In Loving Memory of Josiah “JT” Thomas Koons (2003–2025)

A Heart Full of Love, A Life Gone Too Soon

It is with immense sorrow that we share the passing of Josiah “JT” Thomas Koons, age 21, of Neoga, Illinois, who departed this life on Sunday, June 1, 2025. A beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend, JT’s sudden departure has left his family and community heartbroken, grappling with the loss of a vibrant and deeply cherished soul.

A Bright Light in Every Life He Touched

JT was a young man whose energy and warmth were felt by all who knew him. With a ready smile, a kind word, and a deep love for his family and friends, JT had an uncanny ability to lift spirits wherever he went. He was the kind of person who always showed up—whether it was to lend a hand, crack a joke, or simply be there when someone needed a friend.

He was especially known for his passion for fishing, which brought him both peace and adventure. Many of his closest memories were made near the water, casting lines with friends or enjoying the quiet serenity of nature. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby—it was part of who JT was, and a symbol of the patience, calm, and joy he brought to life.

Family Was Everything

JT held his family close to his heart. He was a devoted son, a loyal brother, and a loving grandson. The pride he had in his roots, and the respect he showed to his elders and peers alike, spoke volumes about the man he was becoming.

His siblings looked up to him—not just as a brother, but as a protector and confidant. To his parents and grandparents, he was a constant source of light and love, whose absence will be deeply felt in every corner of the home he helped fill with laughter and meaning.

A Community Mourns

The town of Neoga mourns the loss of a young man who still had so much ahead of him. Friends have taken to social media to express their grief, describing JT as someone who “always made you feel like you mattered,” and “the kind of guy who’d give you his last dollar without thinking twice.”

Whether it was helping someone in need, sharing a laugh at a local gathering, or spending time out in nature, JT’s presence brought people together. His legacy will live on in every story, every smile, and every heart he touched.

Supporting the Koons Family

As the Koons family walks through this unimaginable loss, they are grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from the community. During this difficult time, they ask for continued prayers as they plan a memorial that will honor JT’s life in the way he deserves—with love, with grace, and with the deep sense of connection that defined him.

Details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be shared with the community in the coming days. All are welcome to join in remembering a life that ended far too soon but touched so many in just 21 short years.

Gone, But Never Forgotten

Though his time here was brief, Josiah “JT” Thomas Koons left behind a powerful legacy: one of compassion, joy, and steadfast love. His memory will forever be carried by those who knew him best—and even by those who only knew of him through the stories now being shared.

Rest easy, JT. The lakes and rivers will always reflect your spirit, and the hearts of your loved ones will forever carry your name.