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Yes, I want want to support My Edmonds News!Gregory Jantz, Ph.D., a pioneer in the field of mental health treatment and the founder of The Center: A Place of Hope in Edmonds, has died.
Jantz “tragically lost his life in an unexpected accident about 8 p.m. yesterday, July 4, at his home in Woodway,” said family spokesperson Shannon Sessions. “The family is deeply touched by the outpouring of love, prayers, support from friends, colleagues and members of the public during this incredibly difficult time. They ask for privacy and respect for the family as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
A pioneer of whole-person mental health care, Jantz forged a new multidisciplinary treatment in the 1980s now viewed as a critical approach to improved outcomes. He was a best-selling author of more than 45 books and a world-renowned expert on various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders. He was also a go-to media authority on behavioral health afflictions, appearing on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and CNN.
Jantz is survived by LaFon Jantz, co-owner of the Red Twig cafe and bakery in downtown Edmonds, two adult sons and a daughter-in-law.
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My deepest condolences to the entire family.
This is shocking news. I don’t think that I’ve ever met a nicer person! Let’s ensure that he and his family is in our prayers.
My sincere condolences to the Jantz
family. What a terrible loss to so many including me for his compassion and help. He will be sorely missed.
Praying for the family and colleagues at The Center. I attended The Center two times, and I greatly appreciate all I learned there and my team.
So sad to hear this news. Prayers for the family.
I am so sad. This guy and his lifesaving place, The Center • A Place of HOPE, will forever be etched in my heart.
My thoughts are with his family and friends, sending them love and strength in this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with the whole family at this time. Greg and his family have been good to our family and friends in many ways. He will be miss and remembered. The extended Hovde Family.
Edmonds has lost a good man who had a heart of gold. He was instrumental in saving my life. RIP Dr. Jantz. May God comfort LaFon & family, + colleagues.
Dr. Jantz has long been a voice of hope and comfort on SPIRIT 105.3. His faith in Jesus shone through every word he spoke and cast light into the darkest tragedies. We are heartbroken for his family and our community… and we grieve with them. Dr. Jantz, you are now face to face with the God of Hope you served so well. Thank you for everything! We will see you again!
You are Loved, Erica from SPIRIT 105.3
I’m so sorry for your loss! He was an amazing man! What a loss!
I’m so sad for LaFon and her family. Gregg was a sweet, humble and wise man and will be greatly missed.
The Center changed my life. I am grieved and at a loss for words. But I know He loved Jesus and was doing SO much good. Without a doubt we will see him again. Rest in peace and praying for his entire family.
The Center changed my life . This will be a resounding them in every commentary on this tragic loss.
I’ll never forget my last day in Edmund’s I ran into Dr. Jantz at the Red Twig. He was so kind and warm, and took the time and genuine interest in my story. This is such tragic a loss. So many prayers to the family and the incredible team at the center, as they navigate the next steps.
Rest in Paradise Dr. Jantz Thank you .
My sincere condolences to all who loved Dr. Gantz. Please take comfort in knowing his work impacted so many lives and the lives of their families. It is work that has created legacy and has reached far and wide. No doubt love and gratitude will be poured upon you.
I spent my 4th of July at the Center a Place of hope 3 years ago. It was my first week there and met Dr. Jantz multiple times. He was such a nice guy and the Center truly saved my life. He was such a huge part of the town of Edmonds as well as the Center and the Red Twig. He will be missed but his legacy will love on. Prayers for the family.
Praying for the Jantz family and center staff~ Jesus shower your love on them during this time of lament and mourning~
Dr Jantz had such a a smiling face and kind heart. I remember when he greeted me at the Center my first day less than a year ago.
I am deeply saddened by this news. The Center, A Place of Hope, was a healing place for me. Gregg and LaFon were friends from church and Bible study. Both very generous with their time and gifts. The world lost a gentle soul today. Peace be with all who are grieving today.
Our deepest condolences to LaFon and the whole family, he will be greatly missed!
I am heartbroken for the Jantz family and the whole Edmonds community. Dr. Jantz was one of the most generous, kind, servant leaders I knew. He will be greatly missed. May God cover his family with his peace during this time of grief.
– Caitlyn Houvener
Oh no! I’m so heartbroken to hear this devastating news! I taught both of the Jantz boys and knew Greg well. I will be praying for La Fon and the entire family during this very difficult time. May God give you comfort! Tina Adams
I am at a loss of words. Dr. Jantz has been such a powerful representative for mental health, a great mentor as I begin my own practice. May the peace of Christ be with his family at this time!
