Jonathan "Jonny" Levi Bizilia

Jonathan Levi Bizilia, professional skydiver and wingsuit enthusiast, died on Friday, September 27, in the mountains of Utah. He was 27 years old.

He is remembered by his colleagues as a man of many distinguishing qualities — an infectious smile, a passion for the outdoors, a commitment to excellence in all he did, and a belief in the potential of his work to bless and benefit others. By those who knew him best and loved him most, he is remembered as a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend.

From early childhood, Jonny possessed an inquisitive spirit and explorer’s adventurousness that expressed itself in a fondness for animals, open spaces, and, later in life, aerial sports. Whether searching for salamanders in Alabama creek beds as a little boy or gliding from Alpine cliffs in Switzerland as an adult, he ‘marched to his own drummer’ and traveled a humble, but forthright, path of nonconformity. He was a deeply principled young man, with a keen sense of right and wrong, a devotion to those he loved, and a stubbornness that was both admirable and at times, maddening. Tough on the outside and fearless in the extreme, Jonny was a kind, tenderhearted soul who was moved easily to tears.

His possessions were meager; his treasures were many; most notably the love he gave to and received from two godly parents and six adoring siblings.

Jonny was born in Opelika, Alabama, and attended Opelika public schools. After graduation, he was employed at Levco Wood, a timber company in the Opelika area, before pursuing a career in aerial sports. He became a certified jump master and worked at various jump zones as a tandem guide in Alabama, Florida, and Utah. He made thousands of jumps, for work and

pleasure, over the course of his career and also became an avid wingsuiter. He loved his work and the people around him.

Jonathan is survived by parents, Kevan and Linda Bizilia, siblings Lindsey Railey (Tate), Mary Jameson (Stephen), Laurie Kirkpatrick (Paul), Michael Bizilia, David Bizilia, Andrew (Brooke), a grandfather (A.C. Levi), a grandmother (Patsy Bizilia), and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Many friends and colleagues have honored Jonathan on his Facebook page (Jonathan Bizilia). The posts and pictures show the wide reach and exuberant energy of his life and the affection in which he was held.

The Bizilia family wishes to thank all who have prayed and cared for them during their bereavement. Thank you. ... We trust in the goodness of God, and the promises of Christ at this difficult time.

A Celebration of Jonny’s life will take place at 12 noon, CST, on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Church of the Highlands, 2001 E. Sanford Avenue, Auburn, Alabama 36830.