Jonathan Livingston Souto Lopes

JONATHAN

I still can’t believe it. It didn’t happen. I will wake up, and my son will be in his room sleeping like a baby he was forty-four years ago. A most huggable baby who always clings on my chest as if he was part and never left my womb.

A boy who knew what his job was, and at six years old co-acted with Bryan Cranston on a Tylenol commercial, followed by Sun-Maid Raisins, Minolta, Cereal, Days of Our lives and more. At every audition for an acting job, he was never reluctant to compete among many other kids, sometimes two hundred. He’d say, “If I don’t go to the audition, they don’t see me, I won’t get the job”. A child, so serious about his work. So, he helped our family.

Even then, he still had time to help others. Ereto, a boy from Ethiopia received his help. To complement his expenses, he asked me to make chocolate fudge for him to sell to send money to Ereto. That money would feed Ereto and his family for months and help him stay in school. Jonathan would go to my Mary Kay meetings wearing his blue suit and bowtie he wore at the Days of Our Lives Show and sell fudges.

But it wasn’t enough, my young boy collected soda cans, smashed them down and we sold them at the recycle site. We’d drive through the weight machine with the car full of cans and out of the site, empty. The money wasn’t much, but his idea of helping someone was great. Erato’s family was happy and fed.

Jonathan loves alligators. We used to go to visit them at Los Angeles Zoo. Once we went with Bryan Cranstion. The alligators were in trouble, they needed help, so he sponsored an alligator, and his name was added to the donor’s wall.

At eleven years old Jonathan on his first attempt at a culinary contest, Call for Entrees, among adults, he won second prize as a chef with his quail eggs fondue losing for a jambalaya, and that was his first step into the world of food excellency. Even though he was born in America, he never forgot his inherited Brazilian culture, so he added it to his culinary approach.

Many times, Jonathan would call me at work to ask me how would cook this or that. And at the end of a hard day of work, I’d step into our home, the aroma of spices would fill the air and soon the three of us, Chris, myself and Jonathan we were at the table delighting a meal. They always knew that dinner wasn’t finished until the kitchen was cleaned.

He got a job at Disney in Orlando at Boma Kitchen at the Animal Kingdom Hotel; he was still very young. On the first day his car broke down in the morning. He was stranded. Not Jonathan. He was new in the area, didn’t know how far to walk, but he did. He walked a few miles but made it to work and his boss was impressed. At the opening of the hotel, the first crew members were invited to stay three days and two at the Animal Kingdom Hotel. Instead of inviting friends he took me and his brother. It was my birthday. The crew surprised me with a cake. That’s my son Jonathan.

Together, we traveled to Mountain Rushmore and Yellow Stone Park. Of course he photographed the night sky. He traveled the world chasing and eclipses and to Brazil to visit our family. On Wednesdays, his day off, we went to mass at twelve o’clock and had lunch when possible.

I know he is holding hands with the Virgin Mary and San Joseph, who took care of him here and now guide him to heaven into the arms of the Lord Our Father, and he’s looking down at us and helping us to cope with life by remembering him, because he’s okay and happy, so we should be happy too. He did his job here with us and God needs our Jonathan with Him now.

I love you, son.

Maybe because Jonathan started working very young, he faced his jobs with great responsibility looking for a place where he could feel at home, not just a job, but a family. And he did. The Yacht Club was his new family, and he’d say this it was it, no more searching.

I want to express my gratitude to Delora, Chris, James, John (Big John), Tim and Renee for their friendship and support. A mother can only be happy and thankful for you having taken my son inside your arms. My gratitude also extended to all the club members and workers who he admired and respected, and his friends Jon, Mike, Chris and others for being his friends.

And a special thanks to son Chris and wife Katia and grandchildren who took me into their home. To my sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, sisters-in law and my friends here and in Brazil who have been there for me with their love and supportive phone calls and text messages.

With the beautiful words to follow by Delora, I realize that my Jonathan was loved by all, and he loved them back.

Thank you.

_______

Jonathan Lopes, affectionately nicknamed “LJ” by friends and family, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2025, in Seminole, Florida, at the age of 44.

Born on January 27, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Jonathan brought warmth, energy, and joy to every life he touched.

A gifted and creative Chef, Jonathan poured his heart into the meals he prepared, delighting those around him not just with delicious flavors but with the warmth and love he put into every dish. Everyone knew that Jonathan wanted to bring people together through food. He wanted to make sure everyone felt heard

and special through the meals he prepared.

His greatest gifts, however, were not just culinary. Jonathan was a true friend. He was the kind of friend who always had time to listen, always ready to offer a helping hand, or a much-needed laugh. From spontaneous, offbeat dance moves in the kitchen, to joyful, imperfect and off-key songs, Jonathan’s energy could always make us smile, usually when we needed it the most.

Jonathan was driven by a boundless curiosity and wonder for the universe. His passion for space and the stars led him to chase astronomical events like the total eclipse, and his travel adventures crossed continents. Whether exploring vibrant cities or tranquil countrysides, Jonathan embraced each new place with contagious enthusiasm.

Jonathan’s spirit lives on with his mother Jardelina Souto, his brother Chris Lopes and wife Katia and their four children, Gabriella, Mark, Erick and Julianna. Family was at the core of Jonathan’s world, cherishing his heritage and deep bonds with loved ones and his family in Brazil. There are countless friends and loved ones around the world and here at home whose lives he brightened along his way. He will be deeply missed by all.

Those who know Jonathan are invited to celebrate his memory by sharing a meal, gazing at the stars, or embracing a loved one as he so often did.

Jonathan’s legacy will continue in every heart he touched, every kitchen he inspired, and every adventure that reminds us to live with laughter, love, and curiosity.