Jon Morrill Nevitt of Burlington, Washington, passed away unexpectedly at Skagit Valley Regional Hospital on June 25, 2026, at the age of 86. He was a devoted husband, proud father, Navy veteran, and an extraordinary “late bloomer” whose love of family, humor, storytelling, generosity, and passion for staying active inspired everyone around him.

Born in Wellington, Kansas, Jon moved with his family to Seattle in 1945, where they worked in the shipyards before settling in Burlington when his father took a job with Puget Power. He graduated from Burlington-Edison High School with Class of 1958 and immediately joined the US Navy, serving his country honorably from 1958 to 1962. Upon his discharge he joined the Laborers Union and worked for 38 years (1962–2000) as an union laborer in the building and construction industry. He retired in 2000 after a long and hardworking career.

On August 29, 1985, Jon married the love of his life, Janet Lesley Knudsen, in Burlington, Washington. They shared 40 beautiful years together. He is survived by his wife Janet, their son Jack and his sister, Judy Nevitt Archer, his brother-in-law Curt (Bonnie) Knudsen, sisters-in-law: Adele (Don Crownover), Loretta (Rob Gohd) and Vicki Hedlund, Cristi (Hugh Flanary), Becki Ketchum, and Juli (Regi Nelson) along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Morril Nevitt and Cecile Boggs; and in-laws Gloria and Amil Knudsen and brother, Richard Nevitt.

At age 51, Jon discovered a profound passion for running. What began as a way to lose weight and get healthy—especially to be active with his young son—grew into an extraordinary athletic journey. By age 72 he had completed 100 marathons; by the time he slowed down, he had finished 200 marathons and ultramarathon. He encouraged everyone he met to stay active and live life fully.

Jon’s remarkable story was featured in local publications, celebrating his determination and joy. In a 1993 Northwest Runner profile (Portrait of a Late Bloomer), he shared how a trip to Hawaii and seeing photos of himself motivated him to transform his health. He ran his first marathon, Capitol City in Olympia, in 1993 and was immediately hooked. Friends like Stan Nakashima encouraged him to push further. He ran in places such as Victoria, Portland, Seattle, and completed challenging events like the Crest to Coast Relay.

In another profile (Out of the Pack), Jon recounted his early struggles learning to swim for a triathlon, his rapid improvement in 10K races (dropping from 56 minutes to a personal best of 42:20), and his goal of a 39-minute 10K. He balanced training with fatherhood, making sure his running never took him away too much from Jack, who excelled in wrestling and football at Burlington-Edison High School. At 72, he ran his 100th marathon at the Light at the End of the Tunnel in Snoqualmie Pass—his 11th that year—still embracing the challenge with the same spirit.

Jon will be remembered for his trim, energetic presence, his twinkling humor, and his unwavering support for family and friends. He loved fishing from his back porch on the Samish River and lived life with gratitude and resilience.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jon’s memory to the Skagit Valley Humane Society, a cause close to his generous heart.

Jon’s life reminds us that it’s never too late to chase new goals, stay active, and cherish family. His legacy of encouragement and vitality will continue through those he inspired.

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