John Jay Michaels

April 24, 1950 – January 7, 2025

John Jay Michaels (Michnowski), born April 24, 1950 in Sharon, Pennsylvania to Julius “Skip” Michaels

(Michnowski) and Mildred “Midge” Michaels (Balla), passed away at the Veterans Home in Barstow, California on January 7, 2025 at the age of 74.

John moved with his family to Whittier, California in 1958 and attended area schools, graduating from La Serna High School in 1969.

John served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, stationed at Stembach Air Base in Germany and Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California. He held various jobs, including work on the General Motors assembly lines in South Gate and Van Nuys, California. He lived in the High Desert since 1988, in Helendale at Silver Lakes and eventually in Barstow.

John is survived by his sister Carol Weber (Lee) of Transfer, Pennsylvania, brother Thomas Michaels of Medford, Oregon, brother Dan Michaels (Janice) of Lompoc, California, nieces Karin Grassl-Petersen and Lauren Michaels, and nephews Bryan Michaels, Jason Michaels, and Paul Michaels.

John was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Mildred Michaels and his nephews William Petersen Jr. and Sean Michaels.

A memorial service and inurnment will be held April 24, 2025 at Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon.