Maddy's Education Fund created by Jon's friends provided an onsite contribution through "GoFundMe" and a musical tribute on November 20, 2014, at Pompeii Lounge,Staunton, Virginia.   

On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, we unexpectedly lost a dear friend, an involved and inspired member of our small town, an avid facilitator in the local music and art industry,  and a father of a shining ball of light, Madelyn "Maddy" Jane Griffin.  Her father was an inspiration to our little town; opening up a common area called Gone Studio for any creative type to take the stage and showcase their talents.  Everyone was welcome at Gone Studio.  Whether you were a musician, a dancer, an artist, or even a French yodeler--your talent was received and you were appreciated for who you are.  

His 4-year-old daughter, Maddy, is well on her way to being just like her father.  They had many experiences together--him constantly showing her the magic that living a life full of creativity can bring.  Maddy and Jon loved to paint together, and she often accompanied him to his studio and to music festivals to share in the fun with her Dad.  

Although we cannot change this tragic shift in the universe, it's our turn to help  and make sure that the door always stays open for Jon, just like he did for all of the artists in Staunton, by securing a better future for Maddy.  On Thursday, November 20th, a huge celebration of Jon's life will take place at one of the local bars.  Many of Staunton's favorite bands and artists that frequented Jon's studio will perform.  Musicians, artists, bartenders, and patrons alike will be donating their time,  money, love, and energy into starting a Virginia State 529 educational fund for Maddy.  

This is where we ask for your help: however you  find this story moving, I hope you are inspired to give what you can to this cause.  We cannot change the past but we can change the future.  So, whether Maddy goes on to study studio art, theatre, or even engineering, it delights me that someday soon, Maddy will be reminded of the love and compassion that her father emanated by the love and compassion of the people her father's life affected in such a positive way by making sure that she, too, can cultivate what she loves to do.

To the Gone Tribal--I shall keep my words brief partly because they will serve as little real comfort and partly because the gravity of this travesty has not yet completely taken its hold.  Jonathan Lyle Griffin was someone I admired and respected.  His vision of an art community of the alternative variety, in a town that prides itself on the mundane, was a tremendous inspiration to myself and others.  There are really only three main people who have provided me with a genuine chance to prove myself as an artist.  Jon stands at the top of this list.  He provided me with a valuable opportunity and only ever asked for the minimum in return.  What's more, he brought us all together, and I hope to hell we stay that way.  My thoughts are with Maddy and the Griffins, and as always Clair and the rest of you.  I am attempting to avoid melancholia.  I don't think Jon would want everyone moping that as I'm sure you all know only too well it's an uphill struggle.  Hunter Thompson once spoke of "the edge" saying that the only ones who truly knew where it lay were the ones who crossed over it.  What lies on the other side is perhaps life's grandest mystery; something none of us can know and yet we all move toward it.  For Jon, that weight, that wondering is over.  And though I wish I had gotten to know him b  etter, I take a little comfort in that I hope you can too.  I love you Jon and I'm going to miss you.  You were one of the good ones.

Gone but never forgotten.  Jon, thank you for all the memories we made together and thank you for so many opportunities for music to happen at the studio.  My heart goes out to your family and loved ones.  We will all miss you so much.  I will be there on Saturday to march in your honor with the rest of the crew.  The Gone Tribe will never be the same without you, Jon.  We love you.

I just can't believe what I am reading…Jon has passed?!  He taught me to ride a bike, Jon took the time to help me, many many times I talked to him about music and things over the years.  We kept in touch some…Bless you during this time, and I am so sorry for your loss.  He was a great man and to me an older brother by choice.  I will miss him.

It's been a while, but you'll always be my friend. I hope you're in a better place, bro.

Rest in Peace. Until we meet again. So sad.

Rest in peace, Jonathan Lyle Griffin, father of my granddaughter, Maddy. We will make sure she remembers you always.

We lost a great man and I am proud to have called you a friend. Thank you Jonathan Lyle for being who you were. Every time I look around my house I see all the great art and memories we shared. Love you man.
All the good times and great art bro. Love ya man. RIP

This Halloween show will not be the same without you. You gave Stephan and I our first gig here in Staunton Jonathan Lyle ???

To one of my oldest friends, sad to see you go too soon. We hit the road when we were preteens, not afraid of anything, made it all the way to Baltimore on a couple of bicycles. An adventure to remember for my entire life. You are missed and loved.

Every-time I ride my mountain bike I can't help but think about the guy who taught me how to ride a bike in the first place, one of the most beautiful humans to walk this planet... RIP Jonathan Lyle. I'll never forget you.

My heart is breaking to have lost such a beautiful friend. You touched so many lives and brought so many together. You never realize the impact someone has had on your life until times like these when it's too late to thank them. I'm glad to have had you as a part of my life and I'll never forgive myself for not making a bigger effort to come out. You'll always be in my heart, friend, rest well. You are loved and you are missed.

Two years ago I asked Jon if he and Maddy would go to the pumpkin patch with me. I was going through a hard time and Jon and Maddy were more than happy to spend time with me. I will always treasure the memory of this day.

RIP... you have many friends and will be missed.

You took over gone and made it a community. .a community of artist, musicians, and friends...you kept the doors open to anyone..gave everyone a chance to showcase their talents whatever they happened to be..you hustled hard to keep gone open and to get funding when most people would've thrown in the towel but you were relentless.. you gave all of my bands somewhere to play..you supported so many people in this town..the local community has lost a great all around guy..I cant believe you're actually "gone".

