Jon Bowman Hubbard, 74, passed away Friday afternoon, March 24, 2023, at his Sarasota, Fla., home.
Mr. Hubbard was born April 2, 1948, in Middletown, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Thomas E. and Janet K. Hubbard.
The life-long Bellefontaine resident is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cathie Ellis Hubbard, sons, Bill (Lesli) Harris, T.J. (Hollie) Hubbard, grandchildren Liam and Bryce Harris, Parker Hubbard, Jasmine Miller, Greg Bryant, and Dora-Kennadie Bryant, great-grandchild, Sylvia Jenkins, brothers- and sisters-in-law, Pat (Debbie) Ellis and Phil (Pam) Pulfer, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hubbard, president and publisher of the Bellefontaine Examiner, officially began a more than half century career with the newspaper in the advertising department in 1968. He worked as a staff writer/reporter covering everything from sports, school and human interest stories to high-profile crimes and end-of-era stories on topics such as Indian Lake’s Million Dollar Playground. Several editors and co-workers praised Jon’s ability to produce mistake-free “clean copy.” He served on several committees and boards, including the Logan County Health District, which he also covered for the Examiner. He later served as business and general manager before being elevated to president and publisher of the company in 2015.
A graduate of the Bellefontaine High School class of 1966, he played several prep sports, including football under former “Xichgan” Coach Gary Moeller. He attended Culver Military Academy and Bowling Green State University. He served in the Ohio National Guard during the Vietnam era and was called up to help quell the Ohio Penitentiary Riot in 1968.
He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church, American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173 and the Moose Lodge 1533. He also served as president of the Ohio League of Home Dailies and in various capacities with other newspaper trade organizations over the years.
Jon was an avid reader and perused the pages of the The Wall Street Journal almost daily. He enjoyed playing softball and golf, especially with his buddies in the Amigo League at Liberty Hills Golf Course. He loved good food, good wine and classic movies. A familiar sound in the Hubbard household was the voice of Humphrey Bogart or John Wayne on the TV, and Cathie saying, “Jon, you’ve already seen this (movie) 10 times.” He was the go-to guy for trivia and crossword answers, spelling and vocabulary help.
Jon was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. He used his writing talents to play practical jokes, such as giving employees “official letters” from the IRS saying they owed a small fortune, or prematurely yelling “Bingo!” to fluster a room full of players at the former Bellefontaine Elks Lodge.
Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the many great friendships, both professional and personal, that he made. He treasured his friends, and if you were his friend, you were as close to him as family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity or organization of the donor’s choice.
Private family funeral services are planned with interment at Bellefontaine Cemetery. A celebration of life will be conducted on a later date in Logan County.