Jon Charles Grover

The world lost one of the kindest, most generous, and loving souls, with the passing of Jon Charles Grover (72), on January 2, 2025.

Born in Portland, Oregon, on November 19, 1952, Jon was the youngest child of Robert and Dorothy "June" Grover and brother to Sybil Pelletier and Bill Grover. Shortly after Jon's birth, his family relocated to Miami. Jon grew up in Florida, graduating from Ransom High School in 1970 and attending the University of South Florida.

Jon had a sense of adventure and was a gifted athlete. He was skilled at swimming and sailing and loved playing football.

Jon lived a nomad lifestyle, allowing him to see many places and people and provide support for his family all over the country. His sense of adventure in the 1970s brought him to San Diego, California, where he discovered a passion for hang-gliding. He helped design and build hang-gliders and worked as an instructor.

In the 1980s, he moved to Massachusetts and provided immeasurable help and care to his brother and niece. In the 1990s, he returned to California to live with his sister and brother-in-law.

In 2001, Jon relocated to North Carolina to be with his brother-in-law and help care for his sister. Lexington, North Carolina, became his permanent home. His generous heart was known to all and is what led him to meet the love of his life, Jackie. Jackie and Jon married in 2007. Jon gained two stepdaughters and, over time, five grandchildren, forever known as "Papa Jon."

While in North Carolina, he worked for the City of Lexington Street Department, was an avid member of the YMCA, and always made time and room for the less fortunate. Not a day passed when Jon did not take his dogs, first Mya, then Georgie, for a car ride.

Jon had a special connection with his family's children —he loved them, and they loved him. He was patient, understanding, playful, engaging, nurturing, and had a natural ability to connect with children. He was the best uncle and Papa. His family treasured Jon.

Jon was predeceased by his parents, Robert (1978) and Dorothy "June" Grover (1974), sister Sybil Pelletier, niece Michelle Pelletier, and dog Mya.  Jon will be missed by his wife, Jackie; stepdaughters Samantha Swing (Tim) and Amy Myers (Brandon); grandchildren Kathryn, Joshua, Laila, Collin, and Murphy, brother Bill Grover (Carol); niece Elise Grover (Jeff); brother-in-law, Jim Pelletier (Willa); nephews Jeff Pelletier (Misty) and Thomas Pelletier (Allie), and his beloved dog, Georgie.

A celebration of Jon's life will be scheduled at a later date.  In loving memory of Jon, gifts can be made to the Davidson County Animal Shelter, Davidson County First Hope Ministries, and/or J. Smith Young YMCA. Let Jon's generous heart and adventurous spirit be part of your happy memories of him.  As a devoted steward of animals, Jon certainly would advise us that the world would be a more agreeable place if we could love as unconditionally as a dog.