Noooo!!! I am so sad and shocked to hear this! He helped rescue so many of us in our most painful and darkest moments of life. Praying for his wife and kids and staff and closest friends.
So so devastating. Such a loss for our broken world. He personally impacted my family in such positive and healing ways. So blessed by his ministry and so sorry for your loss dear family. With you in your grief.
Dr Jantz was a man who gave hope to the hopeless. A man who inspired others to love people no matter their situation. He will live forever in my soul. Praying for healing for the family.
Dr. Jantz created such a life changing program. Having met him and talked with him are memories I’ll never forget. He inspired all of us. Praying for healing and peace for the family.
Our deepest condolences to the Jantz family at this time of loss. LaFon we are praying for you and your entire family for comfort, peace, strength, and love. Greg was a trail blazer that brought so much healing, restoration, and life to so many people over his career. He was such a gifted person that we will all miss deeply.
Dr. Jantz and LaFon are among the kindest people I’ve met in recent years. During the war and blockade in Artsakh, they offered their heartfelt support to the Armenian community—bringing not only aid but also hope. They truly cared for others and led with compassion.
Our deepest condolences to Dr. Jantz’s family and staff. What a tragic loss. May God bless his soul.
My thoughts and prayers are with LaFon, the Jantz family, the Center, our Edmonds community, and all those he touched in such a positive way with his message of hope. I am so sorry for your loss, especially you, LaFon, and your boys. Until you see him again. Praying for a peace that passes understanding, for strength and comfort, for healing. All my love.
Im so sorry to hear of this tragic loss, Dr. Jantz was so kind, positive and all around wonderful human being.
My prayers go out to his family.
My heart is crushed for loosing a dear friend! Dr Greg Jantz impacted MANY of our lives so much! He was selfless, loving, unwavering with support, and one of the most God fearing man I knew! Our love and prayers go out to LaFon, the boys and their sweet daughter in-law! He will be deeply missed! Gone too soon, but in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We will see you again in eternity Greg!
I am so very sorry to hear of Dr. Greg Jantz’s passing. Definitely a tremendous loss for his family and the community. Sending love and condolences to the Jantz family.
Dear LaFon, Larry and I are heartbroken at the tragic loss of Dr Gregg. Our times of fellowship with you both because of you amazing hospitality are a model to all Christians who love community of love and acceptance. We are deeply grieving and praying for you and your precious family. Love forever. L&G Chapman.
This is so heartbreaking to hear. Greg’s generous love he bestowed on everyone was always so inspiring. Sending all our love to the Jantz family. Praying for Lafon and family.
I am stunned and deeply saddened by the loss of my long-term friend and colleague Dr Gregg. He manifested faith, hope and love as much as anyone I have known. He was the creative developer and director of The Center: A Place of Hope, a Christian based, multi-disciplinary, whole person, intensive mental health facility. He authored 45 books on multiple mental health topics, was a sought-after conference presenter and church speaker, appeared frequently on radio and TV, and was an extraordinarily generous, kind, wise and faithful friend. His departure is a profound loss for his wife Lafon, his family and his numerous friends, as well as the mental health professional, church, civic, and local communities. First and foremost, Gregg was a man of strong Christian character and a deeply devoted, loving husband and father. He and Lafon were truly partners in business and every aspect of their journey together. As I continue grieving, I can imagine Gregg warmly and comfortingly saying to me: “Jesus loves you. I love you.” I praise God for the privilege of sharing in part of his life and our mutual faith and hope in Christ.
I’m deeply saddened for Lafon, the entire Jantz family and all of us who were so lucky to cross paths with a man who truly understood why we’re here.
I too, along with countless others, am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my friend and colleague, Dr. Gregg Jantz. It won’t surprise anyone to hear that Gregg ALWAYS offered an ear, a smile and encouragement when I had questions, professional and personal. He gave of his time selflessly. He was ALWAYS available. His generosity were immense and amazing. I am praying for his wife, family and community. This is a HUGE loss.
Dear Jantz Family – We stand alongside with you as we grieve sensing this great loss or Dr. Greg, but we also celebrate the amazing man he was and is to the greater community! His legacy will shine so bright! Well done good and faithful servant!
