Paul Patrick Jauw

Paul Patrick Jauw, age 61, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024 surrounded by his family. In the early 1960’s, Rudy & Jacoba Vera (Broekman) Jauw immigrated to the United States with their two young children in tow from The Netherlands. After settling into their new home, God decided their family was not complete just yet, and on December 23, 1962 they were blessed with Paul’s birth.

Born with Down Syndrome, Paul’s parents worried about the struggles he may endure, however, it became quickly apparent they did not have to be concerned. Through the nurturing love of family, Paul thrived. Like all kids, he attended school and graduated and with the help of The Hope Network, Paul worked several different jobs, but his career was working for Bulman Products, Inc. He had a keen eye for detail and specialized in assembly work on a jig earning him the nickname “Jigger Jauw”.

Paul was naturally talented in the arts. He was a gifted artist with his artwork featured in Art Prize in 2011. His involvement showcased the abilities of those with Down Syndrome, bringing needed attention to the positives of those that live with an extra chromosome. He also had a love of music, which led to him learning to play the guitar and turning his bedroom into his music studio. His ability to memorize music lyrics and artists was amazing, and no matter how hard someone tried they could never stump him when questioning who sang what lyric.

With the help of his family, Paul lived his best life. He traveled to California, took numerous trips to Chicago to visit his sister, and even journeyed to The Netherlands to see where his family originated. He attended multiple concerts over the years including Neil Diamond, Elton John, Tina Turner, and he even got to meet Lionel Ritchie backstage at one of his shows. He was multi-lingual knowing both English and Dutch, which is an unusual ability for those with Downs.

Paul was truly a gift from God to his family and all who knew him. He was the teacher of kindness and patience, and always held an innocence that was never marred by the negative parts of the world. He was definitely an angel in disguise.

Paul is survived by his sister Monique Jauw; his brother Ronald (Sheryl) Jauw; his nephew Ryan Jauw; his niece Katelyn (John) DeYoung and her children: Jack, Lilly, Maddie and Norah, and his beloved feline family Joey Bishop and Eddie Haskell as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Paul will be held on Monday November 18, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial next to his parents will be at Blythefield Memory Gardens.