In Memory

Jonathan Miller Argenbright - Class Of 1977

Jonathan Argenbright, of Grand Prairie, Texas, passed away on January 26, 2016, due to complications following emergency heart surgery.

Jon was born in Greenville SC, while his mom, Clara Miller Argenbright, and dad, Kenneth David Argenbright, were serving in the United Methodist Church. After living in several different states including TX, they settled back in Virginia. He learned early on that with hard work he could fund his first passions - motorcycles and cars, buying his first motorcycle from the money he earned with a newspaper route. All through high school he owned cool cars and motorcycles.

Jon is survived by his wife, Robin Diane Wimmer Argenbright of 35 years; a son, Paul and his wife, Kristine and their children John, Naomi, and Julia in North Carolina; a daughter, Rachel and her husband Daryl Jerden and their son Blake in Texas. He is also survived by his father, Ken of Waynesboro; brother David (AHS '74) and his wife Dawn nee Van Derveer (AHS '77) of Waynesboro; sister Katherine (AHS '80) and her husband Jubal Riley in Georgia; brother-in-law Jim Wimmer (Lane '68) and his wife Pam of Troy; sister-in-law Kathy Wimmer (AHS '75) of Zion Crossroads.

In June 1980, he met and fell in love with Robin Wimmer. They were married in April of 1981. They had a 35-year love adventure before his sudden departure to be with Jesus in January 2016. Together, Jon and Robin have two beautiful children, Paul born in 1985 and Rachel born in 1991.

Jon imparted love, humor and wisdom into Paul and Rachel. He taught his beautiful daughter to throw a perfect spiral. He taught his son how to impress the girls by being a gentleman. He further taught his daughter how she should be treated as a woman with father-daughter dates. Because of Jon's example, both Paul and Rachel grew up in a home full of laughter. We call it Argenbright humor. They also learned to love Jesus. Jon taught the kids to think, to use their brains.

Jon's greatest gift was as an encourager. He loved lifting people up and helping them to see the potential inside themselves. He was always patient and kind. Jon was thrilled when both Paul and Rachel married their soulmates. His greatest joy came when he changed his name to Pappy with the addition of four wonderful grandkids - John, Naomi, Blake and Julia.

Time with family was what he wanted most in life. Because Jon made the decision in 1981 to make Jesus the Lord of his life and to live his life after Jesus' example, he is in heaven now. "The steps of a good man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way and He busies Himself with his every step." Psalm 37:23

Submitted by Kathy Wimmer