Jonathan Paul Imlay was born Feb. 10, 1974, in Pasadena, and passed away peacefully at his family home in Lake Arrowhead, on March 8, 2020, at the age of 46. Jon lived his relatively short life in a large-hearted way. His family and friends will miss him tremendously — his readiness to help, his listening ear and kind words, his love of sports and the mountain community, his devotion to family and friends, and his joy in caring for animals, especially his beloved family dogs.
Jon was raised in San Marino and attended San Marino schools from kindergarten through high school. From an early age, his talent for sports was obvious. He especially excelled in baseball and football in high school and then college before injuries forced him to end his quest for a sports career. He was the starting catcher in three baseball CIF Championship games in his high school career, winning two of those championship games and was voted All-CIF catcher during his senior year at San Marino High School.
Jon was well known in Lake Arrowhead. His dedication to work at the Lake Arrowhead Resort for the past 15 years, and his quiet, positive attitude made him a welcome presence in the community. His favorite activities were golfing, hiking and fishing in Lake Arrowhead and surfing on Maui, near his parents’ home.
Jonny’s friends would like the family to know how much they loved him. He was full of positive vibes, fun to be around, a really great athlete who treated his rivals as friends, and just a sweet, kind guy with a huge heart. “Jonny was easy to talk to and always had me in stitches.” There was “no drama, no negativity…just fun, joy, and connection.” We will all miss him.
Jon is survived by his parents John (Ron) and Cheryl Imlay, brothers Brian (Theresa) and Benjamin, nephew Austin, nieces Kewen and Joslin, grandparents Patrick and Cynthia Schmitz, uncles Ed (Corinne) Imlay, Jack (Susie) McGinley, aunts BettyRose Tauer and Tina Mauldin, and 14 cousins.
Arrangements are being handled by Bobbitt Memorial Chapel in San Bernardino. The link to Jon’s Life Tribute Page is https://www.bobbittchapel.com/obituaries/Jonathan-Imlay/#!/Obituary where all are invited to share their memories and photos. Jon’s memorial service is delayed due to coronavirus concerns and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wildhaven Ranch, P.O. Box 1782, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352. Because of his love of wildlife, donations will be recognized in his name with a memorial brick on the Donor Walk at Wildhaven Ranch. Further information may be obtained at: https://wildhavenranch.org.
