Jonathon 'Jon' Grant Daniels

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jon Daniels on Monday, November 3, 2025 - a man who lived life to the fullest. Jon's presence made the world a better place. Born on May 29, 1951, in Portsmouth, he was the son of the late Grant ‘Bus’ Daniels and Mildred Josephine Ferguson Daniels.

Jon was passionate about sports during his youth and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1969. He went on to play basketball at Ohio University-Portsmouth and proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. Jon was also a member of First Presbyterian Church.

On December 19, 1970, Jon married his high school sweetheart, Debra Gail Watters, at Bigelow Methodist Church. Their loving marriage was filled with adventures, and they raised two wonderful children. Jon treasured family trips to the beach and the lake, enjoying laughter and cherished moments with loved ones.

Jon dedicated over 25 years as a salesman at Pauley Plumbing, where he warmly greeted customers as friends. After retiring, he embraced part-time roles suited to his engaging personality: delivering medications for Morton’s Pharmacy and volunteering at SOMC. His love for sports connected him with many, having been an excellent athlete himself, especially enjoying his time with Benny’s Men’s Slow-Pitch Softball team.

For years, Jon invested in local youth, including his own children, by coaching in the Bantam Basketball League, PHS JV Girls Basketball, Notre Dame Baseball and Varsity Basketball, McKinley Girls Basketball, Minor, Little, and Senior League Baseball. He was a basketball official for 21 years. When his coaching and officiating days were done, his love of sports and family continued to shine through as he rarely missed one of his grandchildren’s games. Often driving distances to cheer them on.  

Jon loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds. You often heard Jon say “stay with ‘em boys!” during those long summer days watching the Reds.  

Jon and Debbie were blessed with two children, Lance (Margie) Daniels of Crown City, and Lora Beth (Tyler) Hull of Villa Hills, KY. His siblings, Lynne Montavon and Danny Daniels, both of Portsmouth, as well as his three sisters-in-law, Pam (Ed) Watters Carroll, Donna Oddie, and Jodi (Gene) Slageter, who were like beloved sisters to him. Jon found immense joy in his six grandchildren Carlie and Sydney Daniels, Charlie, Jonny, and Teddy Hull, Kasey (Duane) Mathis; and four great-grandchildren, Jake and Ella Mathis, and Emalee and Kamryn Mitchell. He also cherished his three special nephews, Taylor Young, Ben, and Ethan Slageter, along with many other cherished nieces, nephews, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In 2019, Jon received the Gift of Life through a bone marrow transplant from Sgt. Jimmy McElvery of the Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department, who became a treasured friend to his family. Inspired by this, Jon wished to give the Gift of Sight through cornea donation.

A Celebration of Jon’s Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Marting’s, officiated by Pastor Darren Lilly. Friends are invited from 1 to 3 p.m. to share stories and memories of Jon. Arrangements are under the care of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth, where special memories can be shared at RalphFScott.com. Jon asked that instead of mourning, loved ones enjoy time together and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th St., and the SOMC Cancer Compassion Fund, 1121 Kinneys Ln, Portsmouth, OH 45662.

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