Amherst, MA – It is with immense sorrow that we share our loss of a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend. Jonathan Judd Coe’s heart stopped beating on June 27, 2026, and our hearts are broken. John was born on February 19, 1985, to Norman and Jacklyn Coe of Amherst, MA. His younger brother, Nathaniel Avery Coe, came along five years later and they became camping and fishing buddies for life. They never met a fish they wouldn’t eat!
Together they explored Amherst and its surrounds, joining with their parents and friends in Scouting, sporting, camping, and school events. Along with their older sister, Melissa, they formed a trio of Coe siblings who loved each other deeply.
Life was full.
As time passed, art grew to become Jon’s passion. Jon headed to Boston for college and enrolled at Tufts University, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Jon inherited his artistic genes from his talented parents and his grandfather, Roland Coe. Roland was a syndicated cartoonist for The Saturday Evening Post and The New Yorker.
Jon’s art was a focus. He designed CD cover art for local musicians. He collaborated on mural art for the Springfield Courthouse with his father, Norman, and at MASSMoCA with the artist Sol LeWitt. Jon painted a mural here in Northampton at a local café after the owners spotted him sketching at the Haymarket. Behind a camera lens Jon discovered another way to view the world. Jon’s smile brought a lightness that infused joy into his wedding and portrait photography.
Jon had a curious intellect, and this led to a wide range of employment opportunities beyond his artistic work. He wore many hats. Jon joined the organization, Universal Access, in partnership with the State Parks Department to support individuals with disabilities to access recreational activities. It complimented his love of the outdoors with his gentle nature.
Near and dear to Jon’s heart was his role as a Recovery Coach through The Recover Project in Greenfield, MA. His authentic voice, empathetic spirit, perseverance, and resourcefulness provided his clients the trust required to move forward in their journey.
A love for the natural world inspired Jon to continue learning as a gardener. His mother, Jacky, can attest to his skills as he tended flowers alongside her; and he built the charming stone walkway to the side door of their home.
Jon trained as a cook; he was a foodie. So, you would often find him in the kitchen conjuring up a tasty dish to appeal to his palate and to share with the crowd. He left the cleanup to others!
The mountains drew Jon in all seasons, but especially in winter. He was an avid snowboarder and loved having his brother Nate by his side on the slopes.
Jon was a thoughtful and generous friend whose infectious laugh lifted spirits and created community.
Over the years Jon struggled with substance use disorder. He tried unceasingly to recover; Jon was hopeful. He never gave up.
Family was the gem in Jon’s life.
The role of uncle to Melissa’s children was full of fun for Jon. Spending time with Alex and Lily brightened any day.
Trips up north to visit his Canadian Coe relatives were quite an adventure.
Norman’s brother Steven, lives in Arlington and Jon always cherished stopovers in his company.
Summers on Cape Cod in the midst of the extended O’Dea clan were a magical time in Jon’s young life; with the magic still alive for the thirteen cousins as adults. Family celebrations continued throughout the years, and the cousins’ bonds deepened. Reciprocal love and support of family were forever a constant in his life.
Jon was kind and compassionate with a heart as big as his bear hugs.
A service will be held on July 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the South Amherst Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers the family invites memorial gifts to Learn to Cope https://learn2cope.org/donate/ or The RECOVER Project https://westernmasstrainingconsortium-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1383551
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