Jon Fredric Brinkley

Growing up, Jon possessed an innate curiosity for how things worked. He often took objects apart just to understand how they operated and then found joy in putting them back together. Of all his childhood pets, Jon held a special fondness for cats, and he maintained a lifelong affection for them. During his teenage years, he developed an interest in photography and even set up a darkroom in the laundry room of his childhood home. Jon favored photographing nature but won a Kodak photography contest with a black-and-white portrait of his mother. The following year he was named runner-up in the same contest with a black-and-white photograph of his grandfather. He had a keen eye for capturing people in their most candid moments.

Jon attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas and graduated cum laude with a BA in Political Science in 1991. After working for a law firm in Houston for a few years, he returned to Austin and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Texas McCombs School of Business in 1997.

As a business intelligence and analytics professional and executive, Jon excelled in improving processes and delivering solutions for mitigating risk, optimizing performance, and maximizing profitability. His skill set included research analysis, strategic planning, risk and portfolio management, and dashboard development. His career spanned several years at major financial institutions such as Fannie Mae, AIG/United Guaranty, Citi, and Wells Fargo.

Possessing an inquisitive mind and an adventurous spirit, Jon pursued several interests during his life. He learned to fly, play golf, ride a unicycle, make pottery, play the guitar, bake an assortment of breads, create a variety of culinary delights, and brew beer. Yoga and meditation became favorite pastimes.

Throughout the years, Jon maintained a close-knit circle of friends, spending time traveling and hiking with them. Jon’s family is most grateful to Rob Tubbs, a friend of 30 years. Together they took jaunts throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, creating memorable stories. Rob gifted Jon with support and strength before and during his illness—kind and generous gestures that his family will never forget.

In 2023, Jon met his life partner, Sandry Suarez, a native of Ecuador. Even though distance separated them, they maintained a loving and committed relationship. When Jon became critically ill, Sandry was by his side, and her unwavering dedication and love brought him much comfort.

Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred Brinkley, Sr., Helen Brinkley, and Annie Murl McCoy; his stepfather, Michael Farrell; his uncle, Richard Hoppstetter; his nephew, Josh Bauerle; and his cousin, Jimmy Brinkley. He is survived by his mother, Anita Farrell; his father and stepmother, Fred and Debra Brinkley; his sisters, Gina Bauerle and Angie Brinkley; his partner, Sandry Suarez and her daughter, Mia; his niece, Lexi Bauerle; his nephew, Jake Bauerle and wife Maddison; his great-nephew, Brodie Bauerle; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Samer Bibawi and Cynthia Griffin of Richardson Hematology Oncology Associates and the medical team at Methodist Richardson Medical Center and Hospice Austin Christopher House for their care and support during Jon’s illness.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Jon will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 2:00 at Weed Corley Fish, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX with a reception to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin Christopher House at www.hospiceaustin.org or Austin Pets Alive at https://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate