In Loving Memory of Jonathan William Street

With heavy hearts, we mourn Jonathan William Street, a much loved son, grandson, brother, husband, father, and friend who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 35, on Tuesday August 8, 2023.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee to Bill and Dayna Street, Jonathan’s early life unfolded in Olive Branch, Mississippi and Gardendale, Alabama with his younger brother Matthew. After graduating high school in 2006, he pursued higher education with a fervor that led his family to affectionately joke about his collection of degrees. He attended Delta State University in Mississippi for his undergraduate and graduate studies and earned a Juris Doctorate from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2015. He then worked as an immigration attorney in Memphis and later landed a job he loved as a transactional attorney for Hilton. His dynamic personality and eloquence made him not only a valuable professional asset but an exceptional leader.

In October of 2015, he married the love of his life, Rachael Sherman, in a beautiful backyard wedding at his grandparent’s home in Bartlett, Tennessee. On April 12, 2017, they welcomed into this world a baby boy, Silas Arthur, and, three years later, a daughter, Ruby June, on June 2, 2020. They moved from Memphis to Ogden, Utah in 2021 where Jonathan was afforded the opportunity to work from home, thankful to help and watch his children grow. He loved Silas and Ruby deeply and, more than anything, wanted them to feel the acceptance and love he struggled to feel himself.

Jonathan was a man of intensity – he pursued his passions, such as music, whitewater kayaking, football, and fitness, with his whole self. He often said he felt “most at home on the water,” and was known to hoot and holler joyfully from his kayak. He recently kayaked the Jarbridge River in Idaho with a group of close friends on a five day trip and loved every moment.

A true fitness enthusiast, he was far more than a man who just enjoyed working out – he was a beacon of motivation and enthusiasm, spending countless hours mastering his workouts and helping others to uncover hidden strengths and push themselves to their limits. He was always ready with a word of encouragement and found great fulfillment in helping others achieve their goals. Jonathan’s self-designed CrossFit garage gym was his sanctuary. You could find him there nearly every morning, getting stronger and faster. He will be remembered for the passion he brought to every workout. His hallmark was a burst of energy for a final push with the call, “last one, best one!”

His dog, Lola, brought him much peace and comfort. He would say “that dog has a soul” and often remarked how she helped him better understand how to accept love. He also loved football in all its forms, college, NFL, Fantasy… if you mentioned football, a spark would ignite in him, and he would eagerly engage in the conversation. He would be so excited to express his passion for the sport with knowledge and analysis. Many evenings were marked by cheers of “Roll Tide!” directed at the television alongside his family. He found deep satisfaction in working with his hands, a project always on his workbench with two more in the yard. As a boy, he was always on the lookout for anything that needed mending around the house, simply to engage his love of fixing them.

Music was a healing place for Jonathan. He felt understood and seen by artists such as Zach Bryan, Cody Jinks, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Jack White, Billy Strings, Eric Church, and Dave Matthews. He also loved old country, like Johnny Cash and the like. Live music especially soothed his soul. For the last two years, he spent Sunday mornings with his kids, listening to "Jesus music" and eating pop-tarts. Lauren Daigle, Shane and Shane, and Crowder were his favorites. 

Spiritually, Jonathan was a seeker and a learner. His father, a pastor in Tennessee, guided his young son to a walk with Jesus. He was with his mother when he prayed to accept Jesus at just 6 years old. Jonathan read the Bible front to back several times and always welcomed deep discussion. He sought to feel at peace with himself and the world around him. He longed for understanding and connection with the world beyond this one and reevaluated his beliefs many times over the years. A constant throughout his search was a belief of God as an unfathomable and loving Father who desires for people to love and accept one another. Jonathan was an encouraging and honest friend, he would never shy away from stating hard truths and would never sugarcoat his thoughts.

Jonathan strived to be the husband and father he wanted to become, and was known for great moments of happiness and generosity. He also struggled for many years with deep inner anguish and feelings of inadequacy that he could not shake. During his final bout of despair, the beauty and fragility of the gift of life and love had slipped from his view.

If there is one thing Jonathan would hope for every one of us, it is this: be the best father, mother, sister, brother, husband, or wife that you can, and live your life with passion. If you are reading this now and experience similar feelings as Jonathan did, please know that change is possible, and healing can be found. Life is difficult and beyond painful at times, but there is a pathway to a better tomorrow. Also, you should try whitewater kayaking sometime.

Jonathan is survived by his wife, Rachael, his two children Silas (6), and Ruby (3), his brother Matthew and sister-in-law Maddie, his parents Bill and Dayna, his maternal grandparents, “Grandmama and Papa” John and Pat Caldwell, as well as many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Alpine Community Church in Riverdale, Utah on August 18, 2023 at 11 o’clock in the morning.

A support fund has been set up for Rachael, Silas, and Ruby to aid them as they move forward, navigating the challenging path ahead.

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