James Michael Jonas

Michael Jonas, the youngest of seven children, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 10, 1945 into the loving family of Lois and Burr Jonas. His dad was a busy Baptist Minister and carpenter and his mother was a talented and protective homemaker. Burr and Lois were soul mates and they were wonderful role models for how to live a life of unconditional love for their 7 children, 37 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and for those who were fortunate to become family members by marriage.

Michael was an energetic child who loved to run, ride bikes and play with friends. He was a very active Boy Scout who attended several Boy Scout national jamborees. He was a hard worker in all his endeavors. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and, at 16, he earned the merit badges required to become an Eagle Scout.

Michael put himself through college and he graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1971.

Upon graduation, he moved to Houston and that is where he met Sharri’. He introduced her to one of his major passions - camping. He could build a campfire that was a work of art. Many enjoyable hours were spent visiting, laughing, cooking and just warming around his campfires with family and friends. Michael and Sharri’s favorite spot to camp was in a rustic area, Reimer’s Ranch, outside of Austin. They decided to make Austin “home base” and were married at the top of Mount Bonnell. Sharri’ and Michael have resided in the Austin area since 1984.

Michael was an explorer of life. In addition to his love for camping, he had a passion for backpacking, astronomy, photography, gardening, cooking, politics, philosophy, music and debating anything. His most treasured adventures were his travels abroad with Sharri’ - a total of 20 countries in Europe and South America.

He was a devoted and generous husband, son, son-in-law, brother, uncle and friend. Michael would think of kind and thoughtful ways to improve the quality of life of his loved ones. He was also a romantic who would surprise Sharri’ with memorable birthdays, Valentine’s Days and anniversaries.

Michael loved his pets – they were his “fur babies”. He doted on them to a fault and they showed their love and affection in return.

Michael left us suddenly and unexpectedly, but peacefully on 6/23/2017. He is predeceased by his parents, his father-in-law, six siblings, one niece, one great-nephew and two cousins. He leaves behind his beloved wife, friend and soulmate, Sharri’, and he is survived by numerous in-laws, nephews, nieces, a cousin plus extended family and friends who will miss the presence of Michael. But rest assured - he left a legacy to be demonstrated and modeled for future generations.

Please come share your memories at a Celebration of Life Service to be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Saturday, August 26, 2017 in the Student Worship Center of Oakwood Baptist Church, located at 2154 Loop 337, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, (830) 625-0267.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of J. Michael Jonas to one of his cherished charities listed below or to a charity of your choice:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, (800)805-5856, https://www.stjude.org

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston, Donor Development Office, 6977 Main St., Houston, Texas, 77030, (713)793-3931, https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/locations/houston

American Diabetes Association – Austin, P.O. Box 4887, Austin, Texas, 78765, (512)472-9838, http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/local-offices/austin-texas/

Alzheimer’s Research Association, 31408 Harper Avenue, Suite 235, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, 48082, (866)274-8148, http://www.alzra.org/donate/

Cards may be sent to Sharri’ at the following address:

P.O. Box 340186

Lakeway, TX 78734