Jonathan Kwesi Merrick Gass

It is with profound sorrow and deep love that we announce the transition of Jonathan Kwesi Merrick Gass, 53, of Suwanee, Georgia, who departed this life peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026. Jonathan was a man of quiet strength, unwavering discipline, and a boundless heart whose life bridged three nations and touched souls across continents.

A Legacy of Service and Discipline

Jonathan's life was a testament to honor, excellence, and a true warrior's spirit. An honorably discharged United States Marine Corps veteran, he embodied the Corps' core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment long after his service. Serving as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, he was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Rifle Marksmanship Badge, and the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal.

In his professional life, Jonathan served with distinction as Senior Supervisor of Quality Control at Bend Bioscience in Georgia. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, his steady leadership, and his generous mentorship, he earned the deep respect of his colleagues. Beyond the laboratory, Jonathan found kinship, balance, and purpose as a devoted practitioner and brother within the Southern Praying Mantis Federation, where his skill, humility, and dedication to the martial arts were admired by all who knew him.

A Global Family, A Cherished Son and Brother

Jonathan's warmth, wit, and gentle character knew no borders. He was a cherished son, brother, nephew, and friend whose presence was a gift to family and community in the United States, Canada, and Ghana. He was the beloved son of Ms. Menilyn Theodora Merrick (deceased) and Mr. David Simpson Gass.

He is lovingly remembered by: his father, Mr. David Simpson Gass, of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada; his sister, Professor Emerita Zelma Badu-Younge, Ph.D. and brother-in-law, Professor Emeritus Paschal Younge, Ed.D., of Atlanta, Georgia; his uncles: Deacon Emeritus Henry Putnam Merrick (wife, Rita Bain Merrick) and Mr. Hogarth Selassie Merrick (wife, Audrey Merrick), of Cincinnati, Ohio; his aunts: Justice Deborah Gass (retired Supreme Court Judge), of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada and Dr. Rebekah J. Gass, of Houlden, Maine; and a vast network of close-knit friends, martial arts brothers and sisters, colleagues, and extended family across three continents who will miss his calm presence, his quiet laughter, and his steadfast love.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." – Thomas Campbell

Jonathan lived with intention and integrity. Whether upholding the highest standards in quality control, perfecting his martial arts forms with focused grace, or simply sharing a quiet moment with those he loved, he did so with dignity and heart. His legacy of discipline, kindness, and quiet strength will continue to inspire and guide all who were blessed to know him.

Memorial Information

A memorial service to celebrate Jonathan's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at South Forsyth Memorial Chapel, 3545 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee, Georgia 30024. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26071163115036

Hotel Locations near Memorial Site For those traveling Nationally and Internationally:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta-Johns Creek, Approximately 0. 8 miles, 7146 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Suwanee, Georgia 30024 (678) 638-9800

Hampton Inn & Suites Johns Creek, Approximately 0.8 Miles, 6440 East Johns Crossing, Johns Creek, GA 30097 (470) 573-3997

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Suwanee Johns Creek, Approximately 1.6 Miles, 2692 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee, Georgia 30024 (678) 405-7623