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Edward Jonas Obituary
Tallahassee - Edward Jonas, 71, of Tallahassee passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020. Born in Logan, Ohio and the grandson of an Ohio coal miner, Ed was no stranger to hard work. After graduating from Cocoa High, Ed set out to realize his childhood dream of becoming an artist. In 1972, he earned his BFA in Studio Arts from Florida State University, and in 1977, he played a pivotal role in the opening of the Museum of Florida History.
In 1982, Ed went on a blind date that would change his life forever, where he met his soulmate, Christine. This past April, Ed and Christine celebrated 37 years of marriage, and during those years they managed two businesses together, raised three children, and travelled the world, all while sharing countless laughs and a tremendous amount of love.
Ed was a true Renaissance man, who seemed to possess more knowledge than one man could possibly learn on topics ranging from art to falconry to Civil War artifacts. As a gifted artist, curator, engineer, and advocate for the arts, he devoted more than 50 years to his creative passions. A proud FSU alumni, Ed has painted three of the university's former presidents and has created sculptural works located all-around the campus.
An educator at heart, Ed was also the co-founder and Chair of the Portrait Society of America, a non- profit, educational organization dedicated to supporting artists and the traditions of figurative art.
He is survived by two brothers, Mark (Donna) Jonas and Greg Jonas; his wife, Christine Egnoski Jonas, and three children, son Tyler (Diana) Jonas, daughters Emma Jonas, and Amelia (Cody) Cummings; and grandson, Caiden Cummings.
A celebration of his life and studio visit will be held in October. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Ed's memory to Portrait Society of America, PO Box 11272, Tallahassee, FL, 32302 or Porch de Salomon, PO Box 10509, Tallahassee, FL, 32302.
Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting Mrs. Jonas with her arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Jonas
Sponsored by Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee Cremation-Prearrangement Center.
BARBARA VILLABOL FISER
June 12, 2025
I will always remember him. Grace, peace, love. Barbara
Barbara Villabol Fiser
June 12, 2024
A talented and kind man, gone too soon.
Joan Newbold
September 1, 2023
So sorry we never got to sort out our family history connection through my great grandfather George Todd.
Barbara V Fiser
June 12, 2023
Always remember you Ed, could never forget your smile, big heart and talent. I am thankful I knew you when we were so young at FSU.
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Barbara V Fiser
October 7, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
steven lorber
September 15, 2020
Christine, I am so sorry to hear the passing of Ed. He was such an influence to me at the Portrait Society Conventions. He always took the time to speak with me and his ability to describe things so graphically to me that I can remember the conversations like it was yesterday. He was without a doubt a great communicator beyond his art, and I am sure a great husband and father. No words could comfort you during this hard time, but you should know how blessed you were and still are to have shared a life with him. I am truly saddened. You should know of all the people at the Portrait Society, both Ed and Raymond have had
an influence in my life, and I am thankful that I had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be missed to say the least.
During this time, I wish you and your family, comfort during these hard times. God rest his soul, and god bless you and your family.
My sincere sympathy, Steven Lorber
Molly Mastrangelo
July 3, 2020
Dear Christine and family,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss of Ed, also a loss for the whole artistic community. I also lost my husband in his early 70s in an accident, so I can feel with you, and wish you strength in the days to come. Christine, a special thank you for all you and Ed have done for the Portrait Society
Molly Mastrangelo
Sallie & Erik Robinson
June 20, 2020
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to you all. Erik and I were so saddened to hear about Ed's passing. From the early days at MFH (Erik started working there in 1984) to watching Ed develop his career as an artist, we both loved an admired Ed. He will be truly missed.
With sympathy, Sallie & Erik Robinson
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