Jonathan Amores was a beloved son, caring brother, devoted fiancé, and loyal friend whose presence touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He carried many roles close to his heart, and in each one, he gave fully of himself.
Jon embraced life in his own way. He had his quirks, his own rhythm, and a personality that couldn’t be duplicated. Whether it was the way he joked, the things he loved, or how he saw the world, he brought authenticity and character into every space he entered.
Though his time with us was cut too short, the warmth he brought into the world lives on in the hearts of all who loved him. Jon will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Jon. You were so vivacious and had such an extraordinary zeal for life you so naturally and eagerly shared with others. You took me snowboarding for my first time, you got me into line dancing for my first time (Cupid Shuffle at the Ranch Saloon in Anaheim), and most of my Disney trips were all thanks to you.
You always were your authentic self and lived your truth 100%. I still remember when you requested Cupid Shuffle at Ranch Saloon and the DJ was like "... really man?" and you were just like "YEAHHHHH!!". You rocking out to country songs none of us even knew. "Red Solo Cup".
So many memories man. One of my earliest memories of you is Mr. Howard's class at Oak, you figured out how to shoot saliva like you were Squirtle or something: "Check this out, you know how to do this?" and then shooting some at me when I leaned in closer. That was gross bro. Multiple songs that instantly make me think of you. "Warp 1.9" (WOOP WOOP!! with you fist pumping). "We No Speak Americano" and how you kept playing it our first Vegas trip when we all turned 21. Us being like wtf and trying to change it, but you changing it right back every time we did. Us later recognizing what a banger it actually is.
Getting Bud Light Platinum in the middle of the day cuz we saw it was new. When the 7-11 behind Rose Donuts was still new.
That one Disney trip where you KO'd sitting up with your sunglasses on during the tram ride back and blocking the girl next to you from exiting. Her expression trying to figure out what was going on and us waking you up so she could exit too.
All the group hangouts, holidays, and occasions at your family's house. The summer when people were going around egging cars and us being on extra high alert hanging out in your garage anytime we heard something from the street thinking it might be them and hoping we could catch them since they had egged Kyle's car. Drinking games, board games, card games (BANG!), karaoke-ing our hearts out. I still remember being on the verge of blackout drunk singing "One Sweet Day" with you, George, and Nancy. And now that's going to be another song where I think of you. Secret Santas. I still have the bottle of Burberry Brit you got for me.
Nights out and clubbing. Exchange LA New Year's Eve. The concerts and festivals man. Seven Lions Alchemy Tour in Long Beach. Every time I hear "Strangers" it takes me right back to that day. Life is Beautiful "making moments not memories". Your birthday in San Diego. I think of you whenever I see capers cuz I remember you saying you loved them.
Your smile. One of my most vivid memories of you is meeting up with you guys somewhere, I can't even remember exactly for what. I think it was a bit post-COVID cuz I remember feeling anxious. But I tapped you on your shoulder from behind and your face just completely lit up when you saw me and made all the anxiety go away. Honestly it's one of my most cherished memories bro, it helps me a lot when I'm not feeling the best about myself. I know countless others have memories just like this with you.
Your loss will be forever felt, and you'll be in our hearts always.
With all my love,
Chris
Jon, or Xerxes as we called him, was the kind of person who showed up. No matter the situation, no matter how much time had passed, he was there. His energy, confidence and passion for life was unmatched although sometimes too much. But that’s Jon (aka Xerxes) and that’s what we all will miss about him.
As an athlete, Jon had the best arm of anyone I knew. He could launch baseballs, footballs and bowling balls like nobody’s business. His jump shot needed some work though haha jk.
His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his impact on us will never be lost. He helped shape our lives in ways both big and small, reminding us what it means to be a true friend.
We will miss his laughter, his kindness, and the simple comfort of knowing he was always there. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit has brought his friends even closer together, as he has always done.
Rest peacefully, my brother. Thank you for a lifetime of memories. You will always be remembered, always be cherished, and never forgotten.
