Jonathan Amy

Jonathan "Jon" W. Amy, 93, of West Lafayette, beloved husband, father, and "Grandpa" died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at St. Elizabeth East Hospital. He was born in Delaware, OH on March 3, 1923 to Ernest and Theresa Amy who preceded him in death along with an infant brother. Jon became an avid reader as a young man. He was surrounded by books at home as his father was an English professor. His love of learning continued up until his death. He was attending Ohio Wesleyan University when he entered the U.S. Maritime Service during World War II where he served as a communication officer. When the war ended, he returned to Ohio to finish his Bachelor's degree at OWU. He grew up with Ruthanna Borden and they married on December 20, 1947. She preceded him in death in 1999. In 1948 Jon and Ruthanna moved to West Lafayette so he could attend Purdue for graduate studies in chemistry. Jon completed a Master's degree in 1950. When he had trouble finding employment, it was suggested he stay at Purdue to help in setting up a structural spectroscopy lab. This was the start of the instrumentation facility that would later become the "Jonathan Amy Instrumentation Facility" on the Purdue Campus. Jon completed his PhD at Purdue in 1955. During his time leading the facility, Jon worked closely with many leaders in the world of instrumentation. He remained in the Chemistry Department retiring in 1988. After retiring from Purdue, he continued to consult with Finnigan Instruments working well into his 80's. Jon was recognized for his many contributions by the American Chemical Society through its Chemical Instrumentation Award.

In the early 1950's Jon and Ruthanna developed a subdivision they called Ravinamy which became a community. Jon was part of a group that started the Wabash Volunteer Fire Department and he was recognized for his efforts and other community service with the George Award as well as named a Sagamore of the Wabash by the Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon.

Jon met Betty MacDonald Flood in Bay View, Michigan and married her on July 2, 2000 in Petoskey, MI. She survives along with his three children, sons, Joseph "Bur" Amy (wife Jennie Lou) of Charleston, SC, and James "Jim" Amy (wife Janet) of Cary, NC and his daughter, Theresa Amy of Sunland, CA. He has 4 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Betty's children are Joy Flood, Paul (wife Rebecca) Flood, Thure (wife Veronica) Flood, Todd (wife Bonnie) Flood, and Joseph (wife Dawn) Flood. Betty has 7 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 10, 2016 at St. John Episcopal Church, 600 Ferry St. Lafayette, IN 47901.The family will receive friends and relatives at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wabash Township Volunteer Fire Department, 51 S. Neuman Rd. West Lafayette, IN 47906 or Bay View Association, P.O. Box 583, Petoskey, MI 49770 or St. John's Episcopal Church. You may sign the guest book and leave pictures and condolences for the family by visiting www.soller-baker.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier on Dec. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Amy

Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel.

14 Entries

mercedes Gaeta

May 31, 2017

Jon my sweet friend, I am forever in debt and gratitude to you and Betty. I loved learning and being around you. This brings my heart great sadness because the world is left without you my dear friend. Words can't express the love I feel for you but I know you are running in heaven my friend. I love you Jon. Mercedes Gaeta

Bill Haddon

April 4, 2017

Jon Amy will be missed by many of Purdue's chemistry grad students, myself included. Jon, working with such illuminaries as Bill Baitinger, Craven Smith and others provided valuable research support to so many of us. As a graduate student of Fred McLafferty in 1964-68 Jon designed a Kelvin Varley divider circuit for our Bendix time-of-flight mass spectrometer which facilitated an accidental discovery of collision induced ion reactions. This was a key development for the field of tandem mass spectrometry and would not have been possible without Jon's ingenuity and, above all, patience. I'll never forget the sight of Jon emerging from his Saab automobile, the old style that was used in Northern Africa. The car seemed to envelope Jon. My condolences to the family. Bill Haddon, Purdue PhD 1968; currently President of Friends of Taylor Observatory-Norton Planetarium and owner, Talleyrand Winery, Kelseyville CA

December 13, 2016

Peace and love to your family from your friends in Petoskey, Melissa Findley Thompson and Patty Myers

Ed and Cathy Barrows

December 10, 2016

We are keeping all of you in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss; Jon will be deeply missed.

Although Jon visited us often , this was one of the rare visits where Jon and Betty visited us.

Jae Schwartz

December 9, 2016

I have known Jon for 32 years. This includes while I was at Purdue, Finnigan Corp., and all the incarnations of Thermo Fischer Scientific. Jon significantly affected my life, as I consider him one of the most influential role models in my life. His wisdom, and by his example, Jon taught me so many things, not just about technical subjects, but also about how to be a good scientist, and more importantly, how to be a great person. His temperament, his unending passion for life and knowledge, his patience, his personable nature, along with his astounding list of accomplishments, have always, and will continue to be for the rest of my own life, a tremendous inspiration to me. For these reasons, he certainly will not be forgotten.

Mike and Hari Maier

December 9, 2016

We extend our sincere condolences to Betty and all of the Amy family. Jon was an exceptional man in so many ways. We always admired his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and how he applied it to make our world a better place, both spiritually and physically.

While gone from our presence he will come to mind every time we hear an insightful sermon or when a grandson reaches for yet another book. And, like yesterday, we thought of him when it was time to change cartridges on our HP printer.

We pray that his love and knowledge be made perfect in the presence of his Master and Savior.

December 8, 2016

The world has become a much weaker place, without Jon. He was kind, humble, fascinating, brilliant. He taught us how to think about designing a better instrument and a better experiment, and how to be careful. He inspired us all, and enabled a remarkable wealth of new discovery. He shared with me our common love for summers in Michigan. From what he gave to us,
the world is now a much stronger place.
Thank you Jon, you sure will be missed.
Paul Shepson
Jonathan Amy Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

Richard Drnevich

December 8, 2016

Dear Betty, Terri, Joe, Jim, Jennie Lou and Janet,

We are all sad here in Pittsburgh to learn of Jon's death. He was a great man, a good husband and father and, in his earlier days, made one great pot pie! He will be missed by many people in many places - West Lafayette, Bay View, California and parts in between. We will keep Jon and all of you in our prayers.

Love,

Richard Drnevich and his family.

Pizza Party for Jon at Thermo Fisher, San Jose, March 2007

Clay Campbell

December 7, 2016

Thank you Jon for what you taught me about scientific instrument development, collaborative projects between industry and academia, and life in general. Your lessons were delivered with great patience and exceptional insight; attributes that made an impact with me. May you rest in peace.

Vince and Roxanne Drnevich

December 7, 2016

Dear Betty and the Amy family,

We know Jon through my brother Richard Drnevich who was Burr's roommate in college. Our relationship with Jon and family became personal with us when we moved to West Lafayette in 1991.
For us, spending time with Jon and family was fascinating. He was truly blessed with a brilliant mind, creativity beyond measure, and a wonderful disposition.
With our prayers and condolences,
Vince and Roxanne Drnevich

Rudy Cope

December 7, 2016

Jon is one of the most kind, meek men I've ever met. I think, early on in his life, Jon simply made it his overwhelming goal to be a help to other people in most any way he could. The Apostle Paul's ministry would not have been possible without the life and ministry of a man called Barnabas, whose name literally means, "son of consolation." In short, his name is Encourager. Jon Amy is an Encourager - in words and in deed. I will miss him - but the circle won't be broken.

Ann and John Bowers

December 6, 2016

Dear Aunt Betty and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Jon was a wonderful thoughtful man. We enjoyed learning about his interesting life experiences.

John and Ann Bowers

Alice Anderson

December 6, 2016

I have known Jon Amy since 1974...primarily through St. John's Episcopal Church...my condolences to Betty and family...my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time...

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