Kenneth "Ken" Irving Jonson II

He was born on April 10, 1943, in Danville, Virginia, to Kenneth Irving and Phyllis (Holland) Jonson.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathleen Jonson Visovatti; and his brother-in-law, Don Hall Visovatti.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 13 years, Pamela Hubbard Jonson; his daughters, Nancy Reiber Jonson of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Sarah Heim-Jonson Wootton (Madison) of Richmond, Virginia; his stepson, Roberto Hubbard Pine; and three grandchildren: John Madison Wootton, Lucy Kellogg Wootton, and Henry Lawrence Wootton. Other survivors include his nephew and niece and their families: Scott Hall Visovatti (Moira) and Kristin Visovatti Johnson (Starck); and his sisters-in-law, and their families: Sandy Hubbard Murray (Shawn) and Karen Hubbard Ferguson; and many friends.

Ken graduated from Edina High School (1961) in Edina, Minnesota, the University of Minnesota (1965), the University of Minnesota Law School (1968), both in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) School in Charlottesville, Virginia (1969). During high school, Ken was chosen as an exchange student to Hamburg, Germany, served as president of the National Honor Society, and was a member of the golf team and Latin Club. As an undergraduate, Ken received his Bachelor of Arts in English, served as president of his fraternity, Chi Psi, and on the board of the Interfraternity Council. In law school, Ken served as Primary Editor of the Minnesota Law Review and graduated magna cum laude. He was a member of the Order of the Coif.

To start his law career as a JAG, Ken served as legal counsel for Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson, Jr., the helicopter pilot who stopped the My Lai massacre, during the Army’s investigation and congressional hearings that could have led to Thompson’s court martial for disobeying a superior officer. Afterwards, Ken served as a captain in the United States Army at Camp Zama, Japan, which instilled in him a love for all things Japanese for the rest of his life. Following his military service, Ken moved his young family to Alexandria, Virginia, and joined the law firm Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C., where he spent his career as a corporate litigator before retiring as a partner in 2003. He was known for his exceptional writing skills, courtroom mastery, incomparable negotiating skills, and his generosity mentoring younger attorneys.

Upon retirement, Ken enjoyed spending time with friends and family – mostly on golf courses – in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Charlottesville, Virginia; Sarasota, Florida; and Raleigh, North Carolina.

One of the smartest men, if not the smartest, many of us met, Ken was always curious and enjoyed intellectual discussions, solving problems, and reading of nearly any kind. His friends and family looked forward to his book recommendations that always included a witty review. (“This one really made the 15th century come to life!”) A quiet and conscientious leader, he organized discussion groups with friends that wrestled with current issues and met monthly until he died. In retirement, Ken served on the boards of Governor’s Club (president), Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Condo on the Bay Condominium Association and Vue Condominium Association (president) both in Sarasota, Florida. His thoughtful counsel, insightful advice, and charming wit will be missed.

A dedicated and accomplished golfer, Ken enjoyed countless hours on fairways and putting greens. He taught his daughters not only how to play the game at an exceedingly early age, but also the importance of golf course etiquette. Some of his closest friends were part of his foursomes over the years, including regular games at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland; Governor’s Club in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Virginia; Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota, Florida; and the Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, North Carolina. Being on a golf course with family and friends was one of his greatest joys in life. He helped start a series of tournaments in Raleigh including the Day After the Masters Tournament (DAM) that was recently renamed the DAM Ken Jonson Tournament in his honor. At family reunions, Ken’s putting competitions organized for all ages were always a highlight.

Throughout his life, Ken prioritized family and planned family reunions every summer in Colorado and every other Thanksgiving in Evanston, Illinois, which he looked forward to all year long. Later in his life, the family enjoyed reunions in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Ken will be remembered for his love of family, friends, history, philosophy, poetry, mysteries, music, sports, especially golf, football and baseball; and, of course, sweets, especially chocolate chip cookies.

The family would like to thank his wonderful care team at Transitions LifeCare and his longtime caregiver, Millie.

A private memorial service will be held in Sidney, Nebraska, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Parkinson’s Voice Project, a local food bank, or the charity of your choice.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Jonson family.