Jean Paul “JP” Medina, a chef, entrepreneur and longtime member of the Catskills community, died suddenly at his home in Callicoon on Aug. 23. He was 41. A cause of death was not released.

Medina was remembered by his family and community as someone who devoted his time and energy to helping others and who had a particular affinity for people who felt overlooked or marginalized.

“He had an extraordinary ability to see people who felt unseen,” his family said in a statement, describing him as an advocate for the “underdog” who gave freely without expecting anything in return.

Cooking was central to Medina’s life. His family said his passion for food began during childhood, when he spent time in the kitchen with his mother, Nancy Medina, learning the importance of bringing people together around a table.

He initially pursued a career in plumbing before leaving his day job to begin a professional career in the culinary field. After advancing his career at several restaurants and establishments, Mediana eventually made the Catskills his home, developing close ties throughout Sullivan County. His family said he became an advocate for local residents, businesses, farmers, and the region’s hospitality community.

This summer, Medina and his wife, Sarah Banks Medina, put their savings into opening their first official restaurant, Smōkd, in Livingston Manor. The business brought together their interests in barbecue, heritage, hospitality, and family.

Beyond his professional life, Medina was remembered as a devoted husband and family member. He was also described as a “fur” baby father to five animals.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Banks Medina; his parents, Luz Nancy Medina and Alvaro Medina; his sister, Ilene Medina, and her partner, Ronnie Minerva, and their children, Skylar and Tyler Medina; his brother, Sebastian Medina, and sister-in-law, Brittany Medina, and their son, Lucas Medina.

A private service for immediate family was held Aug. 28 at Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home in Barryville.

A public celebration of Medina’s life is scheduled for Sept. 8 at Callicoon Hills, 180 Fire House Road in Callicoon Center. Doors open at 2 p.m.

A Banks-Medina Support Team has started a Go Fund Me campaign to help Sarah Medina with the financial pressures she now faces and to potentially help her find a path toward reopening the restaurant she and JP launched together.