James Paul Jonak M.D.

I am heartbroken to hear Dr. Jonak passed a year ago He was a great physician who passed too soon

As I sit here, trying to find the perfect words to memorialize Jim, I find myself wondering what exactly to say, particularly after reading each of your uplifting tributes.

I'm certainly not a beloved family member or respected colleague. For that matter, I'm not even a valued patient, past school friend, or fellow re-enactor. Simply put, I'm someone who happened to met him one beautifully sunny, Saturday afternoon while visiting a Civil War encampment in Bedford, Virginia....

My deepest sympathy to the Jonak family. I had been looking forward to seeing Jim at our 50th Olean High School reunion and remembering very good and funny times. He'll be missed.
Keep 'em laughing Jim.

Peggy Whipple Seward

The first time I ever met Jim Jonak was in April of 1996. I was a spectator at a Civil War Re-enactment at Saylor’s Creek, VA. While touring the Confederate camp this kindly stranger walked up, welcomed me, and handed me his rifle to examine. For the next half hour or so he entertained me with a tremendous amount of fascinating information about life in the 1860s. I believe it was during that encounter that I became smitten with the idea of becoming a re-enactor myself, so I joined a group...

Dear Holly,
It is with great sadness that I write this note to you. We have not been in touch in a long time. However, all the wonderful times you and Jim shared with the group, way back when here in Syracuse, are ingrained in my memory and my heart. Jim was a wonderful human being, kind and humorous. The world is a better place for his 67 years of existence. My deepest condolences to you and his family.

It was a usual Friday at the office: hurrying to finish the morning’s patients; my regular nurse was on vacation; several patients in pain would have to put off until next week; etc., etc. I did get a chance to sit down for a few minutes to eat my lunch and take a quick glance at The Post Standard. I usually start with the sports section (I’m not one that wants to keep up the latest disaster or with who is killing who) and lately I’ve had the habit of reading the obituaries. I’ll...

Have always fondly remembered Jim as a truly nice person. We thoroughly enjoyed our musical foursome during our teenage years - and did he love the polka.

DR JONAK WAS MY DOCTOR FOR ONLY A SHORT TIME BUT I FELT VERY COMFORTABLE WITH HIM AND HIS OPINIONS ON MY HEALTH. I AM GLAD I WAS ABLE TO KNOW HIM. THINKING OF YOU HIS FAMILY AT THIS TIME.

MAY THE JONAK FAMILY PLEASE BE COMFORTED BY THE BIBLE BECAUSE AT 2 TIMOTHY 3:16- WE SEE HERE THAT THE BIBLE IS BENEFICIAL FOR TEACHING AND SETTING THINGS STRAIGHT. INDEED THIS IS THE TIME OR STATE THAT GODS WORDS CAN COMFORT YOU AND BRING YOU HOPE. PLEASE REMEMBER THE GOOD MEMORIES OF JAMES. PLEASE TAKE CARE