Funeral Details

Jonathan Braden Blair

July 6, 1977 - October 15, 2023

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 12 Noon

Memorial Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, Illinois 60077
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Clergy

Rabbi Toby Manewith

Interment - Private

Gathering

Zhivagos
9925 Gross Point Road
Skokie, Illinois 60076
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Thursday following the memorial service

Condolences at the Blair Residence
1330 North LaSalle Drive, Unit 102
Chicago, Illinois 600610
Friday 12-6pm
Saturday 4-8pm
Sunday 12-6pm

Memorial Contributions

Simon & Aviva Blair's 529 Plan
gofund.me/f3816b6f




OBITUARY

On October 15, 2023, our world's laughter dimmed when Jonathan Braden Blair, age 46, left us. His irreverent humor and unparalleled wit remain. From Japan to Maryland, Michigan to Chicagoland, Portugal, California, Kentucky, Georgia, and Colorado, Jon’s quips and clever commentary enriched text streams and conversations. Everywhere he went, whether on the ski slopes he loved or in the courtroom where he demonstrated his mastery of law, he left a lasting impression.

The depth of Jon's love for his wife, Lana Zaretsky Blair, was unmistakable. Their connection, marked by shared laughter and countless inside jokes, radiated warmth, and created countless memories. Together they brought to the world two incredible children, Simon (9) and Aviva (5). Through the best and the hardest of times, their household radiated laughter and irreplaceable memories.

Jon held close ties with his family. The beloved son of Christine Nan Blair and the late Gregory Alan Blair, he also shared a bond with Karen Dubilier, Greg's wife. His relationship with his sisters, Rachel Blair and Meredith Blair Pearlman, was a testament to the close-knit bond of the Blair family. His love and dedication were felt by his entire extended family, including the Zaretsky in-laws, the Presman family, his brother-in-law Jeremy Pearlman, and his nieces, Benning (8) and Sabine (6), underscoring the numerous lives he impacted.

While the time Jon spent with us might have been shorter than any punchline he ever delivered, the joy and laughter he brought into our lives is everlasting. We will find solace in the echoes of his laughter as they live on in his children. They, along with all who knew and loved him, are custodians of his legacy. In every shared story, chuckle, and cherished memory, Jon's will continue to thrive, reminding us of the enduring impact one life can have on so many. His legacy as a passionate skier, a brilliant lawyer, a beloved son, husband, brother, son-in-law, and father is etched on the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love him.

Memorial Services will be Thursday, October 19 at 12 Noon at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Jon's deepest wish was to support his children's education. In lieu of flowers or other offerings, please consider donating to the children’s 529 plan in his memory (gofund.me/f3816b6f). Additionally, to help keep the memories of Jon alive for Simon and Aviva, we invite you to share your personal stories, anecdotes, and photographs of Jon by sending them to: StoriesofDaddy@gmail.com. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

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I met Jon on only 1 occasion, Meredith and Jeremy’s wedding. He introduced himself to me as Bill and proceeded to let me call him that for a couple days before someone finally asked me, “who is Bill?” He roared with laughter. It was my favorite memory of him from the brief time I was able to spend with him.

Shereen Graves
October 17, 2023
I was visiting Jon’s sister, Meredith, and brother-in-law, Jeremy, while on a business trip to San Francisco. Unbeknownst to me (and not true), Jon told Mer and Jer that I had quit drinking and not to give me any booze. Needless to say, things got awkward at dinner when I suggested ordering a bottle of wine for the table. Only later did I learn the backstory. That story still makes me smile.

Most of my best stories of Jon cannot be shared with his children until they are at least 18! Let’s just say we had a lot of fun.

Mark Killion
October 17, 2023
I really began to know Jon after he and Lana began dating. I remember our fun camping trips, with the cars packed to the max for our ONE night away! There was also the one that got rained out and ended up on a party boat at Diane’s family’s home.

I remember going to Mexico with Lana and Jon and some other friends and really seeing how they were together, and marveling at how they were two halves of the same soul… Jon always being so calm and grounded to Lana’s spicier flair for life. The perfect yin & yang.

Then they became parents and nothing was cooler than watching two people you admire so much raise children. I remember visiting after Jon was already ill, and Simon telling me that him and Jon had nerf gun fights.. and Jon would always win. Somehow it made me laugh and I expected no less from Jon. That is the kind of father I know Jon was.. a true friend first.

Jon was so infectious to be around because he always kept you laughing. He was always the funniest in a group, and wittier than anyone because he was also so intelligent. He will be incredibly missed, but I am sure never, ever forgotten.

Jon, you are out there I know it. Enjoy your dad, and the rest of the family you are with.

Ursula Jones
October 17, 2023
Please accept our deepest condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. With love Rita and Arkady Livitz.

Margarita Livitz
October 18, 2023
Please accept our deepest condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. From Ulta Enterprise Data Team.

Ronald Samuel
October 18, 2023
I met Jon when we were standing in line together during registration/orientation for the first day of law school. He was standing behind me and I didnt know who he was but I turned around and randomly asked him if he was "as scared sh*tless" as I was, He immediately said "yeah" and we became close friends from that moment forward as study buddies and drinking buddies until the end. ::editor's note:: we actually stopped being study buddies second year when we discovered we were terrible study partners and both our grades improved dramatically after we stopped studying so much together and focused more on being drinking and video game playing partners. If you're reading this Simon and Aviva, drinking is bad until you are of legal age whatever that is currently, I forget. Miss you Jon.

Matthew Tran
October 19, 2023
Running Brook elementary school…I had 3 best friends I could always count on…John Blair, David Domzalski and Brian walker. And when I graduated to Wilde lake Middle…We all use to spend our afternoons at Stan Winnicors basement playing games (and some homework too)…John was always the toughest out of all of us…fearless and smart and an absolutely a joy to grow up with. We lost track as high school started.,.hadn’t talked in years..I had a dream he was in a few days ago…I know now he was saying goodbye. With a heavy heart my friend…goodbye for now. We will see each other again.

Shehu Mayes
October 19, 2023
To Dear Jon's Family:
I send you all of my love and support. Jon was an amazing kid in our neighborhood of Faulkner Ridge in Columbia, Maryland. He carried his Bass Fiddle back and forth to school (it was bigger than he was) and played it beautifully! My children and I were welcomed to the Blair home on numerous occasions for festive holiday meals and casual family dinners. Jon, Rachel and Meredith were my children's (Anna and Alex) friends. We stayed in touch long after they moved to Michigan. I am grateful that I was able to visit Jon, meet Lana and the children two years ago. He was a shining star and gave his best shot at overcoming his illness. He was valiant! He wanted to spend as much time with Lana and his children. I am also grateful that Chris could be there to help support Jon and his family until the end. Love you!

Helen Szablya
October 19, 2023