John Michael Soria

John Michael grew up in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, and graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1969, where he excelled as the Drum Major for the Bryan Adams High School Marching Band.

Following his high school graduation, John Michael attended North Texas State University in Denton for a year, majoring in music. He left college after one year to pursue his passion as a rock guitarist.

From his childhood, John Michael was passionate about music, and he was a virtuoso electric guitarist. He was known professionally as JMS Guitarslinger, and he achieved much success playing lead guitar in BEAR and RESURECTION in the early 70’s, followed by Shotgun in ’74 thru ’76, and then Vizion thru the early ‘80s, releasing one album ROCK FOR YOUR LIFE in 1980. All these groups performed throughout Texas, opening for Van Halen, Eddie Money, Peter Frampton and many others. John Michael relocated to Los Angeles in 1985, where he performed in several groups, and released an album with EUCLID DRIVE.

In 2005, John Michael returned to his DFW, and formed StoneAge with former bassist John Windle. In 2009 lead singer Dave DeHayes joined the band, and they became HOLY STRANGER to the present.

John Michael had thousands of friends and admirers, and each will remember him for one of his many attributes. He was larger than life in a sense, yet friendly and out-going, with a great sense of humor and very down to earth, despite his celebrity status. That is why he was so beloved by so many.

John Michael loved his family more than anything, and he loved cooking for them, often sharing pictures of his special creations on Facebook. He also owned a vintage Porsche that he was proud of and enjoyed maintaining. At the time of his passing, John Michael was employed by the Frisco ISD as the Lead Culinary Arts Trainer for 55 schools. He was Serv Safe Certified and Creperie du Chateau graphic chef. Previously, he was a chef at Hamlet Gardens in Westwood, California, where he cooked for numerous celebrities.

John is preceded in death by his father Carl Soria, and his mother Ruth Soria.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shellie Soria, of Frisco, Texas, his son Jason M. Soria and his wife Helene Vothang Soria, of Dallas, daughter Cybil Soria of Dallas, son Mason Soria of Miami Florida, and his brother Steve Soria, also of Frisco. He is also survived by grandson Miles Soria and granddaughter Harper Soria, also of Dallas.

There is a memorial for donations in his honor at Go Fund Me.com on Facebook if you wish to participate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Soria family.