I'm so sorry Jonathan, btw it's Christopher smith Steven and Carole's kerrs grandson. If you can find it in your heart to forgive I'm asking.....

     It has been over one year since you passed-away, Jonathan. In a few weeks it will be your birthday and you would have been 27 years old. Time has disappeared but your memory will not and you will always be etched in my heart!  God allowed me to have you for a short time and those memories are precious.  You were always a happy go lucky little boy.  You did not complain and always put your whole heart into whatever it was that struck a chord of interest. When driving in the van, I had no idea that you would look directly at the sun as long as you could.  Years later you told me of this venture, and now we know why you needed glasses in sixth grade. Most of the time school work was a breeze for you. You always enjoyed playing board games especially with your dad.  Science and math became your entourage!  Your coworkers from Coherent told me of your brilliance with solving complex mathematical equations. They were all looking forward to you getting your Masters Degree in Physics especially since you were an American born citizen and for some reason this field is swarmed with foreigners. You enjoyed reading Garfield, Calvin & Hobbs, and Dilbert comic books besides indulging yourself into the tactical aspects of WWII.  God protected you on several different occasions for example when floating on an air mattress in Whiskey Town Lake when you were five.  It never flipped over and it was not until we got home from vacation that we realized we did not have a life vest on you.  When we were pushing your baby brother Michael in a stroller up a hill at Alum Rock Park on a small narrow path, your big brother David saw a deer. So we all moved off to the side to see it, and then about a minute later two mountain bikers zoomed by us.  If that deer had not shown-up, we would had all been injured by the bikers.  Yet the most miraculous for you is at birth because the umbilical cord was wrapped around your neck, and the paramedics were at the end of the street having their break. They showed-up at the right time, big smile.  God is so good!!!  You are gone but not forgotten. Thanks for learning American Sign Language to support my endeavor of interpreting for deaf souls at church; in addition, helping me with my algebra dilemma last year. I did change to a traditional brick and mortar university after you sent me an article regarding the mishaps of my current (pro profit) online school.  You knew my likes and dislikes and gave me a Winnie-the-Pooh scarf…my favorite cartoon character. The beautiful Thomas Kinkade puzzle that decorates the kitchen wall that you gave to me for Christmas in 2011 will be my most cherished gift because you made it for me. You will always be missed!!!!!!!

Much Love Always,

Mom

This is Michael Baptist, I am Jonathan's younger brother. Jonathan was a good brother, and as my two brothers and I grew up, you saw our personalities grow. Jonathan as many of you know became very smart and intellectual. I on the other hand am more of the active hands on type. But I do know of his active side. When I was about 18 on Easter, after church that day there was a picnic at the park nearby. Jonathan was there and a group of us wanted to play a pick up game of TACKLE football. A friend of mine and I were the captains. When it was my pick I immediately picked Jonathan, because I knew he was the best out of everyone there. Jonathan was more massive than the others, he was a hiker, years back he was into boxing as a teenager, plus he was a football fanatic. The two of us ran through the other team. Once he returned a kickoff for a touchdown, dragging others with him. We were even double teaming tackles. That is just one of many of many instances where his athletic side showed. I miss him and want to remember the good times we had together.

Jonathan was a happy, little guy throughout his childhood and grew up into an intense, focused young man.  He enjoyed the hikes, campouts, and backpack trips I took him on.  He didn't mind going extra miles because the challenge was tempting.  Once we got lost in King's Canyon, but we had a topo map so we weren't really lost, we just had to keep going toward the visible landmarks that matched the map.  We got a kick out of rangers and other hikers smirking when we told them where we planned on going, and then we would get there eventually, with pain.  The main thing I remember about him was that when there was something he was interested in, he would follow through on it and take it as far as he could.  When he was in the youth group at church and the leader would challenge everyone to invite a friend, he would invite people in the store while Joan was shopping.  He was encouraged to invite other kids to Bible studies and soon Jon and I were taking turns teaching his school buddy a bible study.  I followed the 49ers somewhat when they were winning, but he studied them, even while they were losers.  He explained to us the origin ot the West Coast Offense, and exactly what it was, and how it got them into Super Bowls.  Then he would describe how other NFL teams would become winners because of different offensive and defensive coordinators that would move to those teams from the 49er's.  I had memorized the winners and losers of the Super Bowls in order for fun and recited it to him once and he let me know that I had 4 of the quarterbacks wrong including the 1st Super Bowl  which was way before he was born.  Physics and Math were passions for him.  When he was telling Joan an I about a Physics idea he was learning he would struggle to keep from going too far over our heads.  He did make videos on his YouTube account to help new students have an easier time.  Some of the responders said he didn't know what he was talking about, but others were thanking him because it was helping them.  He sent us many interesting links to articles and videos.  I had interesting exchanges with him, and I sent him articles to read.  Engineers at his Laser job remember him for being enthusiastic in political and scientific discussions.  His math backround came into play when there was a need to know the surface area of a certain spiral.  He brought his math book and worked it out and did well according the one of the engineers that was involved in the project.  All this is a part of his personality that I remember and miss.

