Service Details
Services celebrating Jonathan’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 11:00 am in Grace Church (3626 Highway 31 in Racine, WI 53405) with Bishop Ric Gonzalez officiating. Visitation will be in Grace Church on Monday, July 8th, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm and on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am.
All are invited and encouraged to wear your favorite Wisconsin Badger attire to the visitation & service.
Direct contributions may be made to Jonathan’s children on the link below:
Memorial Suggestions
For those who wish, contributions may be made to the family for the benefit of Maguire & Makenzy and for the establishment of a scholarship in Jonathan’s name in providing student athletes with mental health care – a fight Jonathan was passionate about.
Waterford, WI – Jonathan James Delagrave, age 51, passed away suddenly, while jogging on Friday morning, June 28, 2024.
Jonathan was born in Racine, WI on November 1, 1972 and lived his entire life in Racine County. After graduating from JI Case High School, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse and went on to earn his Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Jonathan was first elected to public office as a Caledonia Town Board Supervisor, later as the Caledonia Town Chairman and then elected as the very first Caledonia Village President. In addition, he held several positions in the Human Services Department in Racine County, culminating in his appointment as Director in 2010. He was elected County Executive of Racine County in April 2015, re-elected in April 2019 and April 2023. As the County Executive, his priorities were attracting economic development, developing our workforce, and expanding mental health services. Jonathan continued to forge partnerships between the state and local municipalities, the Racine County Economic Development Corporation, school, technical colleges and universities, and private enterprise to ensure the success of the region for generations to come. Jonathan’s vision embodied the Racine County mission of cultivating innovative, sustainable, and valued opportunities for community and economic growth.
Outside of work, Jonathan was an extreme sports enthusiast who enjoyed pickleball, golf, baseball, basketball and was an all-around Wisconsin sports fan especially Wisconsin Badger football, basketball & women’s volleyball; Packers, Brewers and Bucks. He also looked forward to music concerts and traveling. Above everything else, Jonathan was all about being together with his entire family and was a proud & devoted father to Maguire and Makenzy.
Surviving are his son, Maguire James Delagrave; daughter, Makenzy Maria Delagrave; mother & step-father, Linda M. & Gonzalo Gonzalez; father, James L. Delagrave; sister & brother-in-law, Ingrid M. Delagrave-Schultz & Jon R. Schultz; former wife and mother of his children, Kathryn Moriarity; nephews & niece, Adam J. Schultz, Hannah M. Schultz, Nicholas C. Schultz & Christian J. Schultz; God-Mother, Gail Esser; best friends, Jim (Deb) Ladwig, Hope Otto and Shane (Tori) Peirce; as well as other relatives, colleagues and friends – too numerous to mention all by name. Jonathan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis & Katherine Delagrave and William & Mary Nielsen.
Services celebrating Jonathan’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 11:00 am in Grace Church (3626 Highway 31 in Racine, WI 53405) with Bishop Ric Gonzalez officiating. Visitation will be in Grace Church on Monday, July 8th, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm and on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am. All are invited and encouraged to wear your favorite Wisconsin Badger attire to the visitation & service.
For those who wish, contributions may be made to the family for the benefit of Maguire & Makenzy and for the establishment of a scholarship in Jonathan’s name in providing student athletes with mental health care – a fight Jonathan was passionate about.
Chuck and Betty Majeski says
Our deepest sympathies and prayers for all. We lost a true public servant, a gentleman, and a good man. We will be out of town but we will keep all who mourn this fine man in our thoughts, prayers, and certainly our hearts.
Tom & Janet (Hoff) Karkow says
From his time in Caledonia to leading Racine County, our interactions with Jonathan, as reporters for WRJN, were always positive. He was a political leader who wanted to get things accomplished for the betterment of the community. His passing is a loss for all, but his legacy will continue. Condolences to everyone.
Dee Djurovic and Bill McReynolds says
We have lost a great, loyal, and wonderful friend. He will be missed beyond words. Jonathan was a true gentleman. He was an amazing leader, who was kind, compassionate and unifying. This is a tremendous loss for us personally and a tremendous loss for Racine County. His passing leaves a void in our community. May God give his family strength as they navigate this enormous loss. Rest in Peace, dear Jonathan.