Jon was the second person I met when I moved to Staunton. He was a huge part of making my life what it is today. If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't have a son and family. Thanks man, I hope you knew what an important role you played in my life.

Rest in peace Jon. My condolences to your family.

Rest in peace man you will be greatly missed. Sending you and your family love from California.

Rest in peace Jonathan you were an awesome person I can't believe this praying for you family and friends

I will laugh about the stuff we laughed about forever.
I guess I can kiss the 200 bucks you owes me good-bye.
It has always been "Later dude."
Between us.
Later dude.

Jon, your teachings of peace and happiness in life will never be forgotten. A brilliant artistic mind, a wonderful friend and a kind soul. You took all of us in under your wing and kept us all until we took flight. Thank you for everything, dear friend. In the pages never written, and the books kept, you will always be remembered.

I never really knew Jon, but I thought I'd step in to pay my respects, and offer my condolences to those who love him with the knowledge that though he may be gone from your sight, his spirit will live forever in your memories of him and in the ways that he's impacted so many lives. I hope that you find comfort in that, and am sure that he can also rest peacefully there.

Another good one gone too soon... . Lots of good memories with good friends. Jonathan Lyle will live on in our hearts, memories and laughter.

Been a pleasure knowin u through the years bro and its been a great pleasure may the best of wishes be with jons family , maddy and those most greatly affected by this tragic event RIP JG 1971-2014

This breaks my heart to hear this. Jon was such a warming and pleasant soul. Every time I come home to Staunton, without a doubt I would have a great run in with him. Prayers for the family and his beautiful little girl

Really gonna miss yer smile, buddy. Rest easy. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family, especially Maddy.

Bought pbr tonight for Jonathan Lyle R. I. P. Man remembering you tonight.

RIP Brother. 
Thank you for your kindness.

Many many years ago (1989) john had written me a poem and to this day I will never forget it.. I cant remember all of it but it went like this..."late at night when I can't sleep I stare at the walls and silently weep, Shhh be quit so the others don't know the pain in my heart that silently grows." He wrote me so many poems back then and he was so talented I just always remember that particular stanza.... its hard for me to wrap my head around the fact you are gone but you will live in our hearts forever...

While I had the privilege of enjoying your widely acclaimed good company only a handful of times, I was touched to see your generosity of spirit and acceptance of those around you. I cannot express my gratitude to you for sharing your time with your daughter with myself and my own children. For reaching out to me and including me in your strange, lovely family of Goners. The many lives you've touched and memories you've created will carry you heavily in the hearts that love you. Thank you, Jonathan Lyle, for letting me a small part of that. Keep on rockin, dude.

how sad...what a great guy....I bought a lot of cool art from jon....you will be missed

We had so many good times and I'm sad I lost contact with many people after I moved to Miami after VCU. And, sad that this tragic situation is what helped us re-connect :(

Nuit Marie Moore
When you made this your profile pic early last year it made me smile from head to toe. I have so many regrets about this whole sad, senseless situation, Jon. I seriously can't wrap my head around this. I hurt for your beautiful little daughter, I hurt for all of us that loved you- and so so so many of us did and do. The crazy thing is I dreamed of you 4 days before I heard. In the dream, we hugged each other tightly, you kissed my head and as we released each other, we squeezed each other's hand at that minute right where arms stretch and hands release- and I moved on out of the house, moving through the throngs of people, into a wide green expanse. All of those people smiling and laughing and being together...and although I didn't see anyone else's faces clearly, I feel now it represents the family, the amazing community that you were such an integral foundation and creator of. I don't know what to make of that dream...I have no idea, but I am grateful for it. I know when I woke up, I thought about how much it made me miss you and I thought I need to come see you...sure yes, everyone else too, but you, that I missed you alot. I meant to see you before this month was up. I was supposed to be up there tonight. If I had had any idea what was to come- but of course, who could have? Who on earth could have? I thought last night of all the things I would say to you if I knew for sure you could hear me, and I tried saying them last night to you- talking to myself... hoping you might somehow still hear me- and I just ended up crying in my kitchen. I mean, I folded over with the grief of it. I couldn't stand from the grief of it. It did, and will continue, to just break my heart utterly. You have my love and affection forever, Jon. Just so you know. Absolutely forever.

My deepest condolences to my dearest friend Judy, Jonathon's dad Jerry and their family.  I was so impressed with the tender, loving and attentive way Jonathon cared for his sweet little daughter Maddy.  We spent many times together when I visited Judy. I'm glad I told him what a wonderful father he was.  He deserved to hear it. I know he is still watching over Maddy.  May God keep Jonathon and his family in his loving care.

The loss of Jon is so sad. He marched to his own beat and tried to be a friend to all. But mostly, he loved my granddaughter, Madelyn "Maddy" Jane Griffin and his family. Maddy placed a glow in the dark star above her bed and told me she could say goodnight to Daddy every night.

We remember Jon for the love he shared with Maddy, when we saw them together during our visits to Judy's home; and we remember him for leaving wonderful dishes simmering on the stove. We know how very much Judy, Jerry and his brothers Jeff and Jared will miss him, but we know you will have many more good memories to share.

My deepest sympathy to Maddy, Jeff, Jared and Mr. & Ms. Griffin. I had the pleasure of knowing Jon throughout high school and beyond. He will be missed.

I am so sorry for your loss. Jon was always such a great friend. Always there when you needed him. Thank you for blessing us with him and may God bless you and take care of you during this difficult time.

We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

OBITUARY

Jonathan Lyle Griffin

22 March, 1971 – 22 October, 2014

Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory

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