Jon F. Wilson

Jon F. Wilson of Monkey Island, OK passed away peacefully at his home September 10, 2023 ending a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jon was born July 11, 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri.  Throughout his life Jon demonstrated a kind and generous passion for people, pets, and community on a daily basis. His service as a law enforcement officer and longtime member of the Monkey Island Fire Department where he served as both a volunteer and a member of the Board of Directors demonstrated his lifelong commitment to ensuring the safety of others.

He loved the Grand Lake community, boating, long motorcycle rides, and sharing stories with friends, colleagues and newcomers alike. As Owner/Operator of Monkey Island Pub with his partner and wife Tami, his constant demeanor of firmness, fairness, and fun created an atmosphere of the what he loved most in life – an always-safe sanctuary for friends and strangers alike to enjoy relaxing hours of endless music and camaraderie, sharing stories and experiences, constantly expanding everyone’s love and enjoyment of the Grand Lake Lifestyle (interspersed throughout the fall and winter months with non-stop TV coverage of his beloved Kansas City Chiefs).

Over the years, thousands of people entered the front door of The Pub as strangers – and left as lifelong friends. Nothing proved the point more dramatically than the overflow throng of friends, family and supporters who showed to demonstrate their love for Jon at a celebration in his honor at The Pub as he struggled to share his final days of fun with the many who shared his love and compassion. His only intolerance in life was reserved for those who threatened the joy or safety of others.

Jon is survived by his wife, partner and soulmate Tami Denice Wilson and her three children Dakota Cartwright, Devin Cartwright, and Nykolas Collyar, his sister Maribeth Collier, her husband Randy and daughter Elizabeth, and grandchildren Vanessa Cartwright, Eason Cartwright, Rose Lee Cartwright, and Jesse Cartwright.

A final memorial motorcycle ride with Jon’s ashes will depart from Monkey Island Pub Saturday, September 16, 2023 at noon, traveling to Roaring River to feed the trout, then to Jon’s favorite Eureka Springs for the remainder of the weekend. His ashes will be interred during graveside services at Rolston Cemetery adjacent to Lake Center Baptist Church on Monkey Island at 3:00 p.m. Monday, September 18, followed by a final farewell at Monkey Island Pub.  

To our beloved Jon, we offer this final Irish prayer:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

The rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

And Jon’s final greeting, as always: “Cheers!”