Jonathan Arthur Sykes

The family of Jonathan Arthur Sykes is saddened to announce his sudden passing due to a heart attack on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the age of 45. 

His goofiness and infectious smile will be missed most of all by his two sons: Trenton (Kendra Cook) and Tyler Sykes, his parents: Mike and Dolly Sykes, his siblings: Matthew Sykes and Sarah Helton, and her sons: Dakota Countryman (Curtis Zgoda)and Toby Helton. They take comfort in knowing that they now have a guardian angel with the most unselfish heart.

Jonathan made his grand entrance on June 9, 1979. As a young boy, he loved winning games of hide and seek with his Great Aunt Barb and driving tractor with his Grandpa Sykes. He learned his A,B,C’s and holding his breath under water from his Aunt Lisa. His Uncle Ed taught him how to bake bread after school. He kept up the generational tradition of exploring the Limerick Caves with his Uncle Dan. Mike and Dolly learned to appreciate his artwork on his bedroom ceiling.

As he got older, he taught Matthew how to jump off the monkey bars into the sand pile without breaking a bone. And he ate stale MREs with Sarah while hiding out in their fort. Even if they won’t admit it, they will miss his teasing and antics. His proudest teen accomplishment was finally talking his grandpa into taking him hunting with his cousin, DJ, on Grandpa’s land, a feat only a rare few have accomplished. He attended General Brown High School and studied the electrical trade at B.O.C.E.S., while spending a summer haying at Davidson’s Farm. He always enjoyed hunting and fishing with his life long friend, Sean Sullivan, however Jonathan did more “shooting the bull” than shooting deer. He was always a child at heart which made him such a great father. Trenton and Tyler were his pride and joy and he loved catching lots of fish with them, especially the time Trenton out-fished him with his secret hip technique.

He worked for several years at Marks Dairy Farm in Lowville, where he was very successful in AI breeding. He moved on to Canastota and Turning Stone Casino as a security guard and volunteering in the local Fire Department. He tried his hand at containerboard manufacturing at WestRock in Syracuse. Then finally found his place at Iconex receipt and label manufacturers in Liverpool. Next time you see a sticky order label on a Starbucks cup, think of Jonathan, he probably made it! His friendliness and upbeat attitude will be forever missed by his coworkers. He took after his Great Grandpa Lee in the way that he could make a friend out of anyone. He had a gift of making someone laugh or brightening their day, even if he wasn’t having a good day of his own. Numerous other great aunts, great uncles, and cousins will also miss his easy going personality, he was always eager to visit and catch up with them. He was welcomed into heaven with a headbutt from his godfather, Kenny Hanson, and also his grandparents: John and Alice Sykes, and Raymond and Eunice Baldwin; and Jimmy Wilton.

Jonathan will be honored at Johnson’s Funeral Home, Dexter, on Tuesday, January 21 at 2pm. Immediately after, stories, memories, and food will be shared at the Rustic Golf Course. Burail will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Dexter Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.