Hello friends and family. I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of my sister-in-law and family. As most of you know our entire lives changed forever Sunday morning June 1st, 2025. That morning, we lost a son, grandson, brother, nephew and FRIEND to so many of you. If you knew Josiah, you knew he loved his family and friends more than anything else in the world. If he wasn’t working or with family, you could always find him out on the lake in his kayak with a couple fishing rods and some buddies. Josiah always showed up for anyone who needed him.
I am creating this fundraiser to help relieve some of the financial burden off my sister-in-law. No mother should ever have to go through this. Even if you are unable to donate, please blanket our family in your thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
JOSIAH THOMAS “JT” KOONS
Josiah “JT” Thomas Koons, age 21, of Neoga, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Funeral services honoring his life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Schilling Funeral Home with James L. Helm Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. The family requests Chicago Bulls or red attire.
Josiah was born on April 19, 2004, in Mattoon, IL, the son of Thomas John Koons and Rachel Elizabeth (Boyle) Abbott.
Survivors include his parents: Rachel Abbott and Thomas Koons; grandparents: William E. Boyle Jr. of Neoga, IL, Darlene Boyle of Neoga, IL, Jenean Koester of Charleston, IL, Ken Koester of Charleston, IL, and Donna Abbott of Toledo, IL; great-great grandmother: Marjori Shuemaker; step-father, David Abbott of Jewett, IL; brother and sisters: Elijah J. Koons of Toledo, IL, Samantha Koons of Jewett, IL, Felicia Koons of Jewett, IL, and honorary brother, Dakota Boyle of Neoga, IL; stepbrother: Adam Abbott; stepsisters: Haley and Ashley Abbott; five cousins: Adrianna Hook, Adalyn, Adrielle, Mallory, Karsyn Boyle, Dakota and Keaton Boyle; and his uncles and namesake: Adam (Brooke) Boyle and Jeremy Boyle.
Josiah was preceded in death by his great-grandparents: James and Ruby Helm and Bill Sr. and Ellen Boyle; Thomas E. Koons and John A. Shuemaker; McKenzie Boyle; Jeremiah Boyle; and Judy Simpson.
Josiah lived and breathed fishing and the Chicago Bulls. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, and friend. He was always there for everyone and made an impact on everyone he met. Josiah had the most contagious laughter and the most beautiful smile. He always made sure his family and friends were okay. Even at a young age, he always cracked the best “dad jokes” and would make light of every situation. Josiah was always so proud of his siblings, and he made sure they knew it. He was the best big brother, and he will always be their protector. Josiah will make the prettiest sunsets, and he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.