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James Jonak Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Jonak
Joanne Christie
May 24, 2019
I am heartbroken to hear Dr. Jonak passed a year ago He was a great physician who passed too soon
Ms. Dallas Hall
June 12, 2008
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. Reminiscing back, I laugh because he managed to recruit me (a shy Southernbelle) into the Union army, somehow convincing me to dress-up in a uniform and pose for the camera. To say the least, I felt utterly ridiculous, standing there among the soldiers, but his friendly smile and encouraging words made it a memorable moment.
Ultimately, that's what made Jim admirable, his unique ability to bond with people from different facets of life by being empathetic and showing unconditional positive regard toward others. His witticism, of course, won a multitude of friends and his intellect the reverence of professionals, but more so, his down-to-earth approachability was refreshing in our otherwise selfish society.
Jim symbolized one of my favorite quotes, “We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another.” Luciano de Crescenzo. His caring character embraced our hearts, teaching us to live life through laughs, and above all, love. Although he will be sorely missed, take peace in the fact that his last "march" was into heaven.
Peggy Seward
June 10, 2008
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
David Crumpler
June 6, 2008
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 out of the Richmond area, the 44th VA. Infantry. Not long after becoming a re-enactor, I again saw Jim, who was with the 38th VA Infantry, but frequently visited and fell in with our company. Eventually he joined the 44th full time. It was always a great joy to be in his company. Jim was very out going with participants and with the public. He was the epitome of all things that a Civil War Re-enactor should be; knowledgeable yet unpretentious, gentlemanly, and out going. I always enjoyed his conversations, the sweet mixture of his seriousness, and his wonderful humor. I loved the music that he played in camp on his Fife. He brought so much authenticity, color and richness to each event.
Though Jim was a very accomplished Physician, his Impression, as a re-enactor, was so convincing that for years I could not imagine him as any thing other than a Civil War Soldier.
My two young daughters would also participate in the reenactments, and Jim was always very kind and welcoming to them, teaching them to play the fife and letting them fire his Musket. They adored him. We all adored him.
I’ve known very few men as good as Jim; I’ve known none that were better. I am blessed to have known him, will sorely miss his presence, and shall always cherish his memory.
Sincerely
Pvt. David G. Crumpler
44th VA Infantry
Linda Brown
June 3, 2008
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.
John Finkenstadt
June 1, 2008
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 occasionally read about a patient I vaguely remember or sometimes read the details of some prominent person that has passed. Then it happened. Jim’s picture was staring at me. I thought this couldn’t be. His picture and columned life story was not supposed to be there. Not in the obituaries. Not Jonak. I didn’t even know he was ill.
Of course like many things in this fleeting life, I somehow lost track of Jim in recent years although I’ve always considered him a close friend and a very special and unique individual. We had spent seven of our formidable years together in medical school and Family Practice residency. Jim had left quite an impression on me as well as all those around him. You see, Jim was about 10 years older than the rest of our group and consequently was able to see things in a different life perspective than the rest of us. His basic character is unforgettable and he certainly had a different worldview – hard to describe actually. Jim had a way of putting humor in a seemingly unlikely and often difficult situation. He taught me to be able to laugh a little at myself now and again, a lesson I still struggle with. I’ll never forget Doberman’s Law.
I am writing this note on Sunday evening. Periodic waves of deep sorrow are still coming over me. The world will never be quite the same without Jim Jonak in it.
My sincere sympathy and regrets to Holly and the rest of Jim’s family. God rest this merry gentleman.
Kenneth Knieser
May 31, 2008
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.
LUELLA LEMON
May 30, 2008
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 30, 2008
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
Chuck & Doreen McCoy
May 30, 2008
Larry and EIleen I don't believe we ever met this brother, but our sincere sympathy goes out to you and the family. We didn't realize he had connections in this area. Our prayers and thoughts go out to your whole family.
