Jon Edward Ham, Sr., 72, of Florence, S.C., passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, at Wellmore of Daniel Island where he fought a courageous fight and succumbed to the diseases of Lewy Body and Frontotemporal Dementia. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

Jon was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and was the son of the late Katherine White Ham and Edward Quincy Ham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Donna Ham and Terry Ham Fuentes.

He was survived by the love of his life, Kathy Ham, Daniel Island, SC, a son, Jay Ham, Darlington, SC, a stepson, Chase Payne (Anna), two granddaughters, Palmer and Finley Payne, all of Daniel Island, SC. He is also survived by his brother, Dickie Ham (Ava) of Florence, SC.

Jon attended McClenaghan High School, in Florence, SC, where he excelled in many sports and won various awards to include discus throw and football. He was the captain of his football team and earned a scholarship to play football at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Afterwards, he and his brother, Dickie, went to Cocoa Beach, Florida, where they received specialized training as engineering students in thermodynamics; thus, the name of one of their first business ventures, Thermal Air & Electric. The "Ham Boys" also pursued many other successful careers including purchasing real estate, and construction of new homes. A few years later, Jon became the owner of Quick Silver Pawn Shop and Quick Silver Bail Bonds and retired in November 2020.

Jon had an electric personality and a smile that would light up a room. He developed many long-lasting friendships throughout his life. His most successful role was the deep and devoted love for his family, and he especially adored his granddaughters. He was generous to so many people in his own quiet way. He never liked to boast about how he assisted others in need. His positive attitude and infectious sense of humor always encouraged others. He especially enjoyed spending time with his sons hunting and fishing and so many other young men who loved him as their second father. He loved nothing more than to be in the middle of rivers, at the top of mountains, and now over the rainbow where he can continue to watch over and protect those he loved. He will be deeply missed by all.

He was an active member of "The Love You Mean It (LYMI)" Sunday School Class at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Florence, SC. He was also a former member of the Florence Evening Sertoma Club where he received a Leadership Award for the development of successful fundraisers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 524 S. Ebenezer Rd, Florence, SC, 29501. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 – 3:00 at the church. Rev. David Wike will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church or Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S. W., Lilburn, GA, 30047.

The Layton-Anderson Funeral Home is serving the Ham family, and a message of condolence may be sent by visiting laytonandersonfh.com.