Jonathan Bruce (JB) Lively, 35, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on March 4, 2022.

JB was born July 16, 1986. He graduated from Springdale High School in 2004, and joined the Army in 2008. He served his country proudly and received numerous awards during his tenure including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.  JB was pursuing a degree in psychology.

He is survived by his parents Marilyn (Higgins) Lively and Bobby Lively, his grandmother, Bobbye Lively of North Little Rock, brother Matthew (Joni), children Kynslie, Kaidyn, and Rocklin (Rocko) Lively of Fayetteville, Arkansas and the love of his life, Cassidy Gunn.  He leaves behind a loving host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends including his dear Aunt B and his best friends Tyler & Michelle Yeakley. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Bruce Lively and his maternal grandparents Duane & Aletha Higgins.

JB was one of a kind; he loved hard, he played hard, he was witty, funny, and honest. There was no gray area with JB, and you always knew where you stood. If you were lucky enough that JB loved you, you always knew that he had your back. He loved his children more than anything in the world, and Rocko was the apple of his eye. Any conversation with JB always ended up being about his loves Cassidy and Rocko. His driving force was working toward a life with his family under one roof, and that included his beloved pup Jessie James. Jessie went everywhere with JB and was a great comfort and companion. In pursuit of this future, JB had just enrolled in school to obtain a degree in psychology. Those who know him know that this was the perfect profession for him.

On a more serious note, JB would tell you how real the struggle is.  For years, he battled the disease of addiction in hopes of living the life he envisioned for himself and his family. In true JB fashion, he would honestly tell you the life of an addict was not the life he wanted to live. His mind, body, and soul were weary from the constant battle. While we all grieve his loss, we know that this final call home was a call to peace for JB. He is free of the demons of addiction, and we rejoice knowing that he was baptized and that he can now rest easy in the hands of God.

If someone you know or love is struggling with addiction, know that there is no shame in reaching out for help. Please call SAMHSA at 1-8000-662-HELP or contact your local Celebrate Recovery Center. We hope that JB's story might save your life or the life of someone you love.

As JB's friends and family know, JB never left your house or ended a phone call without saying "I love you". "So to our beloved son, brother, father, friend and more, JB, we love you."

Graveside services with military honors will be at 11:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with Pastor Paul Holderfield officiating.