Jonathan Baca, known as “Jonn” or “Baca”, passed away peacefully Friday, November 28, 2025, in Cincinnati, OH. He was 45 years old. He is survived by his parents Michael & Adrienne (Missy) Baca of Kalamazoo, MI; his aunt Joanne & uncle Darien French of New York; his aunt Ellen Baca of New Mexico; his cousins Tiffany French of New York and Elizabeth Baca of California; and his love Rebecca (Becky) Sisk of Ohio.
Jonn graduated from Lakota West High School in West Chester Township. It was there he discovered his love of Theater. Then he went on to study fine arts and graduated from Miami University at Oxford, Ohio in 2003.
He was a certified teacher through the Society of American Fight Directors since 2005. Many of his lifelong friends were made while working many seasons at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Jonn was a stage Combat Instructor at Northern Kentucky University until his passing. He was also a renowned Fight Choreographer for many Cincinnati theaters. his love of cats & ability to bond with them was only outmatched by his love of Star Wars. He always had a joke ready for his friends.
A memorial and gathering of friends & loved ones will be held at a later date.
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Rebecka Adams says
December 3, 2025 at 8:47 pmMike and Missy.
Shocked to hear the news of Jonn, when my son (Ben Adams) called to tell me. So sorry for your loss. Jonn will be greatly missed.
James "Milhouse" Savage says
December 4, 2025 at 2:27 amJonn and I met back in the summer of 1998 working together at King’s Island. Both of us became best friends at first sight. Throughout our high school years, we were barely apart spending time at movies, the mall, and in the basement. As we grew up, Jonn was always there to talk to and support me through all my goals, choices, and crazy ideas. Jonn was more than a friend, but my brother thick and thin!
Jonn was my best friend through and through, there was nobody like him, and there will never be anyone else like him. The hole in my heart is extremely large, and I don’t think it can ever heal. No longer will I get my birthday text, “old.” No longer will I hear my best friend say, “Let’s Mosey!” No longer will I get to hear his voice and tell me it’s going to be okay.
Not long ago, Jonn and I were talking and he was happy. He was telling me about his beautiful new love, how his parents were doing, and everything was going very well. To his family and love, he loved you with all his heart. There is no doubt in my heart, that he is looking down on you and smiling, cheering you on, and giving you one of his best hugs! I can tell you, Mike and Missy, his love for you was fierce! He beamed when he spoke about you every time! Becky, though we never met, he told me so much that I felt like we been old friends! I truly could hear all the love, joy, and happiness in his voice I haven’t heard in awhile. I truly thank you for that, he loved you beyond extreme.
To everyone else, names to many to share, his stories of every single of one you he would tell and express with so much love. His heart was bigger than mine could ever be, his kindness is what I strive for, his mind was beautiful, and his smile was infectious. Jonn was my role model for life, I just wanna be like him when I grow up.
Jonn you earned the belt now, no longer do I deserve it, for you are the one true champ! Love you brother!
Merrie Stewart-Jones says
December 4, 2025 at 2:50 amJonn left us too soon. He made the world a better place the 45 years he was in it. I would say the world is a darker place without him, but I’d like to believe that he left some of the light he brought to the world behind in all the lives he touched.
I met Jonn in 2008, when I took his stage combat class at NKU. We bumped into each other several times over the next few years, as we had a lot in common. We both shared a love of theatre, teaching, performing, and cats. We even had the same birthday: August 10th.
Jonn was a wonderful instructor, performer, and friend. He always had an encouraging word for everyone. I’m so thankful for the 17-year friendship that we had.
He taught us all the most important thing: to believe in ourselves.
Ashley Smith says
December 4, 2025 at 6:32 pmI don’t think I spent a moment with Baca where I wasn’t smiling, laughing, or giggling. He was joy personified. We were all lucky to know him.