Jonathan Bland Denton

Jonathan Denton passed away peacefully after a brief illness at UT Hospital Knoxville, TN, surrounded by family on December 28, 2022.  Survived by his wife, Catherine Ann Forshee Denton of Maryville, TN; his children, Amanda Nicole (Nikki) Denton of Pittsburgh, PA, and Robert Noell Denton (wife Kathy); grandchildren, Katelynn Marie Denton and Emma Marie Denton of Knoxville, TN, and his mother, Mary Jo Anne Bland Denton of Robbinsville, NC.  He also leaves behind Aunt Margaret “Peggy” Denton and several cousins of the Denton & Bland families.  Preceded in death by his father, Graham Noel Denton, his grandparents, Patton Gwynn Denton and Bess English Denton of Robbinsville, NC, as well as grandparents Worth Livingston Bland and Anne Whitener Bland of Rutherford, NC. 

Born in Spartanburg, SC, and raised in Robbinsville, NC, Jonathan developed his character with hard work, determination, and loyal attitude to those he cared for.  His career was in industrial maintenance as an electrician for 48 years.  He worked for various companies, including ACI in Robbinsville, NC, ARC Automotive in Knoxville, TN, and Denso in Maryville, TN.  Though his electrical and troubleshooting skills were excellent, those who worked alongside him knew him as a good man in a sticky spot.  Many of these same men and women came to him for advice and counsel over the years.  He genuinely cared about people and felt their pain as they toiled through life.  All this work away from home was for the family he dearly loved.  After his first marriage ended, he received custody of his two-year-old son, Robert.  He raised him in South Knoxville until he married Catherine five years later.  They made a home in Maryville and brought a daughter, Nikki, into the world to complete their family.  As the family grew, grandchildren Katy & Emma and a grand-dog, Rusty, were added when Robert and Kathy married in 2008.  Jon loved and adored his wife, kids and grandchildren, furry ones included.

Classic TV, music, and cars were his passion when work and family did not call him away.  He was a child of the 70s and was often nostalgic for Star Trek, muscle cars, rock bands, and the classical music his mother played on NPR.  He had the remastered Star Trek series on Blu-Ray.  When reality got too much, Captain Kirk was counted on to save the galaxy, allowing us lesser mortals to work the daily grind.  Jon tried to be as honest and helpful as Andy Taylor, who raised a son alone, like Jon did.  He could spend hours researching a drummer or guitar player’s life and career.  Tom Petty, Rod Stuart, and The Beatles were among his best-loved rock artists.  Still, he was equally at home listening to Rimsky-Korasakov’s – Scheherazade.  Jon had several biographies of auto titans and car companies’ histories of specific designs.  Pontiacs were his favorite, and he kept an ongoing project car, a 1969 Pontiac Firebird, in the garage.  His son will finish it, and we will take a memorial ride on the Dragon and Cherohala. Jon was an organ donor and a lifetime blood SuperDonor at Medic of Knoxville.  He had been a member of Robbinsville United Methodist Church in Robbinsville, NC, St. John Methodist Church, and Foothills Unitarian Universalist Church, both in Maryville, TN.  Jon did not preach to others about how they should live.  He fully lived his spiritual beliefs daily.  That compassion he felt for people shone through in all he did. 

We are grateful for the care Jonathan received at the hands of the Neuro Critical Care team at UT Hospital Knoxville, TN.  We felt support from the administrative folks, housekeeping, medical practitioners, and nurses.  Our stay was made as comfortable as possible, considering the reason for being there. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 05, 2023 from 12:00 until 2:00 PM in the Smith Trinity Chapel with a Celebration of Jon’s Life to follow at 2:00 PM with Rev. Renee Willingham officiating.  Flowers, plants or a donation to your favorite charity in Jonathan’s name are welcome.  We look forward to hearing your favorite stories and memories at his Celebration of Life. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com