Jonathan Dale Cansler

Jonathan was a man whose life was as big and vibrant as his spirit. Whether he was performing as one half of the musical duo JB Rocket on CMT’s Can You Duet or strumming his guitar at home, Jonathan lived for the music—and for the people he loved. He and his partner, Justin, shared a bond that was nothing short of legendary.

A talented singer and songwriter, Jonathan was awarded the 2010 Randy Travis Award - Country Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2010 Carolina Music Awards. In November 2012 Jonathan’s Music Video for His fan-favorite track "Jezebel" landed as the #1 Country Music Video on MTV's Ourstage.com. When he was 10 years old, Jonathan was the youngest performer to ever sing the National Anthem for the Carolina Panthers and The Dallas Cowboys. He rose to national fame on the second season of Can You Duet, where he and his musical partner took home first runner-up honors. His success didn’t stop there. He went on to sign with Big Machine Records, and his passion for music never waned. But, as with most great artists, the heart of his story wasn’t just in his achievements—it was in his resilience and the love he shared with those around him.

Jonathan’s life wasn’t always easy. He faced heartbreak and hardship, including being disowned by his family when he bravely chose to live authentically as a proud member of the LGBTQ community. He struggled with substance use in his past, but found his own path to long-term recovery through the support of those who loved him the most. Rather than be broken, Jonathan used these experiences to become a compassionate and empathetic soul, finding a career where he could give back. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist with Olive Branch Ministry and then RHA Behavioral Health Services, Jonathan’s heart and wisdom helped countless others who were navigating their own struggles.

Jonathan found love and support in the most unexpected places. He quickly learned that family isn’t defined by blood—it's defined by those who show up, who love without conditions, who love without judgement and who are there when the going gets tough. Jonathan leaves behind his true love and husband, Justin Cansler, who was his rock, his biggest fan, and his unwavering companion. He is also survived by his daughter - his heart song - Presley Jane Cox, whom he cherished and longed to have a relationship with; parents, Roger and April Cox of Hudson, NC, who declined multiple opportunities to reconnect with their son over the course of his year-and-a-half cancer journey, choosing not to see him until the final week before his passing; brother, Joshua Cox, sister-in-law, Brandi Cox, nephews Caleb and Colton Cox; grandparents, Joyce Smith, James and Patricia Woods. Jonathan was preceded in death by his cousin and dear friend, James Cox III (Little Jamie), who was not just family, but a kindred spirit and a constant source of joy in his life.

Since Jonathan’s passing, a number of relatives who chose to have no contact with him in over six years have suddenly resurfaced, claiming to love and miss him. Despite their outward Christian image and talk of values, they seem to have overlooked a core teaching of their faith-that none are without sin and that they are called to love others as Jesus loves them. Funny how that works. If there’s one thing Jonathan learned in his 34 years, it’s this: beware of the wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Jonathan was blessed with a village—a village that rallied around him in his time of need. These friends became his chosen family: Morgan Wolfe, Shana Oakley, Andrea Lewis, Michelle Mathis and her spouse Karen Lowe, Verena Miller (his beloved neighbor), and Verena’s children, Sam and Izzy Miller (Jonathan proudly claimed the title of guncle to these two little lights), as well as his grandparents—Debbie and Don Fecteau. These people were Jonathan’s true family, offering him unconditional love and support as he fought cancer with everything he had.

Jonathan’s story reminds us all that life is what you make of it—and even when the odds are stacked against you, love, resilience, and music can make everything brighter. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of everyone he touched. Remember Jonathan by listening to his music, or singing your own favorite Lady Gaga song at the top of your lungs. In times like these it may be hard to find the words to express your grief, but as one of Jonathan’s many tattoos said “When words fail, music prevails.”

A Receiving of Friends will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on Friday, November 15th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Michelle Mathis. Burial will follow immediately after the service.