James N. Jonson

d: Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Visitation: Tuesday May 27, 2014 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm

Funeral Service: Wednesday May 28, 2014 at 10:30am

Age 85, of Hamilton, passed away Tuesday morning, May 20, 2014, at Hospice of Hamilton. He was born at Mercy Hospital in Hamilton, Ohio on February 22, 1929, the son of Nicholas and Evangeline Jonson. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1947. Although he never attended The Ohio State University he was an avid Buckeye fan. He was also a strong supporter of the Bengals, Redhawks and Steelers. Jim was a staff sergeant in the U S Air Force from 1950-1954. Most of his working life was spent in his father's restaurant on High Street, Jonson's Restaurant, until it closed on December 31, 1970. He thereafter worked as a salesman for Bob Asbury, selling motorcycle helmets and accessories, followed by a salesman for several local wine distributors. Before he retired in 1986, he worked five years for Butler County Water and Sewer. On January 2, 1971, Jim married Patricia Davis Smith in Hamilton, Ohio. Jim was extremely proud of his Greek heritage, and of serving his country in the Air Force. He loved his children, grandchildren and Greek family. His favorite hobby was horse racing; he thanked his friend John Holcomb, former Butler County Prosecutor for introducing him to the sport of kings. Jim's other loves were traveling the USA (he only missed three states, Alaska, North Dakota, and Montana), plus many trips to Europe, especially the home of his parents in Geraki, Greece. He loved it so much, he made six trips there. He also loved annual trips with Pat and Liz to Las Vegas. In 1993, after his wife retired, they joined the Fitton YMCA where they made life-long friends. His favorite home away from home was meeting every morning with his McDonald's Adult Daycare Center buddies, where every day brought laughter. A standing joke was when a newcomer visited, he would always say, "Did you know I used to play basketball with Joe Nuxhall at Wilson Jr. High?" Jim was a member of AmVets Post 1983 and a member of The Presbyterian Church. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Patty Jo, children Lia (Mark) Cristell (Hamilton), Nick (Vickey) Jonson (Denver), Brian (Tricia) Jonson (Fairfield), stepdaughter Liz Smith (Fairfield); three wonderful grandchildren, Noah, Nathan, and Natalie Jonson; He is also survived by the mother of his children, Myrna McGlamery of Dugspur, VA; siblings Stella Zaharako (Centerville), Mary J Christos (Fairfield), Venus Miller (Chicago), Virginia Annes (Chicago), Denny Jonson (Ft Lauderdale), and George Jonson (Sophia), special caregiver Amber Pressler who gave him loving care for a year; many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great nephews and great niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Christ Jonson, brothers-in-law Peter Christos, John Annes, Jim Zaharako, and George Miller, nephew Alan Zaharako, and great nephews Christopher Nadaud and Jason Kovats. The family would like to extend gratitude to Dr. Davin, the caregivers of The Woodlands of Hamilton, the caregivers of Hospice of Hamilton, and to the Berkeley community. Memorials may be directed to The Presbyterian Church 23 South Front St. Hamilton, OH 45011, Hospice of Hamilton 1010 Eaton Ave. Hamilton, OH 45013 or Colonial Life Care Foundation 520 Eaton Ave. Hamilton, OH 45013.