Jon W. Coleman

Jon W. Coleman

Former Executive Director of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission in Lansing, Michigan, Jon W. Coleman, passed away peacefully at the age of 84, at his home in Eaton Rapids on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Widely admired for his collaborative, calm and reasoned approach to sometimes challenging issues, he served for 35 years.

Born December 25, 1941, in Dallas, Texas, to John Raymond and Edna (Pond) Coleman, he was an attentive, well-liked student in school who played intramural sports (softball and football) and competed in track and field. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jon attended Texas A&M University, completing a bachelor's degree in architecture and a master's degree in urban planning. He then served in the Air Force for 4 years, achieving the rank of Captain. After leaving the Air Force, he worked as a regional planner at Wichita-Sedgewick County Planning, in Kansas.

Jon met Sonja Jurzysta, his future wife, in Wichita in 1975. When they moved to Lansing, Michigan for Sonja to pursue her graduate studies at MSU, Jon quickly found a position at the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, where he spent his professional career until retirement in 2011. Jon loved his job and was very proud of his staff and confident that they would carry on well without him.

While he and Sonja resided in Lansing, Jon used his architectural skills to design and build an addition to their small Cape Cod. Later, Jon's architectural talents shone when he and Sonja worked with an architect and builder to design and build a distinctive house in 1997 in Eaton Rapids with an eye toward eventual retirement. Early on, they created a very large garden to pursue their love of nature and good food. Post retirement, Jon and Sonja enjoyed many hours of tending to their hilltop oasis, through all kinds of weather, and enjoying the produce from their garden.

Friends and family found Jon to be an amiable, thoughtful, mischievous and handy fellow. He was always quick to volunteer his help if something needed to be done and loved to tinker and fix things. His quiet demeanor did not diminish his competitive streak, which might surprise a ping pong or racquetball opponent. He was also an avid photographer who enjoyed sharing tips with other photo enthusiasts. He developed and printed his own photos, including detailed close-ups of bugs and flowers, wildlife (particularly birds and deer), landscapes, and family events.

Jon is survived by his wife Sonja, brother Ronald (Wilma) Coleman of Dallas, Texas, sister Evelyn Warren of Port Orchard, Washington, several nieces and nephews, and their families. His parents, his sister Johnita Clements and his brother John R. Coleman Jr. predeceased him.

At the family's request, there will be no service at this time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Way of South Central Michigan (where Jon served on The Power of We committee) or a charity of one's choice.