Jon Gregory Nerf, 63, passed away on September 23, 2026, after a courageous journey with a progressive neurological disease.

Born on April 30, 1963, Jon lived a life filled with family, friendship, faith, learning, laughter, music, sports, and more than a little silliness. He was a beloved son, father, husband, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend whose wit, intelligence, humor, and love for those around him will be deeply missed.

Jon was the husband of Jill Nerf, his wife of 34 years, and the incredibly proud father of their son, Jarred Nerf. Family was an important part of Jon’s life. His definition of family stretched well beyond relatives. He was blessed with a remarkable group of lifelong friends known affectionately as “The Gang.” Their friendships began in childhood and endured through all of life’s milestones, creating decades of stories, laughter, inside jokes, memories, and a bond that truly stood the test of time.

Jon was a graduate of Bishop Kenny Catholic High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education and later a Master’s of Arts in Literature, both from the University of North Florida.

For 35 years, Jon devoted his professional life to teaching high school English, including AP Literature and AP Language. A lifelong reader himself, Jon shared his love of literature, language, critical thinking, and the written word with generations of students. Teaching was more than Jon’s profession—it was an important part of who he was, and his influence lives on in the countless students whose lives and minds he touched throughout his career.

Outside the classroom, Jon had plenty of passions. He loved music—especially Queen—and was a loyal sports fan, particularly of the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Gators. He loved books and reading, but he was just as happy being silly, making people laugh, and simply being goofy. Those who knew Jon best will remember not only his intelligence and knowledge, but also his sense of humor and his ability to bring laughter into the lives of the people he loved, as well as his strong Catholic faith.

Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents, Francis and Marlene Nerf.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Nerf; his son, Jarred Nerf; his sister and brother-in-law, Aimee and Rob Mizell; his parents-in-law, Nancy and Vic Castilleja and Jack and Gail Smith; and his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Terri and Larry Legg, Amy and Terry Smith, Traci and Tom Best, and Brooke and Kevin Kasser.

Jon also leaves behind his treasured lifelong friends, “The Gang”: Tony Newman (Betsy), Punkie Brown (Quentin), Tina Grant, Cindy Hawkins (Mike), James Flowers (Rachel), and Avery Rouse (Tammy), along with many other dear friends, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, former colleagues, and students who were fortunate enough to know him.

While Jon’s illness changed many things over the course of his journey, it could never erase the life he built, the people he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the students he inspired, or the memories he created. His was a life measured not simply in years, but in lessons taught, books read, songs enjoyed, games cheered, friendships that lasted a lifetime, laughter shared, and people loved.

And somewhere, we like to imagine, the Cubs and Gators are winning, Queen is playing, there are several really good books nearby—and Jon is making somebody laugh.

He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.

The funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday, October 16, 2026, at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 11757 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Divine Mercy House (Divine Mercy Ministries, Inc.) or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.