It is with profound love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jon Sylvester Ammons, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who departed this life in Akron, Ohio.

Born and raised in Akron to the late Catherine and Curless Ammons, he lived a life full of laughter, service, and undeniable presence. His early education began at Margaret Park Elementary, continued through Innes Middle School, and culminated at Firestone High School, where he shined as a student-athlete. In 1981, he led his team to a basketball championship, graduating with the Class of 1982.

A man of many talents, he was both a self-employed painter and a passionate fisherman, often casting his line in Fremont or anywhere peace could be found. He had a gift for music and a deep love for entertaining others—whether through dancing, joking, or pulling a well-timed prank. He could make you laugh until you cried, and he made sure every room he entered felt lighter.

He was a protector, a provider, a mentor, and above all, a leader. He never missed a beat when it came to helping others, and was always there—no matter the cost. His community adored him. He was not just a neighborhood hero, but a father figure to many. He taught resilience, strength, and how to laugh through life’s toughest days.

Though divorced, he leaves behind a legacy of love and family that spans generations. He had two biological children prior to marriage: Tia Ammons and Jonathan Goodson.
He shared two children, Jonte Ammons and Shauntia (Taya) Ammons, with his former wife Toni Byrd.

With Carletta “Cee Cee” Davis, he had six children; Jonnell Ammons, Jon Ammons, Jonez Ammons, Jonisha Ammons, Jon’Nae Ammons, and Jon’ah E.G Ammons (deceased).  He helped raise two stepchildren: Shavonna and Nathaniel.

He is survived by his brother and lifelong friend Edmund “Eddie” Ammons, who taught him to fish and stood by him always. His aunt, Nellie “Aunt Nell” Rasberry, passed down her famous recipes, which he lovingly shared with his children. His legacy also continues through his many grandchildren: Antonio Davis, Zora and Paris Ford, Elijah and Jace Goodson, Ta’niah Moore, Jaya and Justin Hunter, Sevyn Ammons, Mykaylah “Mikki” Ammons, Jonez Ammons Jr., Blaze Ammons, Jayla Ammons, Kaitlin Ammons, Jon Ammons Jr., Savieon Ducksworth, Nathaniel Ruffin Jr., Nayoni Dean, Nayomi Dean, Ja’melo Chambers, Jacoby Ammons, and Nayomi Deon.

He was also loved and cherished by his nieces and nephews, Eddie Lollar and Edmund Ammons Jr., and many more family and friends.

Jon will be remembered for his generosity, his humor, his unmatched spirit, and the way he made people feel seen, loved, and valued. Jon was thankful for his special friend, Tia Brooks. His close friends K9, Buddy Stephens, Mark Dingle, and Greg, were like brothers to him—men who shared in his journey and stood by his side through every chapter.

To know him was to love him. His memory will live on in every fish caught, every pot of macaroni cooked, every joke retold, and every heart he touched.

Rest well, Neighborhood Hero. You will be missed more than words can express.