Joanne Christie
May 30, 2008
I was shocked to read of the passing of Dr. Jonak. I was one of the Team 1 Nurses(now retired) where "Jim" did his FP Residency and remember him as one of the funniest, nicest people I've known. My sincere condolences for your loss.
William Beals MD
May 30, 2008
Holly
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Jim was good man, good friend, and a good doctor-he would have said a "hunday".
The name "Jonak" still brings a smile to my face. He qualifies as one of
Reader's Digest's "Most Unforgettable Characters".
I will try to be there on the 7th.
Bill Beals
James Mills
May 30, 2008
Words cannot express deep lost for this fellow reenactor. My prayers are with the family and his many friends.
James Mills, Medical Officer
Alexander's Battalion Field Hospital
Alexander's Battalion Artillery of Longstreet's Corps.
Sharon West
May 30, 2008
Dr.Jonak was a wonderful and careing Dr and person. I was one of his many patents and I couldnt of had a better Dr. he always had a smile and kind word and was concerned about all his patents. Dr. Jonak was also a good listerer he and I had a love of picture puzzles he always would show me the ones he had done and framed in his office and rooms.He will greatly be missed by all who were lucky to of known him.God now has a special angle to look over us now.When I remember him I'll always have a smile and good memories.God bless you Dr. Jonak and may God help your loved ones though this time of grief.
Clarence Hargus
May 30, 2008
Thoughts, sympathy and prayers go out to Mrs. Jonak and the family of Dr. Jonak.
MCVRS EMT/Chaplain
Mark Houseman
May 30, 2008
The passing of a loved one or dear friend is something we remaining behind must all face in time. We can do little to ease the pain. Time and time alone can only do so.
Let us therefore not dwell upon that pain of his untimely loss but rather embrace that which he left behind in the legacy of his life. All he touched in his special way will forever be warmly remembered and cherished.
It was my pleasure to have known Jim. Short though that time has been, his mark upon me as a friend and fellow re-enactor is imeasurable.
In that regard, he will always be present in thought around the many campfires of the future.
A salute
Around a tiny campfire,
sit men in tattered grey
Weary of their struggles,
and duty of the day.
Not a word is spoken,
for all is silent now.
Silent contemplation,
is on each battered brow.
A tiny flask is passed
around the campfire glow,
salute to a fallen comrade
Whose memory will ever flow
Salute
The Officers & Men of the 38th Georgia Volunteers
Mary Hartman
May 30, 2008
Holly: I am sorry for your loss. Jim was a fascinating man. I was married to him for a brief year, just before we moved to Las Vegas where he joined Mikey's practice. I work now with one of Bill and Lee Beal's daughters (Maria) in Syracuse. Actually, just returned from a trip to Virginia over Memorial Day. Cannot make it to the services, but feel free to contact me in the future if desired. Have many funny stories and memories to share if you are interested. Mary Cannella Hartman. email address: [email protected]
"Nurse Nancy" Brackley
May 30, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful man and respected physician.
Holly, my deepest condolences to you and the family.
Dr. James P. Jonak will remain in our hearts forever.
Tiffany Pinto
May 30, 2008
OH Dr Jonak,
Words will never express my gratitude nor what an honor it was to know you and work with you at Hayes Medical Center. You were a huge part of this community as well as a large part of my life. Your patients are truly saddend by your passing and the staff miss you terribly. You are an inspiration to all who knew you and you will never be forgotten!!!
You had a gift of compassion and dedication to the care of your patients and I only hope that I can continue your legacy here at Hayes.
It has been my honor and a privilege to work with you and having you and Holly in my life has made me a better person. I can only hope that my two young boy's grow up to be even half the man that you are. May your memory live on forever and may we never forget to "love thy neighbor"
P.S. Never let'm see ya sweat
your nurse forever
Tom Augustine
May 30, 2008
I worked in the business office of Corning Medical and Surgical when Dr Jonak came there to practice. I remember him as being one of the most popular physicians in the area and an "all-around good guy"and one whom I admired greatly. Rest in Peace Dr. Jonak
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