Michael A. Janson

Michael Anthony Janson passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025. After battling lung cancer.

Born on March 8, 1957, to Clyde Jack Janson and Gloria A. Janson (nee Ireland) in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Janson, his children Cara Benz (Ian) Elyse Stickley (Scott) and John Janson. His stepchildren Sarah Morris (Don) and Daniel Forney (Hayley) His siblings David Janson (Janet) Pamlyn Janson (Mark Oenbrink) James Janson, and M Elizabeth Johnson (Ken.) His grandchildren Eleanor, Oliver, Gracelyn, Alexandra and Owen.

Michael was a devoted son. He was a carpenter by trade, and he was fortunate enough to work on several projects with his father, who was his mentor and best teacher. Michael had fond memories of his work with his father, and no matter what part of town you were in Michael would point to different projects he had worked with Jack and a story of their antics would follow (Which included an impromptu meet and great with President Raegan!) In her final years Michael cared for his mother, she meant a lot to him, and he meant a lot to her.

Michael found the best in people. Especially people that were down on their luck or wrestling with their own demons. He found ways to take them under his wing and support them in their difficult moments. If you were a friend in need, he was a friend indeed.

Michael was a talented musician he was a gifted singer and a completely self-taught player of both guitar and mandolin, starting from around age 10. He loved playing covers of the Beatles and James Taylor. Recently he began to edit and produce original songs in his studio.

Michael was naturally curious and mechanically minded, as a young boy he would take apart tools or appliances and figure out how to reassemble them. He had a lifelong interest in science especially geology and astronomy. He was an avid rock collector, and he enjoyed using his telescope to gaze at the stars.

Michael was a storyteller. When the workday was done, he greatly enjoyed sitting on his deck with friends and family, telling stories and sharing his humorous satire. He loved recounting the days of his youth with stories of his best friend Russ and of his siblings. Especially the story of when they drove a truck across the frozen Ohio River in 1977.

Michael was an avid Bengals fan. He loved Cincinnati sports teams, but the Bengals were his top team through thick and thin.

Michael was many things to many people. He was greatly loved, and he will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Music Resource Center Cincinnati: Link HERE

A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. Service information to follow.