Jonathan David Windfield

Jon was born on September 4, 1979, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in Grand Island, where his curiosity, adventurous spirit, and love of learning began to flourish. He attended Trinity Lutheran School through eighth grade, played trumpet at church, and began practicing Taekwondo at just six years old. Even as a child, Jon was mischievous, spirited, and full of life.

In 1997, Jon moved to Denver, Colorado, where he finished high school before enlisting in the United States Navy. A lifelong patriot, he qualified for the nuclear training program and completed advanced electronics but finally moved to combat training and assignments. He then transitioned to the United States Army, serving in psychological operations within the special operations community. Over ten years of military service, Jon completed three combat tours, one in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. Known by the nickname “Rambo” for the ammunition belts he carried across his chest, Jon was determined, capable, and always ready to protect those around him. His military service left lasting challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder, but he continued to pursue his passions and build a meaningful life.

Jon possessed an extraordinary thirst for knowledge. Passionate about politics, physics, science, meteorology, and aviation, he was remarkably well-read and seemed to know something about nearly everything. His father affectionately called much of it “useless information,” but anyone who knew Jon understood that he was the kind of person you could trust to win Jeopardy!

His love of aviation led him to earn his pilot's license and log more than 200 flight hours. Although his eyesight limited his ambitions as a pilot, his fascination with aircraft never faded. Jon also earned a degree in meteorology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and built a career in the airline industry, working first for Frontier Airlines and later for United Airlines, where he remained employed at the time of his passing.

Jon loved music from around the world, particularly modern Egyptian music, and approached different cultures with an open mind and genuine curiosity. In a beautiful reflection of his individuality and cultural passions, Jon dyed his hair blond and cherished everything about the sun. This is due to his advocacy and connection in Iraq to Kurdish culture, who are often poetically known as the “Children of the Sun.”

In 2025, Jon married his soulmate, Passent, in Alexandria, Egypt. Together, they built their life in Colorado, sharing a deep connection through their many interests and conversations. They were devoted to their family and shared a love of birds, caring for their four budgies together.

Jon is survived by his wife, Passent; his father, Tom; his brother, Aaron; and the extended family and friends whose lives he touched. Jon's life was one of service, discovery, courage, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the unique ‘sunlight’ he brought into the world.