Long Live King Xerxes
Hey Jon, do you remember hanging out one night at a Japanese convenience store (I can't remember name?) in Arcadia off Baldwin Ave. to grab tea/snacks? I brought an extra burger from some fast food place and was offering it anyone who wanted it. You thought I was playing a prank by having an empty burger wrapper with nothing inside so when I asked, ..."does anyone want this burger?" You responded by saying, "...burger ha...what burger!?" You slapped my hand from below which launched the burger up into the air where it splattered all over the hood of Joe's Ford Explorer. I was shocked and pissed at first but we all broke down laughing at how stupid the situation was.
Going through old photos I came across the one of me stretching your leg. This for our senior ditch day at the beach day in 2007. I remember you were having a really bad cramp in your leg and could barely move. I had to take advantage of the situation when you were in a weakened state so I said, "...let me help you stretch that out!" and grabbed your leg while you were screaming out in pain.
I will never forget our Vegas trips together: the Fat Tuesday margaritas, trying to find the $5 or $10 black jack tables at Harrah's, and your guaranteed face plants in the hotel hallways. Winning BIG at craps the first time we played with Joe's iconic catch phrase, "we gotta keep on truckin" (although I don't think we ever came out ahead in craps after that). The memory that is seared into my brain is clubbing with you at Hakkasan and watching you fist bumping while making unbreakable eye contact with the DJ until the club closed and the lights came on. It was a miracle of endurance and stamina I've never seen before or since.
I will miss going snowboarding with you. The early morning drives up to Mt. High or Bear so we could find parking only to ride on ice. Both of us trying to teach MW how to board but you eventually getting frustrated. You yelling at George to "get up!" and "go down on heel side." The Big bear cabin days especially the time when you and Taylor brought Koda. I remember Koda managed to get into some chocolate (or something she wasn't supposed to eat) in the kitchen and having really bad diarrhea. You and Taylor had to follow her around the cabin as she found new spots to spray poop. Luckily, the cabin happened to have some carpet cleaner in one of the cabinets.
Lastly, I will miss going to watch Dodger games with you. I'm so glad that we made it a tradition to catch at least a couple live games each year. We got to see everything from the Dodgers get robbed of the WS in 2017 to the celebrating the beginning of a dynasty in 2024 and 2025. You never failed to bring your glove to a game (just in case there was a chance to catch a fly or HR). The last game we saw together was Dodgers v Angels in Anaheim back in Aug 2025. The dodgers lost that one but I know you were secretly happy for the Angels. Don't worry, Joe will continue to get his superstitious Chipotle burritos before every game and we'll continue to sit in the right field pavilion and get you that Ohtani HR ball.
Rest easy brother. I look forward to the day we see each other again. I know you'll be standing there with a sly smile saying, "What took you so long?" I'll be sure to bring an empty burger wrapper with me next time.
You were always the one looking for the next fun thing to do, and you never failed to include everyone- even me. You brought so much joy into my life in ways I didn’t fully realize until now, when I’ve had the time to reflect on memories I thought I had forgotten.
Thank you for always trying to teach me how to line dance, introducing me to new board games, and most importantly, reminding me to always be myself and never wait on anyone else. I’ll never forget when you asked me to write a bucket list and then laughed at how short it was, telling me I needed to add MORE. That was just who you were - always pushing people to do more, to be more adventurous, and to truly have fun in life.
You were, without question, the life of the party.
Jon - my friend, my brother. We’ve known each other for more than two decades and we’ve seen each other grow so much. It still feels like yesterday where we’d always ask ourselves, where to next? We’ve seen the ups and downs through it all and we can tightly hold on to them as we tell each other, remember that one time when we… [never ending list of the fun, dumb, or wild things we did]
You’ll be missed and never forgotten. I will miss your bravery, humor, generosity, care, and many other things that make you amazing as you light up any room. I’ll especially miss the way we tease each other cause quite frankly, you’re an a-hole. But more importantly we’re each other’s a-hole. (Pause that)
You mean so much to me, Nancy, and Quinn. I’m thankful and grateful of you choosing us to be your family. I’m truly the luckiest guy to call you my brother. Honored to serve next to you as you rest.
Lastly, I haven’t told anyone or you about this but through your bravery, I’ve started my journey of donating blood consistently since early 2025 in your name. So know that, outside of the impactful presence you have with friends and family, you will continue to be the hero to others in need. You’re the one who inspired this.
Until we meet again, my dude.
Forever in my heart,
Joe
While it was never a competition, I always saw Jon as the cooler and more fun Jonathan because of his positive, energetic, and outgoing personality. Whether it was playing sports together, traveling, or going to events, Jon was always someone that liven up the group no matter what was happening.
I only met Jon later in life, but he always treated me with nothing but warmth and respect as if I were family. Although he will be missed, Jon has inspired me to live a life that can be worthy of sharing the same first name as him.
Farewell for now, forever grateful
- Jonathan Lac
Jon was one of the few friends I stayed in touch with from elementary school. Although we didn’t hang out or talk as much until after college, I value and appreciate every moment we all spent together.
Jon was truly the life of the party and lived life to the fullest. He always brought his million-dollar smile and energy wherever he went.
I will never forget the times we played basketball together, we always ended up guarding each other. He would steal the ball from me and nonchalantly make his way across the court, finishing with those slow, effortless layups. I honestly don’t know how someone could play such smart, laid-back, almost lazy basketball and still be so efficient (Jon’s way). But if anyone could do it, it was him.
Whenever I’m on or off the basketball court, I’ll think of Jon and try to play it his way.
Jon, you were one of the kindest, most warm-hearted, fun-loving, and loyal people I know. I’m going to miss you, my friend.
You will be forever missed. From us playing dota 2, modern warfare, screaming at each other. You always being the best dressed whenever we go out. You were the first to wear those Express button ups and putting us on game. First on the dance floor, pumping us up and getting hyped. You were such a free spirit. An absolutely untamed beast. A natural born athlete. A kind heart and a caring soul. You left your mark on this world with your presence. I wish you were still here with us. I will miss you my brother.
I feel incredibly blessed to have known Jon through so many chapters of life. From elementary school to sports camp to working together at Johnny Rockets and going to college, Jon always brought energy, laughter, and joy wherever he went.
Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones that meant the most, like going to Disneyland, riding roller coasters with our earphones in, blasting Blink-182, and just living in the moment. Jon knew how to make life feel fun, free, and unforgettable.
Whether it was at family parties, out dancing, or just spending time with friends, Jon was always the life of the party. He made people feel welcome, included, and happy just by being himself.
It’s hard to put into words how much he meant to all of us. He demonstrated how to live every day in the moment with passion and no regrets. And while I will miss him deeply, I'll always carry his laughter, his energy, and those unforgettable memories.
Love,
The Yoshidas
I will always remember you being one of the most fun, adventurous friends in my life. Your presence always filled the room with smiles and laughter. I will cherish all the memories we made like snowboarding/cabin trip, camping trips with our fur babies, oyster shucking in Portland, partying it up at LIB, going to BLACKPINK(first kpop concert for us all), annual Friendsgivings, all the wedding celebrations and so much more. I’m sorry that I wasn’t the same blood type as you when you were receiving treatment and blood transfusions. I swear I thought I was a universal donor this whole time…We definitely had a good laugh about that though hahaha x) Lastly, you were present on one of the biggest moments for Jeff and I and I’m eternally grateful. You will always hold a place in our hearts and forever will be our best man <3 till we meet again!
Jon was my longest friend. We met in elementary school, and from then on, he was just always there. Through school, sports, MW, and every stage of growing up.
He was one of those rare people who felt constant in life. Someone you never imagine losing.
Jon showed up for the people he loved. He was there for one of the biggest moments of my life, and knowing now how much it meant to him to be there makes that memory even more special.
What hurts most is not only losing him, but mourning the life he didn’t get to finish… the time, milestones, and moments he still should have had.
I’ll forever celebrate the life he lived and mourn the life he didn’t. I’ll carry him with me for the rest of my life, and I’ll miss him always.
Jon was always the life of the party. He brought the energy. You knew it was gonna be a good time with him, but if you wanted an even greater time, tell him that’s there’s line dancing. I’m gonna miss going to music festivals with you. Rest easy, Jon!
