Jon Christopher Draney

Jon Christopher Draney, loving husband, father, brother and friend, died at his home unexpectedly on February 14, 2026. Jon was a free spirit. He was unapologetically himself, one of his traits most beloved by his wife. He lived his life unencumbered by pretense or possessions. He loved all types of music, especially the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones and bands with Jack White. He loved seeing live music shows, traveling, attending sporting events, reading current non-fiction regarding global issues and just relaxing at home with friends and family. He regularly got together with high school friends, especially at an annual fundraiser for the Charity of the Spartan 300 - a non-profit organized by his life long friend Lawrence Steiner. Jon had a strong personality and a sharp sense of humor. He was always ready for debate on current events. He showed devotion to his work and his family, with a strong conviction to uphold his personal values. He was a true original and the world is a lesser place without him.

Jon was born on March 25, 1960 in Coronado, CA to parents Jerald Lee Draney and Maxine Wempe Draney. He grew up in Virginia, Japan, and the Philippines before his family settled in the suburbs of Washington, DC. He was a creative, adventurous child with a great imagination. He was quick to make friends and, like many children of the 1960’s and 1970’s, spent many days playing outside until the street lights came on. Batman and Robin, cops and robbers, hide and seek, touch football, climbing trees, riding bikes, building forts, fishing, and getting into sweet mischief were some of his favorite pastimes. He loved sports, especially basketball, much to his father’s delight. He attended West Springfield High School, where he excelled at basketball and was one of the team’s star players. He was known for his sweet left-handed jump shot.

In 1986, Jon met the love of his life, Liselotte Caroline Paulson (Lilly) at a restaurant where they both worked. Love came quickly and within a few months they moved in together. They lived in NW DC above the One Step Down jazz club for several years, with their 2 cats. In 1987, they spent 2 months in Nepal, discovering each other in the midst of a rich culture of sights, sounds and spirituality. After returning to DC, and obtaining a wolf-hybrid to add to the two cats, they visited Hawaii. They later moved to Kaneohe, HI from 1992-1994, pets and all. They were married in Honolulu, HI December of ‘93, with Jon’s lifelong friend Jeff Martineaux as witness. During this time in Hawaii, Jon was able to renew bonds with high school friends John Holapa and Mike Girod. Jon and Lilly returned to DC in 1995, and bought a small house in Arlington, VA, where they lived for the next 22 years. In October, 1997 daughter Lila Chiara was born. Jon was overjoyed. He loved holding, playing and caring for her, and being Papa to “Daddy’s little girl.” James Michael Draney was born in May, 1999, making Jon the proud Papa of two beautiful, healthy children. From 2000-2004, the family visited Switzerland every year with Lilly’s mother, a natural-born Swiss who was battling Lymphoma.These were close, family-bonding times, when full attention could be paid to each other and created many happy memories for the family. Jon’s love of travel took the family to Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Hawaii. Other vacations were spent at the Outer Banks of NC or Ocean City, MD, as well as trips to NYC.

Around 2000, Jon decided he wanted to work in the medical field, and began attending classes at Northern Virginia Community College for Respiratory Therapy. During this time he drove an independent taxi in DC in order to adjust work and school hours. He received his Associates Degree in RT, and completed an internship at Inova Fairfax Hospital. He then obtained full employment at Inova, where he continued to work for the next 18 years. He loved his job, his coworkers and his routine. He spoke of his feelings of accomplishment and purpose, knowing that he was contributing to the well-being of countless people, saving lives, and occasionally helping others transition.

Jon and Lilly’s love continued, but in 2022 they chose to live separately. Bonded for life, they remained dear friends and spoke of taking care of one another as they aged.

Several months ago, at age 65, Jon decided to test the waters of retirement, and requested a 6 month leave of absence. He spent that time with his companion, Marjorie, in her home country of Costa Rica. He returned to his home in Washington, DC just hours before his passing.

Jon will be remembered for his free spirit, love of his family, commitment to his work, and engaging personality. His memory, and his light, are gifted to all who were lucky enough to love and be loved by him. He is survived by his wife, Lilly Draney, his daughter, Lila Chiara Draney, his son James Michael Draney, and his sister, Elizabeth Draney Gallagher.

A celebration of Jon’s life will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20016, on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jon’s name to the Charity of Spartan 300. Founded by West Springfield High School alumni, the Charity of Spartan 300 come together to support the school’s community members facing hardships, fund scholarships, and give back to alumni, faculty and current students: https://spartan300charity.org/get-involved or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) which provides support groups, advocacy, and education to improve the lives of individuals affected by mental health issues: nami.org