Elijah Bradley Jones passed away unexpectedly in peaceful sleep on December 5, 2023 at the age of sixteen. Born on May 29, 2007 to Bradley and Laura Jones, Eli was the cherished star of his family. His presence was a light from the moment he was born, and it shone brightly on all those that knew him. While that light was taken too soon, we will forever hold it in our hearts. 

Eli will be remembered for many things; his infallibly kind and thoughtful heart being the most remarkable. He loved his family dearly, and they will especially miss his warm hugs, sweet smile, and bright eyes. Eli was his parents’ pride and joy, his sister’s treasure, and his brother’s best friend. He had a special fondness for his loving grandparents as well as his “lake family.” His family’s home-away-from-home on Indian Lake will forever hold memories of Eli as a boat captain and fisherman. 

Eli was rooted in faith and found his strength in God. Close to his heart was always the crucifix he wore around his neck that was gifted to him by his mother. He also showed faithfulness to his teams and friends. Elijah was a dedicated football player, track runner and weightlifter, and he was committed to bettering himself and those around him. He was always first to celebrate a good play or to help a player up. Even off the field, you could find him cheering for the Buckeyes or Browns with his dad, who not only served as his father, but as his mentor and coach. Eli’s hard work extended to his academic achievements as well, earning straight A's as a scholar athlete. 

Preceding Eli in his passing are his grandparents, Richard J. and Dolores Ann Wiechart. He is survived by his parents, Bradley and Laura Jones, and his siblings Anna (Garrick) Schroeder and Samuel Crisp. Also surviving are grandparents Susan Jones and William “Bill” (Deb) Jones, and special great-aunt Jane Seibert. Uncles and aunts survive including Kevin (Michele) Wiechart, Keith (Rosalind) Wiechart, Lisa (Jay) Taylor, and Scott (Bridgette) Jones. His surviving cousins include Kyle (Keri Ann) Wiechart, Brittany (Jordan) Sternberg, Travis (Rachel) Taylor, Lydia (Jacob Clemens) Wiechart, Lyric Jones, Barrette Jones, Casen Jones, and Kennedy Jones as well as precious second-cousins Zoe and Sophia Sternberg and Josephine “Jo-Jo” and baby-on-the way Taylor. 

Elijah was a young man of few words, and when he did speak, everyone wanted to listen. He was kind and wise beyond his years, and he blessed every life he touched. Please join Eli’s family to mourn his loss but also to celebrate the tremendous blessing that he was to so many. 

Visitation will be held at Bluffton High School from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 10, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bluffton, Ohio, with Father John McLoughlin presiding. A private burial will be held following the Mass at Maple Grove Cemetery in Bluffton, Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Elijah Jones Memorial Fund” to be used in support of Christian athlete scholarships and faith-based activities. Checks will be accepted at the visitation or via mail to 8871 Road R7, Columbus Grove, Ohio 45830.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/

Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton is honored to be providing services to Eli’s family.