Jonah Jacob Lavering

Jonah Jacob Lavering, born May 18, 2000 in Sacramento, California, was only 20 when he went to be with the Lord. Loved and missed by many, he left a huge impact as a son, brother, cousin, nephew and friend. Also as a soccer player, basketball player, and rapper. Jonah was truly a beautiful soul who drove his mom nuts, although she would not have it any other way. He is her baby and they have a special bond. 

On the surface many saw a quiet sports fanatic, a man of few words…but then there was that sweet charming smile that always left a huge impression and impacted one’s soul. Jonah was a gifted athlete, loyal friend and all-round goofball. He was the total package. If you were lucky enough to break through his quiet demeanor, you got a world of generosity, love and fun-loving antics, attributed by his mom. They say the nut does not fall far from the tree.  

Jonah was blessed with a kind, hardworking, and dedicated stepfather, Frank Hightower, influencing him from a young age. They shared the love of sports and God. Jonah and Frank were there for each other when it counted most. Jonah gave Frank motivation. He toughened Frank up. A gifted athlete himself, Frank raised Jonah to be a respectful and committed athlete, but Jonah also taught Frank to be a man by forcing the responsibility it took to take care of the family. When it came to basketball, Frank was Jonah’s biggest fan, no one was going to do Jonah wrong.  Frank truly believed in Jonah as a bright, talented son and gifted player.

#11’s claim to fame…world-class baller, 3-point shooting champ, an understated force. His love for basketball was undeniably at the center of his soul.  He never set the ball down, even after high school, he kept shooting hoops with his friends in the front yard, park, wherever. The amount of pride he received from his fans and family was a humbling experience for Jonah. He always had supporters that followed him throughout his life…on the soccer field, the basketball court or in the music recording studio.

Rapping was Jonah’s latest passion and he jumped into it with his usual obsessive focus. Jonah put everything he had into whatever craft he was fixated on. He amazed his fans when he “spit bars” and created music. This guy was an all-around natural. Jonah embodied his mantra “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” -- Wayne Gretzky.

Jonah and Reese(sister), should have been twins. They celebrated their unique bond through their actions every day. Reese could be seen at all of Jonah’s games beaming with support and pride.  They shared all the same lifelong friends; many grew up attending their mother’s daycare or pesky neighbors that gravitated to their family home. Although, at times daycare wasn’t ideal, they loved the adventure and exploration of the town that allowed them to bond and create fun memories. Reese and Jonah, the definition of compromise, love, strife, competition and most importantly forever friends. Per Jonah, “Reese, you know we’re like 100% related, no one else could be more related than we are because we’re siblings.”

A little-known fact, Jonah came home without a name from the hospital. It took his mom weeks to name this special, sweet toe-head. I guess that is why the family came up with their own names for the big guy: JB, Jonah Bear, JC, The Jones, Chief, Brother, Bruv. Given his clever, witty, jokester nature, his friends have their names they called him too, for example J-Smoove.

This is but a small glimpse of Jonah’s life, personality and legacy. Jonah will always be remembered as a true player whose talent surpassed his own expectations. A strong, loving, caring, sweet, funny, wild, courageous, silent type. But the true testament…if you received a text from Jonah with just one word, you knew you were special. MOM!