Jonathan was a lifelong dreamer and a poetic old soul. A passionate audiophile and aficionado of popular music, his encyclopedic knowledge of rock, jazz, soul and numerous other repertoires left his friends and admirers in awe almost as much as did his carefully assembled collection of tens of thousands of vinyl record albums.

He was a free thinker and an early adopter of the independent music culture and aesthetic decades before it became popular. He was a musician in his own right—a guitarist and songwriter whose haunting melodies were peculiar, deep, and beautiful. Under the stage name “Barracuduh,” he was a sought-after D.J. whose devoted followers were spellbound by his impeccable taste and store of eclectic deep cuts.

He was a generous, sweet, and gentle soul whose health struggles from an early age—fighting off severe persistent asthma as a young boy, including several near-death experiences—never dimmed his cheerful spirit nor the kindness he showed to everyone he met and touched.

In the fall of 2007, Jonathan was diagnosed with a lemon-sized Glioblastoma, a Grade-IV brain tumor with an average survival rate of 12-15 months. Through determination, grit, and fortitude, Jonathan faced and defied this dire prognosis, enduring five brain surgeries, numerous rounds of grueling chemo and radiation, and arduous months of physical therapy—all without ever losing his sense of humor, positive outlook, or generosity of spirit. He lived more than 18 years past his initial diagnosis, sharing priceless quality time and making treasured memories with his family and cherished friends.

Jonathan’s example of persistence, resilience, stubbornness in the face of terrifying odds, and love stands as a precious gift to those of us left to mourn his loss.

Jonathan is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John Ellington David, Sr. and Elmena Porter David of Alexandria; his paternal grandparents, George Elton Rhea, Sr. and Mary Nell Slater Rhea of Minden; and uncles John Ellington David, Jr., James Porter David, Sr., Donald Hampton DeLoach, and George Elton Rhea, Jr.

His memory lives on in the hearts of his parents, Onie Susan David Rhea and Milton Slater Rhea of Alexandria; his brother, Slater David Rhea and sister-in-law Emma Rhea; his niece and goddaughter Mena Star Rhea, and nephew David Slater Rhea of Katy, Texas; his aunts, Ethma Anne David Smith (and uncle Mark Harrod Smith, Sr.) of Leesville, Victoria Musgrave David of Woodworth, Betty Claire Rhea DeLoach of Youngsville, and Gail Reynaud Rhea of Shreveport; along with numerous cousins and cherished friends across Louisiana, Colorado, and beyond.

We, Jonathan’s family, extend our heartfelt appreciation for the care shown to Jonathan by so many in the last 18 years, including his friend and nurse David Thompson, who cared for him through his several brain surgeries, his home health aide, Gennie Elliott, and especially his outstanding neurosurgeon, Dr. Anil Nanda, whose lifesaving operation 18 years ago gave Jonathan a new lease on life, for which we will be forever grateful.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church with Rev. Dan O’Connor officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, at the funeral home, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. in the Kramer Chapel. Visitation will resume on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be his brother, Slater David Rhea and his cousins, Mark Harrod Smith, Jr., Drew Ellington Smith, James Porter David, Jr., Joseph Musgrave David, Scott Joseph Babin, Matthew Abrams, Steven Rhea DeLoach and David Rhea DeLoach.