Jon Lee Levy Jr.

was born in Minneapolis, MN on November 18, 1963, to Charlene Shirley Levy (Podas) and Jon Lee Levy Sr. Jon left this life on February 22, 2025. Jon’s exuberant spirit, so well-known by his friends, manifested quickly as a young child. He was often the instigator: encouraging his younger brother, Chris, to climb out of his crib and “go see Mom”; scaling the kitchen cabinets for snacks from the top cupboards; or cajoling his cousin to jump in the swimming pool in her Easter dress. Growing up on Rich Road in Bloomington, Jon attended Poplar Bridge Elementary and spent hours outside exploring the neighborhood and developing life-long friendships while exploring the creeks and by-ways in the neighborhood. Jon’s antics were always good-natured-- simply a way to shake up the normal of everyday life in the suburbs.

In his teens, Jon served as a youth counselor at Camp Icaghowan in Polk County WI and a Youth Deacon at his family’s church, Christ Presbyterian in Edina. He also developed his ardent love for music while working at Musicland in downtown Minneapolis and hanging out at Oarfolkjokeopus to hear the less mainstream stuff. He loved it all.

After graduating from Lincoln Sr High School, Jon escaped the frozen tundra to the sunny Southwest where he attended the University of Arizona in Tucson AZ. It was at U of A where he found his way onto his first film set as an intern, sparking a life-long passion for film production and lighting design. Jon worked as a grip and location scout on multiple movies throughout his career, both in Los Angeles and Minneapolis. One of his fondest movie-making memories was on the set of Fargo, shooting the parking ramp scene with a skeleton crew on a snowy Minneapolis night. In between movies, Jon freelanced with the local IATSE stage unions and other live music productions including Glam Slam, Paisley Park, and the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater. Jon also spent time working as a paralegal in San Diego. In 2003, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Cinema Studies at the University of Minnesota. Behind the scenes in the theater was where he was most at home.

From 2004 to 2022, Jon lived in San Diego, CA with his former wife, Sarah, their cats Chance, Spooky and Jinx, and beloved dog Charlie. The sunshine, skateboarding and ocean filled his heart. Being back in Southern California was a great time to see more of his favorite bands. It didn’t matter if a band was well-known or not. If Jon liked what he heard, he’d seek them out and find a way to get to the show. Sharing music, both new and old, with his friends was a favorite past time.

Jon loved to visit all locales, but especially if they were hot and sunny – Bonaire, the Anza Borrego desert in Southern California, Death Valley, and Costa Rica, being a few of his favorites. Jon’s big heart, his unceasing gratitude, his compassion for all animals, and his “Gee Whiz” demeanor will be missed dearly by his friends and family. In his words “Love your friends and family like a dog loves its owner. We’re all made of stardust. See you over there.”

He is survived by his brother, Christopher Levy of Minneapolis, sister-in-law Dawn Levy, and nephews, Anders and Dane; his sister Danica Vogel (Levy) of Phoenix, AZ and stepmother, Carol Levy (Jon Sr.) of Scottsdale, AZ, as well as Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and dear friend, Lynn Sommers, Colorado Springs, CO. He is preceded in death by his mother, Charlene Levy (Podas) and father, Jon Lee Levy Sr.

A Celebration of Life for Jon Levy Jr. will be held on Saturday May 17 at 1:00 pm at University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Avenue SE, Minneapolis MN, 55414 or view by livestream at www.youtube.com/@ULCH. Following the service, a reception with light refreshments will be held in the church fellowship hall. Memorials can be directed to Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, MN or a favorite pet rescue.