Jon Absey, best known as the longtime mascot for the Utah Jazz, passed away at age 58 last week in Salt Lake City after battling pancreatic cancer. His fearless dedication to mascot performances and his unwavering spirit left a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike across the NBA and beyond.
Absey, a 1986 graduate of East Grand Forks Sacred Heart, built a career that revolutionized mascot antics, often thrilling audiences with daring stunts such as sledding down stairs and rappelling from rafters. His commitment to entertaining fans was matched only by his genuine heart and tireless work for charitable causes.
Early Years and Signs of a Daring Spirit
Roger Morton, who coached and taught at Sacred Heart for nearly four decades, recalls Absey’s boundless energy from the start. Morton described how Absey eagerly undertook risky tasks, like changing light bulbs high up in the gym, showing early glimpses of his fearless nature.
“When he played basketball for me, we used to have the old light bulbs in the gym and change them with scaffold,”
Morton said.
“These bulbs would burn out regularly. We’d finish practice and I’d say, ‘Jon, you’ve got to change bulbs.’ He’d get the biggest grin on his face. He went up without think about it. Right from the get-go, I knew he was going to be bouncing off the walls during school. He wasn’t a bad kid but he really struggled to control himself.”
Mike Marek, a former hall of fame coach at Sacred Heart, also recalls Absey’s mischievous nature during school events. Marek shared how Absey habitually climbed ladders during homecoming events and left his mark high above the gym, undeterred by any risks.
“He could get on the ladder to decorate and be in the rafters and goof around,”
Marek said.
“He left his signature up there a few times. You could tell he was oblivious to danger.”
From Semi-Pro Courts to NBA Mascot Icon
After playing basketball semi-professionally in cities like Fargo, Winnipeg, and Sioux Falls, Absey transitioned to mascot work in 1994 as the Utah Jazz bear. His creative vision shaped the Jazz bear’s personality, making the character famous for its energy and charm.
Andy Chudd, a longtime friend, emphasized Absey’s unique contribution to the mascot role.
“The Jazz bear was the character, but Jon was its creator. He was its personality,”
Chudd told ABC4 TV in Utah.
“He gave humanity to the bear, and I just can’t say enough good things about him.”
Throughout his career, Absey earned NBA Mascot of the Year honors five times and was slated for induction into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 2026, underscoring the industry’s recognition of his impact.
Pushing Limits and Enduring Physical Challenges
Absey frequently spoke about the physical toll of his profession, which included numerous surgeries and injuries sustained through years of high-risk performances. At a 2023 TED Talk in Fargo, he openly shared the many injuries he endured while living the mascot life.
“I had a blessed career, there isn’t anything out there that would have been anything better,”
Absey said.
“I was able to do and see things that nobody will ever be able to do or see. I was just a kid from East Grand Forks who didn’t understand heights.”
Special Bonds and a Big Heart Beyond the Mascot
Both Morton and Marek recall that Absey formed a unique relationship with Sacred Heart administrator Sister Basil LeDuc, whose influence helped channel his energetic nature in positive ways.
“Fox and the hound kind of thing,”
Marek explained.
“She brought the best out in him and he in her.”
Morton added,
“He’d walk down the hallway and run up the wall and do a back flip. (Sister Basil) would try to get him to calm down but that was just him. You couldn’t stop him. You had to lasso him in the gym. You didn’t know what he’d do.”
Even after his school days, Morton stayed in touch with Absey, who remained devoted to charity work until the end.
“When I’d text or call, I’d ask him what he was doing and a lot of time he was at a charity event,”
Morton said.
“The biggest thing was he had the biggest heart of anyone I have come across.”
Marek highlighted Absey’s philanthropic spirit, noting that more than $2 million was raised through the mascot’s charity appearances at over 1,200 NBA games.
(Charity) enriched his life,” Marek said.
“He had a philanthropic heart. He did a lot of great things for the nameless and faceless.”
Legacy of a Fearless and Compassionate Entertainer
Jon Absey’s fearless approach to mascot performance combined with his generosity sets a standard in the world of sports entertainment. His groundbreaking stunts and lively character brought joy to countless fans, while his compassion inspired many through charity. As the Utah Jazz and the larger sports community prepare to honor his memory, his story will continue to inspire those who follow a path of passion and heart in their work.
