he touched in so many different ways.
I belong to the Delta Center family that Shana and their daughters shared Jon with. Never have I met a man who was so full of life that he made thousands smile every day he went to work… not to mention those he cheered up through his many charities. He will be missed so much by us all. RIP my dear friend. May God bless his family through this very tough time.