Jonathan Reuben Pickerl

Jonathan was born on November 9, 1977, in San Diego, California. He was a devout Christian who committed his life to Jesus in 2006 and publicly declared that commitment with a beach baptism in 2009. He was preceded on his journey through the gates of Heaven by his grandparents; his stepfather, David Bainbridge; his uncle, Jim Ford; and his sister-in-law, Shannon (Wimer) Hunston.

Jonathan spent his working years as a dedicated and skilled Commercial HVAC Technician and was a member of the HVAC Union UA Local 803, earning his official certification and union membership in 2012. But most people remember Jonathan as a man of many outdoor passions. He will always be remembered as an accomplished fisherman, an outdoor explorer, and, above all, for his lifelong fascination with God’s “critters,” especially reptiles. When not with his friends or family, Jonathan would typically be found caring for his various, unique, and prized collection of reptiles. And more recently, he used his knowledge and expertise as a reptile breeder to create his own business, JRP Reptiles LLC, a pursuit that reflected an ongoing dedication to the care and understanding of the animals he admired.

Jonathan is survived by his wife of nine years, Joni-Ann (Wimer) Pickerl of Sorrento, FL; his mother, Carol Bainbridge of Tavares, FL; his father, Dwight Pickerl of New Albany, OH; his sister, Elizabeth (Thaddeus) Claggett of Newark, OH; sister, Andrea (Benn) Angon of Oakbrook Terrace, IL; brothers-in-law Jon-Paul (Christina) Wimer of Winter Springs, FL; Brian Hunston of Apopka, FL; and, mother and father-in-law, Lori and Phil Wimer of Apopka, FL. And he will also be sadly missed by many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers, and friends who impacted Jonathan’s life in various and meaningful ways.

As per the family’s wish, a private ceremony will be held at a later date.