I am a cousin to Jonathan's father Jim. I was saddened to hear of Jonathan's passing away. I was visiting cousin Karen at the time she received the notice. 
It is sad how families aren't all close anymore. We all lived on Dean Avenue in Willow Glen at one time and all the cousins were pretty close. 
I know he is at home with God and Jesus now. I will continue to pray for his family to comfort them during this sad time. Love , Rosemary Lazetera

We are so very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Jonathan. Please know that we are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and God Bless.

Dear Sis. Baptist,

We're sypmathized to learned that your son had passed away in a few weeks ago.  Our prayers goes to you and your family as well as friends of Jonathan James.  Bro. Richmond had told about him and we are in the deepest sympathy with you and pray that God will lift you up with a hope in the name of the Lord Jesus our Savior.

We love you so much and please let us know if we can assist you.

Love & Prayers,

Bro. & Sis. Green

Mr. & Mrs. Luther Green
122 Country Club Circle
DeRidder, LA  70643

Submitted by: Rev. Meloy Richmond

I'm Jonathan's Aunt Lisa, Joan's sister, and Jim's sister in law.  I never, ever dream that I would be seeing one of my five nephews in a casket!  My heart goes out to Joan and Jim for the loss of their precious, brilliant son, Jonathan; he was so smart and talented.  A very thoughtful son.

I've alway been proud of Jonathan's acheivements since he was a boy. I will always remember his oil paintings of a bowl of fruit, and a tropical island at age 8 in the 3rd grade; Jonathan showed his artistic talent at a very young age.  I had fun taking David, Jonathan, and Michael with me to the Golf Driving Range (before it became a 9 holes golf course) in Fremont, and teaching them how to use the golf clubs during the 1990's.

In Jr High, Jonathan was playing jazz music on his alto saxophone; he also learned American Sign Language, so he could help his Mom with the Deaf Ministry at church.  What a very thoughtful son!  I was very proud of him.

In High School, he tried Country-Western Music, courtesy of his Aunt Lisa's influence, which was a very pleasant surprise to me.  Jonathan even wore cowboy hat and boots; he was a very handsome cowboy in his black hat and red plaid shirt, which will stay in my memory forever.

When Jonathan was going to San Jose State University, I would run into him occasionally in Downtown San Jose, where I work at Dept of Rehabilitation in the State Office Building.  One time I watched Jonathan played his alto saxophone with a band during Open Mike Night at Iguanas Taqueria on a Thursday Night, after work.  Jonathan also worked at IHOP on 1st Street.

Jonathan was always very good with math, which led to his bachelor degree in physics from San Jose State University.  Jonathan also joined the Toast Master Club at SJSU; he invited his grandfather, Bob Stillwagon I, to a debate luncheon.  I was impressed with this, because my Dad used to be in Toast Master in the past.  Wow!

Jonathan was a very good listener; he listened to what people had to say about their experiences on subjects that he didn't know very well, go out and try-out that subject or experience it for himself.  For example, Jonathan taught himself how to play the drums, by listening to David teaching Michael how to play the drums back in Jr High.
<br 
Now Jonathan is gone from us; his death was most unexpected.  I was looking forward to Jonathan getting his master degree in physics.  Whether friend or family, we all have  memories of Jonathan from a baby to a young man.  Precious memories from church, school, college, camping trips, family gatherings/birthday celebrations.  Yesterday was September 6th, Jonthan's birthday; he would have been 26.  We miss you, Jonathan!

Joan and Jim, I'm really sad that Jonathan is gone.  I pray in Jesus' Name that God keep both of you strong in your walk with Him, and comfort the pain in both of your hearts.  There are really no words to comfort the pain, but God will heal your wounds in both of your hearts.

Love Always, Lisa
Your Sister/Sister in Law

My deepest Sympathy and Faithful of Jonathan James baptist May your faith in the Lord's promise of evrlasting life bring you comfort in your time of sorrow.

To the family,
I have never met you. I only knew Jonathan through taking Physics courses at SJSU with him, and then working with him at Coherent for a little over a year. Let me tell you that his knowledge, know-how, and overall great attitude impressed a lot of people at Coherent. He started as a technician, but I know he was doing more engineering type research projects recently. He was so happy to start his Master's at SJSU...we often talked about school, if our breaks coincided (we work in different departments). I know Dewendra, his boss, came to the funeral, but Keith Hubbard and Melissa Buie, who worked with Jonathan on the engineering projects side of things also send you their sympathy. My sincere condolences go out to you and all his family members.

This is really sad news.   Jonathan was in the first class I ever taught at SJSU (Physics 50), and was so gung-ho about the material that after the friction chapter he discussed with me an idea for improving traction for cars and turned his idea into a patent application! It really made a positive impression on me at a time when I was still forming an impression of the student body. His passion extended well beyond that though, he took the time to tutor countless students and used his experience tutoring to create a series of tutorial videos that he posted to youtube under the username of "loveofphysics", which have had over 41,000 views! Viewing these it is clear how passionate he was, and how successful he was at using that passion to help others.  Rest-in-peace Jon, and condolences to your family.

I miss you so much Jonathan. I keep reminding myself that you are not truly gone, but will continue to live on through the people you love. We will all collectively have to live better and stronger lives to make up for the hole you left in the world. You were the big brother I always wanted. I will forever cherish the time I had with you. I am sure that all who knew you feel the same way.
Love forever and always,
Tiffany

Jonathan, you'll be missed. You were intelligent, quirky, warm and great to be around. I have fond memories of the many years we spent as friends. Overnight trips to conferences. Sleepovers on flea-market-weekend. The epic camping trip that YOU put together. Rafting, hiking and  wrestling in a Bakersfield hotel room.Thanks for laughing at my jokes, allowing us to food fight on your birthday, taking me paint-balling fo the first time and eating sushi with me. You are so loved. High 5 buddy.

Sis. Baptist, we are so sorry about your son Jonathan.  Our prayers are with you and your family. God's comfort and peace of mind are here with you to comfort you.  We love you.  Rev. and Sis. Meloy  Richmond

Bro and Sister Baptist 

We'll prayer and sorry your loss our son.. Love you,Friend and Family Mayoral

Brother & Sister Baptist & Family (Stillwagons),

Words can never convey the sadness in my soul to know that Jonathan has passed at such a young age.  When I think of him, I remember the young 7 year old, pacing back & fort the entire width of the sanctuary…praying without ceasing, for all that were at the alter...raising his arm(s) as he walked past...he did that until the last time I saw him in church, when I moved back to the valley in 2005.  

The image I'm sharing is 1 that has always reminded me of that special young man.  The day that Marlena & Fil were baptized, part of him was captured in the photo, as he fervently prayed; without realizing he was walking into a moment, seized in time, by the camera.  The stillness of the portrait is a true representation of the loving soul that Jonathan was…a kind, gentle young man…

One thing that I've always shared with those whose loved ones have passed from this life to the next; is that God gave us the gift of memories, for times such as this. No one or anything, not even death, can ever take them away. We can always reminisce the beautiful moments, albeit short, that we experienced with those whose love will forever remain in our hearts & lives...

May The Lord give you the peace, comfort & strength that you need through the most difficult time of your lives…I'll continue praying for all of you…I love & miss you dearly…

Sis. Joan and family, I pray for you to feel God is near. I love you. I pray the pain will distance itself from you and peace and comfort will be with you.  Wesley and Carla Swanson Houston, TX

Me and my mom love you Sis. Baptist. We really are here for you I can only imagine what you are going through at this time I seen what my mom went through when my brother died eleven years ago. It was hard on my family but I cant relate like my mom can to you at this time you and your family are in our prayers and hope that God helps you through this time. Love You and God Bless

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for your family.

It's a terrible thing having to write about my brother using the past tense. Jonathan was a very intelligent guy (had a BA degree in physics) with an effervescent personality who will truly be missed by all of his friends and family members. Although my brother & I often butted heads over a variety of topics he was a good guy who was both thoughtful and generous. Several years back knowing how crazy I am about automobiles he brought me to a monster truck show at the Oakland Coliseum on his dime, paid for dinner too. It was quite an experience riding in his first car a beat up old Volvo station wagon that had an engine, seats & not much else. Being a football fanatic last year for my grand-
father's 78th birthday Jonathan bought him tickets to the 49ers vs. Steelers game at Candlestick Park. Having always wanted a Thomas Kinkade painting Jonathan made a huge Thomas Kinkade puzzle poster for my Mom which is now hanging in her kitchen. It's a shame Jonathan is no longer here to explain what the space-time continuum is or how the Large Hadron Collider works. Rest In Peace brother and I hope you're rockin out to Van Halen, Aerosmith or Black Sabbath wherever you are.

Sister Baptist, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Words cannot begin to convey how much I pray God's peace will comfort you during this time. My prayers are that The Great Comforter will be by your side all the way.

Love and prayers, Sister Hester

Jim, Joan and Family,
Jonathan was most precious in God's sight. Our hearts are with you and you are continually held up in prayer. 
Ken and Elizabeth Pompliano

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel
about Jonathan death.  We pray that the "God of Peace" 
comforts you and your family as you journey  in your grieving process.  With sincere sympathy, Rudy and Linda Herras

i remeber the good times, he always had a great smile, and he was never fighting. My prayers go out to my sister and her entire family, love uncle bob

OBITUARY

Jonathan James Baptist

6 September, 1986 – 10 August, 2012

Lima Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary and Cedar Lawn Cemetery

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