Bob Bowen
We are so deeply saddened by this news. The world has lost a true thought leader, model of generosity and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to LaFon and family.
Rick and Jan Fulcher
I am so sorry to hear this. I’ll never forget when Dr. Jantz brought the “Helping Boys Thrive” conference to Edmonds. He was a huge asset to our community.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Gregory Jantz. He has been an amazing person in the Edmonds/Woodway communities for many years. Sending prayers and my condolences to LaFon, their sons, and all who loved and knew Dr. Jantz.
My dear LaFon, There are no words to express how sad we were to hear about Gregg’s accident. I know you are in shock. I pray that the Lord will hold you tight as you and the family pass through these deep waters. Love, Beryl
I am totally shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Jantz’s passing!!! He was my counselor at the Center for a number of years. His love, care, and concern for my well-being totally changed my life!! I am forever grateful for how my life was totally turned around through Dr. Jantz and The Center, and of course LaFon Jantz!!
Our hearts were shocked and grieved to hear of the loss of Gregg. What an extraordinary man he was! The light of Jesus poured out of him to everyone he encountered. The world has lost one of its brightest lights. He will be missed. Heaven has gained one of the best! Our hearts and prayers are with LaFon and the kids as well as with the rest of family and friends. May the LORD be close and bring His comfort.
Heart-broken! Such an amazing man of God, always full of joy and life. He and LaFon are just the BEST people you could ever know! Hugs to his family and friends. He will be sooo missed!
I’m sorry to hear of his sudden passing. I am grateful for his investment in the kingdom and mental and physical wellness. He was definitely a pioneer in the mental wellness field. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.
I just found out today which also happens to be the anniversary of my son’s passing 11 years ago. I understand this pain all too well. He did so much for so many people and now he’s with Jesus. I can’t even image what the family is going through losing a Father like that, but I do understand what families go through when they suffer the lost of a family member suddenly – and when there’s so much more life to be lived. My heart is bleeding for them and my prayers have been going up on their behalf all day. My son is friends with their son so this hits hard. I love this family. I pray his ministry continues and his books and videos will be cherished. I know he’s with Jesus, but WHAT a loss to us down here. “Jesus, please be with the Jantz family!”
This is such a heartbreaking & shocking loss. There are no words.
Dr. Jantz always supported all my wild ideas to train & teach at The Center & beyond. And the work done there…beyond amazing. One of the best treatment centers in the country.
I know his good work will have ripple effects into all areas of the globe & into eternity itself.
Thank you for all you’ve done, Dr. Jantz!!! We will miss you. (And I won’t say “Rest in peace.” That was not your style as you were ALWAYS on the go… Instead, I will say, “Dance your heart out with your king, Beloved!”)
What a great man & so full of light to everyone he encountered. He understood mental health issues on a deeper level than most, & replied quickly, always eager to help anyone, despite his busy schedule. I’m saddened and shocked by his passing. A great loss for the community & countless people he served. Praying for his family.
There are just no words for this shocking loss. My heart aches for LaFon and Greg’s children… may God wrap them in His arms of love, and somehow bring comfort.
Dr Jantz touched so many lives, and the ripple effects of that are deep and wide. His love and wisdom will carry on- what a beautiful legacy he leaves.
Sending love and prayers to his family…
Deepest sympathies from our family. Our son was treated briefly many years ago at The Center, and Greg was always so amazing to all of us. It is such a shock – but as believers, we know where he is. Our love and support to his family and all who loved him – which we know is many. Let time settle your sadness and know for certain that you will see him again – it is the time between now and then that will be difficult. Hugs and blessings!
My heart has felt such a loss that I cannot find the words in learning of Dr. Jantz’ passing. I had the honor of joining Dr Jantz in the early days of The Center as one of the mental health team. He had a vision to see people’s lives change. And over the 27 years working with him I had the joy of seeing countless lives change. He was relentless in his concern and care for his staff as well as for those seeking help. His faith in our Lord was manifested in all that he pursued. My life was blessed beyond words – even to this day. LaFon and family I pray for your journey as you take each next step. Know you are loved and prayed for by myself and my husband.
We are so sad at the loss of Gregory Jantz. His life meant so much to us because he helped our son so much just earlier this year. He personally touched our son’s shoulder on his first day at The Center which was an enormous encouragement to him when he needed it most. We pray that The Center continues to be a refuge of healing for so many that still need help. May God bless his surviving loved ones in their difficult loss.