John James Michel

John "Jack" James Michel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on July 30, 2026 at the age of 93.

Born in 1933 in Queens, New York, Jack was the son of John Jacob Michel and Margaret Mary Michel. He grew up in Queens alongside his sister, Margaret "Peggy" Michel Patek. He attended St. Kevin's Catholic School, where he served as an altar boy. From an early age, Jack was known for his strong work ethic, athletic ability, and determination. He excelled in sports, worked part-time throughout his youth, and became a Golden Gloves boxing champion.

Jack attended the New York State Maritime College, earning a degree in engineering. During his college summers, he sailed across the Atlantic, traveling between the United States and Europe, experiences that broadened his perspective and fueled his adventurous spirit.

Following graduation, Jack accepted a position with Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. There he met his love, Patricia Ruth Shahade. They married, purchased their first home on Luzerne Street, and welcomed their first child.

In 1962, Jack joined IBM as a sales and marketing representative. The family relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they welcomed three more children: Mary Weber Michel, Thomas Michel, and Loretta "Lorri" Michel. In 1968, Jack accepted a position with Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), and the family returned to Johnstown, settling on Tioga Street.

Two years later, Jack rejoined IBM, resuming a successful 30-year career with the company. His work took the family to Vestal, New York, before they eventually settled in Nassau Bay, Texas, where they enjoyed many happy years. While living there, Jack earned a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, reflecting his lifelong love of learning and personal growth.

In 1986, Jack and Patty moved to the Lakeway community near Austin, Texas, where he completed his career with IBM before retiring. An avid golfer, he was able to play regularly during retirement and continued to play well into his early eighties.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Jack moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to be closer to his son Thomas and three of his cherished grandchildren: Jack, Luke, and Sean.

Above all else, Jack devoted his life to two enduring loves: his family and his faith. He was a man of deep Catholic faith who believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and the beauty and majesty of God's kingdom. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, offering unwavering love, guidance, and support. His children always knew they were deeply loved and valued.

Jack is survived by his four children; his four grandchildren, Sophie Birdwell, Jack Michel, Luke Michel, and Sean Michel; and his three great-grandchildren, Bridger, Betty, and Breck Birdwell.

Jack's legacy is one of faith, perseverance, love. He will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but for the wisdom, and steadfast devotion he showed to those fortunate enough to know him.

In loving memory of an extraordinary father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, may his memory continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.