Jonathan Graham Eggena

Jonathan Graham Eggena. The party started in Pekin, Illinois in November of 1969. Sadly, the party ended in January of 2024. During the earlier stages of Jon’s life, his family moved often, including stints in various locations: Ohio, Kentucky, and South Carolina. This exposure is how Jon found his niche for connecting with people, never meeting a stranger. During his elementary school years in Henderson, Kentucky, Jon met people who would remain lifelong friends. This is also when he discovered his love for the Beatles. He found his parents' top hits Beatles record and would often play air guitar in the mirror, accompanied by an endless repetition of Beatles songs. Entering middle school in Greenville, South Carolina, marked a monumental moment in Jon's life, again venturing into uncharted territory. He struggled to find his group in middle school, like so many of us do, often feeling alone. This all changed once he went to Riverside High School. He met his group through the football team and parties… with almost everyone knowing his name throughout Greenville. Jon always had a smile on his face, a quality which he passed onto his daughter, Olivia. His ebullient and infectious energy spread to everyone he met. He had an impeccable memory and realized he loved all the books he read in high school. At reunions he would recite the plot, characters, and imagery like he had read the books just yesterday. His favorite was A Separate Peace; it pierced his heart and showed him the beauty of literature. He chose to follow in his big brother’s footsteps and attended Auburn University. The vibrant Greek life, in the KA Order fraternity, proved to be an ideal fit for him. Immersed in a community that was charming, gallant, and deeply connected, Jon found a strong brotherhood during his time at Auburn. Auburn University opened a world of great live music for Jon, with memorable experiences like watching Widespread Panic perform at a fraternity party. Crafting many mixtapes, his passion for music deepened over the years. He loved watching football and getting ready for the games in his blue blazer. The vibrant party scene further endeared Auburn to him. He always looked back on his college years fondly and was very proud to be an Auburn University alum. Upon graduating college, Jon faced the harsh reality of adulthood, initially finding it hard to find suitable employment. Later, he landed a great job with Verisign in Atlanta, which he was grateful to find. Settling into a beautiful, historically rich apartment on Peachtree Road, he met one of his best friends. As life is often wont to do, he faced trouble as one time the ceiling caved in on him while he was sleeping! Reflecting on these years, Jon would compare them to the chaotic scenes in the film The Wolf of Wall Street. Realizing Atlanta didn't align with the tranquil ambiance he sought, he found his haven in Asheville, North Carolina—a perfect blend of art, architecture, and music, the things he loved most. Moving to the historic Montford neighborhood, he fell in love with his home, consistently renovating and perfecting its appearance to suit his taste. Building a strong community in Montford, he knocked on one woman's door creating an instant life-long connection while meeting another best friend through her. They had grand parties often compared to those in The Great Gatsby. Jon had a remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met, forging deep and meaningful relationships filled with laughter and tears. During this time, he met Melissa Benfield, a local from Avery County, whom he instantly recognized as "the one." They connected over her learning Mandarin and reading Atlas Shrugged. This captivated Jon. Their relationship blossomed into love, leading to a delightful and intimate wedding in March of 2008. Facing life's challenges together only strengthened their bond, and before they knew it, their joyous melody, "Here Comes the Sun," arrived in the form of their daughter, Olivia. Jon and Olivia shared a unique connection, akin to that of best friends. Their car rides on the Parkway, with music playing softly as Jon tried to lull her to sleep, became cherished moments. They delved into imaginative worlds with Barbies, creating intricate backstories. It was in these moments that Olivia discovered her love for storytelling, a trait inherited from her father. As Olivia grew older, their bond got stronger. The two shared many of the same interests, such as music, literature, and sports. He sent his daughter to Hanger Hall, where they hosted the first and last parties for her graduating class, passing the torch of his love for community and hosting parties onto Olivia. Their Friday coffee sessions became a ritual for life advice and meaningful conversations. Jon's desire to expose Olivia to the world took them on adventures to Paris, Cabo San Lucas, London, and Northern Italy. Through these experiences, he cultivated Olivia's curiosity and appreciation for the diverse wonders of the world, leaving a lasting mark on her, much like the timeless stories they shared. He is remembered as a kind man who made a difference in all the lives of everyone fortunate to know him. Always willing to do an act of kindness, he strived for everyone to uplifted after interacting with him. He was so loved by everyone, and the love and warmth he brought to the earth will remain in his absence. As John Lennon said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it’s not the end.” Jon is survived by: Madge (mother), Melissa (wife), Olivia (daughter), Tim (brother), Megan (sister-in-law), Wright and Sutton (nephews). In honor of Jon we ask you to reach out and make a connection. Spill your heart out to the people you love. It's worth letting your guard down and expressing your feelings. A wake filled with friends and family in Jon’s honor will be held at a later date.

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