- Jon Jones honored his late brother, Arthur, in a heartfelt Instagram tribute, calling him a “gentle giant”.
- Arthur Jones, a former NFL Super Bowl champion, passed away on October 3, 2025, at age 39 due to a heart-related condition.
- The Jones family has suffered a previous tragedy, having lost their younger sister, Carmen, to a brain tumor years earlier.
- UFC champion Alex Pereira paid tribute to Arthur with a moment of silence at UFC 320, which Jon Jones publicly appreciated.
- Arthur is survived by his three children and fiancée, with his son, Arthur IV, now carrying on his athletic legacy.
In a moving social media post, UFC champion Jon Jones has broken his silence on the tragic passing of his older brother, Arthur Jones, offering the public a glimpse into the profound loss felt by his family.
The former NFL star and Super Bowl champion died unexpectedly at his home on October 3, 2025, at the age of 39. Jon’s tribute paints a picture of Arthur not just as a celebrated athlete, but as a devoted family man and a “gentle giant” whose spirit continues to guide them.

A Brother’s Emotional Tribute on Social Media
After weeks of quiet mourning, Jon Jones shared his feelings with the world through a heartfelt Instagram post. Accompanied by a video montage set to the song “Walk Around Heaven,” he honored his brother’s memory with a lengthy written tribute. “In Loving Memory of Arthur W. Jones lll,” Jones began, describing Arthur as a “father, spouse, son, brother, everyone’s best friend, a gentle giant whose kindness and generosity knew no bounds”.
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He fondly recalled Arthur’s love for outdoor activities like duck hunting and fishing, noting how he brought “pure joy, warmth and laughter to every moment”. Jon pledged that the family, including their father Arthur Jones Jr., brother Chandler, and Arthur’s son, Arthur IV, would honor his legacy by “striving to be the best versions of ourselves”. He concluded with a poignant farewell: “Rest easy, big bro, you deserve it, you did amazing”.
Circumstances Surrounding the Sudden Passing
The athletic world was shocked by the sudden death of Arthur Jones, which was related to a pre-existing heart condition. Reports from law enforcement and Syracuse NewsChannel 9 revealed that on the morning of October 3, his pacemaker was triggered, automatically sending an alert to his doctor.
Emergency medical services responded quickly to his home in Pompey, New York, but sadly, the 39-year-old had already passed away by the time they arrived. This medical device was in place to manage a known heart issue, underscoring the seriousness of his condition.
Remembering Arthur Jones’s Life and Career
Arthur Jones III led a life marked by remarkable athletic achievement. He first excelled as a two-time New York state wrestling champion in high school, a training ground where he famously toughened up his younger brother Jon through their childhood scraps. His talents earned him a spot at Syracuse University, where he was a two-time First-team All-Big East defensive tackle.
The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL draft, and his seven-year professional career was crowned with a Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2013, where he recorded a sack against the San Francisco 49ers. Beyond the field, Arthur was known for his charitable work in the community and was a loving husband to his wife, Sunny Zupanic, and father to his two children, Arthur IV and Skyler.
The Family’s Commitment to Moving Forward
In the face of this immense loss, the Jones family is determined to honor Arthur’s legacy by moving forward with strength and unity. Jon specifically noted that this commitment extends to his nephew, Arthur Jones IV. The young athlete is already following in his father’s footsteps, playing as a defensive lineman for his high school team.
Jon has since been spotted attending his nephew’s games, cheering him on as he and his team chase a state championship. This supportive role highlights how the family is channeling their grief into positive action, supporting the next generation just as Arthur would have wanted.
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Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by 247 News Around The World