Jonathan Walter Mullens was born on November 7, 1988 in Redding Ca. His mother Jacki brought him home to an older brother Joshua and 8 years later, gave Jon a younger brother Jackson.
Besides being a son, a grandson, a younger brother and an older brother, Jon was also a father, his baby boy, Brian Jacob Mullens was born in June of 2007 and was named after Jon's best friend.
Jon spent many of his early years in Shingletown where he attended Black Butte School. While there he made a name for himself as an artist. His grandmother, Roseanna remembers a Back-To-School night where the teacher took her aside and proudly pointed out one of Jon's detailed drawings.
In 2003, Jon and his family moved from Shingletown to Redding and Jon attended community schools.
Besides art, Jon loved skateboarding. He was very daring on his board. He was especially fond of skating up and down the volcano at Kid's Kingdom in east Redding. Athletic and knowing no fear, Jon would run, tumble, leap and swing on anything in reach. He also rode his bicycle for miles and miles.
Jon's Aunt Julie described him as a happy, curious baby. She also described him as a kind child who nursed sick animals back to health. She especially remembers a cat who was injured while sleeping near a trucks engine and the truck was unknowingly turned on. Jon caught and held the cat, and carefully tended to her injuries.
Another story has Jon riding home from Black Butte School and finding an injured bird in the road. Bringing it home to his kindhearted mother, they fed the tiny animal rice cereal and captured bugs to feed it until it was strong enough to fly away. Over his life, Jon befriended any animal or creature he found.
Besides animals, Jon had a soft spot for people in need. It didn't matter who you were or what kind of trouble you might be in, he tried hard to be there for you. Not having many material goods himself Jon would still share what he had, with anyone in need. He had a kind and generous heart.
Jon told his grandmother, Roseanna, when they had a day together in the summer of 2007, that he wanted to go back to school, find steady work, get a car and an apartment of his own and most importantly, be a good and present father to his son.
With his life and those deams cut short, Jon will have to watch over little Brian from heaven.
