Jon Christian Hanks

Jon Christian Hanks, “Chris” as he was known to family and friends, passed away at VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, at the age of fifty-five.

Jon Christian Hanks was born on May 18, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia to an Airline Pilot Father and a very bright and resourceful Mother. Chris moved with family to Vero Beach in 1982. He and his brother went to St. Edwards School; he graduated from Vero Beach High, in 1989. Chris moved with his family to Tampa and then to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1996.

Chris loved riding his motorcycle, golfing and enjoying live music with his friends. He enjoyed trips with his father west through Montana and Colorado. He stayed active, surfing Waikiki and the North Shore.

He attended the University of Hawaii’s main campus at Manoa, graduating with a degree in International Finance. While in college, Chris developed an interest in ceramics and discovered a passion for working with his hands. He often spent late nights at the pottery wheel shaping clay and waiting for the kiln to finish firing his work.

After leaving Hawaii, Chris collaborated with his father on a commercial building project in Tampa. Once construction was complete, he started his own construction company, building new homes and remodeling existing ones. He also created custom cabinets and installed upscale kitchens and bathrooms.

Chris returned to his passion for working clay and ceramics. He was hired by the Vero Beach Museum of Art as an instructor and won first place in a Ceramics show in Ft. Pierce. Sadly, many of his best works were sold.

Chris’ greatest joy was his family that he and his partner Molly Whittaker built together. He leaves behind two beloved children; Sadie Lee Hanks of Tallahassee, Florida and Sawyer Christian Hanks of Vero Beach, Florida. As well as his father, J.C. Hanks of Vero Beach, Florida.

He is predeceased by his mother, Kay Maria Hanks and his older brother, Jim Hanks.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., with a smaller gathering at 2:00 p.m. for close friends and family, Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA hospice house or surfershealing.org helping to enrich the lives of children with autism by organizing free surf camps across the U.S.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.