He attended Mt. Clemens High School and continued his education at Michigan Tech University, graduating in 1967with a Bachelors of Science in Forestry.
In 1971, Jon and Sandra moved to Jasper, AL. Jon owned North Alabama Forest Products with his business partner Kenneth Northrop for over 45 years. Together they built a wonderful business that helped develop and care for land resources all over the south-east.
In his free time, Jon could be found in nature. On a daily basis he was always working in his beautiful yard. Whether it was planting a rare variety of tulips, laying out a new bed, or planning his next growing season. He was a true outdoorsman. HIs favorite vacation spot was the families cottage in Pary Sound Canada. Jon found this property while he was in college and the family worked to develope it into a peaceful place to rest and rejuvinate in the summers.
Plants, trees, nature were a big part of Jon's personal and professional life. His sister, Jocelyn recently recalled Jon's desire to be a "farmer" at a very young age. "He would plant flower bulbs and sell them to the neighbors on his paper route. I guess that was insightful to his calling and career in forestry."
Jon was a member of First United Methodist Church of Cullman.
Jon is survived by his wife Sandra (Phillips) Betts, his sons Jay (Melissa), Chris (Tomeka), and Craig (Kelly) Betts, and six loving grandchildren- Hunter, Jon III, Braxton, Carrie, Landon, & Madison Betts. He is also survived by his three siblings- Joel Betts (Arleen) of MI, his sister Jocelyn Betts Prevost (Bob) of MI, and his youngest brother Jeri Betts (Patty) of MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred & Margo Betts, his brother Jonathan Betts, and his twin grandson's Brody & Lane Betts.
Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.mossservicefh.com
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