Brian & Mandy Zikowski says
Deepest condolences to all family and friends. My wife & I worked with Jonathan at Target many years ago and it was amazing to watch him follow his passion and achieve so many of his goals. As residents of Racine County we appreciate the work he did for our community.
Dan and Amy Thielen says
We lost a great man and a great leader! Jonathan has done so much for the residents of Racine County. Our sympathies go out to Maguire, Makenzy, and the rest of Jonathan’s family friends. We are better people for knowing Jonathan and learning what it means to be a kind and compassionate person. Badger games won’t be the same without him, but he will be honored and remembered with every shotski dear friend! RIP Jonathan and Go Bucky and On Wisconsin!
Sue and Dave Cawley says
Jonathon was a special friend of our entire family. We loved having him at our home ever since he was a child. He was a loyal and dedicated friend to Andy and Karen and and a favorite student of Sue’s. We were so very proud of all that he accomplished for Racine County and will deeply miss him. Our life was better because of him.
Laura Sumner Coon says
Jonathan was a compassionate public servant, who listened and responded to the needs of our community. One of his legacies is the Racine Behavioral Health Center, for which we should all be thankful. When the community urged him to help provide mental health care, he led the effort. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Michael Glasheen says
Sincere condolences to the family. I knew Jon from his early years at Sacred Heart school through Case High and later professionally during City/Caledonia/County interactions. He will be missed.
Henry C says
It was so sad to hear of your passing. We were childhood friends and neighbors and you were taken too soon. My condolences to your family. Rest In Peace my old friend.
Jon & Belinda C says
We’re deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of Jonathan, who has always dedicated himself to helping our community… His dedication to service leadership and his commitment to transforming Racine County doesn’t go unnoticed!
He was an inspiration to many people who struggle to make this area a truly vibrant and diverse place to live, work & learn … Our deepest gratitude for all of his contributions and our deepest condolences 💐 to all of his family members, colleagues and friends!
May he rest in peace and in tremendous power for the positive change that he has been able to make happen here… May we all be blessed to celebrate 🎉 and continue his legacy successfully…
Mark Hertzberg, Secretary, Racine County Ice Center (RCIC) says
Thank you, Jonathan, for your vision and leadership and work with us since 2019 as we move forward to try to bring a year round ice arena to our community. We would not be on the cusp of a board vote if it were not for you.
Mary McIlvaine says
We will miss having Jonathan as County Executive. He was excellent, friendly always willing to listen, and follow up with positive action. We truly appreciate his support of mental health services. He leaves some very big shoes to fill.
Pastor Johnny Ford says
My thoughts and prayers 🙏🏿 go out to his family. When I got the news, I cried like Jonathan was a childhood friend. I had only known him for a few years, but he was a genuine guy, that wanted nothing BUT the BEST for the City of Racine and the surrounding counties. Praying 🙏🏿 for the City & County going forward, because SOME people just can’t simply be replaced, and this is DEFINITELY one of those situations.
Terrence Woods says
Known Jonathan since the Horlick / Case basketball days of the very early 90’s. Bumped into him off and on around town over the last 30+ years and at City / County sponsored events. He always had a quick moment to talk about the “old days”. Best wishes for his family and loved ones.
Minister Yusuf & Tina Buckley says
Jonathan, you led with your heart for the entire county in mind. Thank you for believing a young kids from the inner city of Racine could turn his life around. You were a great mentor and friend to many. You will be terribly missed by our community. We will continue your legacy!
Michael Conforti says
My sincere condolences to his family.
Ron and Brenda Thomas says
Taken too soon is our first reaction to this sad news. Jonathan was indeed the epitome of what a public servant should be. He was a visionary, a man who believed in doing the right thing for the good of all. His steadfast loyalty to Racine County will never be forgotten. He will truly be missed and remembered for a very long time. Rest in Peace Jonathan. Sincere condolences to his family and dear friends.
James Eddings says
Linda and family, deepest sympathies on the loss of Jonathan. From your cousin,
Marta Kultgen says
My thoughts and prayers for his family. He is a wonderful person and has done so much for Racine County. He will be truly missed.