In memoriam: Jonathan Luke Blais, master’s degree student in the College of Natural Resources and Environment
Jonathan Luke Blais, a master’s degree student in the natural resources program in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, died Dec. 19, 2023, following an automobile accident. He was 29 years old.
Born Nov. 13, 1994, in Lee County, North Carolina, Blais was a cherished member of the community. He attended Green Hope High School and earned a high school diploma from Central Carolina Community College. He continued his educational journey, earning degrees from Windward Community College in Kaneohe, Hawaii, in 2016, and Mount Olive College in North Carolina in 2022.
Blais proudly served his country as an infantryman in the U.S. Army from October 2016 to February 2020, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, with the First Infantry Division. In 2019, his unit embarked on a mission to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, offering valuable NATO training support. Blais’service was distinguished, earning him accolades such as the Army Achievement Medal with second oak leaf cluster, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
He is survived by his parents, Christopher and Linda (Sox) Blais; his brother, Jordan Blais; his sisters, Aeriell Blais and Candace Phallen; and the love of his life, Rica Magumway Malindan.
Photos or videos of Blais may be shared with his family using email jonathanblaismemorial@gmail.com.
A funeral service was held on Dec. 29, 2023, at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Broadway, North Carolina. Burial took place at the church cemetery.
A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Dorothea Dix Park All Faith Chapel, 1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603. A program will begin approximately at 4 p.m. Aloha and colorful attire is encouraged.
A complete obituary may be found online.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Equity and Accessibility at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573
