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John Michaels Obituary
November 14, 1951 - September 13, 2023
Raleigh, North Carolina - Jack is survived by his wife of 51 years Becky Hooper, son Zachary (Colette Blair), daughters Sarah (Nick Kindig) and Virginia (Kevin Ganssle), and grandchildren Adelaide, Lydia, Molly, and Liam. He graduated from Broughton High School in 1969, North Carolina State University in 1973, and the University of South Carolina law school in 1977. Jack practiced law at Young, Moore, and Henderson, PA before founding Michaels and Michaels, PA with his brother Paul. A fuller account of Jack's life can be found at Legacy.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Michaels
Gabe Jimenez
October 20, 2023
Jack was such an engaging and wonderful person. In the short time we practiced law together his passion for zealously representation of his clients & attention to finite details made a lasting impression and he always pushed me to be the best advocate possible. RIP
Kay and Chris Blair
October 16, 2023
Our deepest condolences to you Becky and your family. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Much love and hugs to you from Chris and me.
Ellen Norris
September 27, 2023
Becky, praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. Hugs......Ellen Norris
Marcia Beenen Chaplin
September 24, 2023
Jack and I met in grade school while attending Our Lady of Lourdes. Jack was the first boy I danced with at our school Friday Night Dances (actually the first boy who ever asked me to dance:) I remember Jack and his sister Elizabeth with a smile. It was good to see Elizabeth at the reunion. I was sorry Jack was unable to attend. He was one of the good ones! God bless his family.
Rick Hallwood
September 24, 2023
Jack was one of my best buds during our formative years. My sister Lindsey and I lived four houses up from the Michaels. We carpooled with Jack and Beth from 2nd grade through 7th grade to Our Lady of Lourdes and beyond.
We almost daily played football, basketball, wiffle ball or dodgeball. There were games like fox and hounds, tag, cowboys and indians, building Fort Ticonderoga next to the creek or others in the woods and capturing lightning bugs to name a few activities on their huge large backyard and of course snacks prepared by Mrs. Michaels. Jack and I played one-on-one basketball hundreds of times at his house or mine, sleepovers, Cub and Boy Scouts, riding bikes and all those activities that young kids did to entertain ourselves outside before cell phones, computers and Xbox gaming.
Thanks to coach Michaels, we had Roman Gabriel as our grade school gym teacher and he even babysat for my sister and me. As we grew a little older, we went to countless N.C. State games and sold drinks, popcorn, peanuts and programs to earn extra money or just to watch great games like The Dixie Classics.
Then there were endless days usually playing 27 or 36 holes of golf and swimming at Wildwood Country Club. I clearly remember my Dad (recently passed 96) teaching Jack how to ski when we went to Kerr Lake, where we had a houseboat and speedboat. Many a weekend were spent fishing, swimming, skiing and boating.
On this day of remembrance, I can still visualize Jack jumping at the fence to barely catching a baseball half out of his glove during a little league baseball game denying me of a home run. We had a good life, which were truly our Wonder Years.
Lindsey remembered our parents meeting at the Michaels house and all (kids included) talking about and deciding to go to public school instead of continuing a Catholic based education.
As we got a little older, camping out in the woods while the beltline was starting to be built. Later, I got my driver's license and our territory significantly increased.
Jack went to N.C. State and I went to UNC and our paths separated.
I'm sharing these memories as a Celebration of Life with Jack as a good friend. I'm sure Dad and Jack are skiing together in heaven.
Becky - my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Alethia Watford
September 23, 2023
Sending deep condolences. Praying for peace, joy, and strength as you remember the wonderful life and legacy of Mr. Michaels. Hugging you tight Sarah!
Dean Webster
September 23, 2023
To Becky and family:
I just got back from the wonderful memorial service at Fairmont. Many great stories and memories.
Jack indeed was a great family man, colleague, and friend. I had a plentiful number of "enjoyment of life" experiences with Jack and his family. But, for me, Jack went beyond being a partner in fun; there were more serious times when, for me, Jack was a rock, comforter, confidant, empathizer, and counselor.
About Jack, it is good to just repeat the following from his obituary: "a life well lived," "touched many lives with his warmth," "exemplified honor, integrity, loyalty, intellectual curiosity, appreciation for every experience that came his way, and most of all, love." Yes, he is an exemplar.
The obituary also observantly adds that Jack "leaves everyone richer for having known him" That enrichment-from-Jack is one of his great legacies, and should overshadow the loss we now feel.
Your friend,
- Dean Webster
Charlie and Lyndal Williams
September 22, 2023
Becky,we were very sad to hear about Jack. We have so many great memories from the PIKA days with you and Jack! We will always treasure those days and all of the good times we shared with you two!
Leigh Hunter
September 21, 2023
Sending love and prayers to the Michaels´ Family. .
Alex Beko
September 21, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the Michaels Family.
Dan Hartzog
September 19, 2023
It was always a pleasure to talk with Jack, a true gentleman and great lawyer. I am sure the family will miss him greatly, but will always have very meaningful memories. The picture of Jack really captured him and although a picture is worth a thousand words, the words of his obituary were equally special in capturing a life well lived. Peace be with all of you.
Mike Talley
September 19, 2023
Becky, I am thinking about you and hope you're doing as well as you can. I'm glad we had a chance to visit recently. I look forward to seeing you at Jack's Celebration of Life on Saturday. Your friend, Mike Talley
Tom Speight
September 18, 2023
My condolences to Jack and Becky's family. Jack's father, Al, was my football Coach at N. C. State. Jack shall be missed.
William "Bill" Lawton
September 18, 2023
As an attorney who began practicing law in 1972, a few years ahead of Jack, I have known him for decades. He was afine man, a consummate attorney and a good "lawyer friend". I will remember his smile and his laugh as much as anything. We had many moments over the years. I, too, will miss him. To the family, I am praying that God will embrace you all and, sooner rather than later, turn your sadness into joyful moments of sharing and remembering the fine husband, father and human being he was. May the Lord walk with you all through this storm, and carry you when you need to be carried.
Bill Lawton
Jim Clements
September 18, 2023
I had the good fortune to meet Jack at PKA house at State in 1970. Jack and Becky would meet me for lunch on their way to Richmond several times over the years. He was always friendly and congenial. I believe he met his fate with the realistic viewpoint of what it was. He is now in heaven with his Lord.
Ken and Terri Bryson
September 17, 2023
Our deepest condolences on Jack's passing. His was a life lived to the fullest, surrounded by love and happiness. Our hearts go out to Becky; may the many happy memories be a source of comfort and support for all his family.
Mary Beth Grady
September 17, 2023
As a young lawyer, Jack practiced law with my father, Walter Lee Horton, Jr. The Michaels brothers were close family friends. I am saddened to see of Jack's passing. May he rest peacefully. Mary Beth Horton Grady
Greg Seibert
September 17, 2023
Jack was unfailing friendly and courteous to all and will truly be missed.
Harry Walket
September 17, 2023
Over 60 years of great memories from high school, skiing trip to Boone hitchhiking, Becky and Jack together at State football game on Linda and my first date, being in their wedding , playing golf, playing poker on Monday evenings, having lunch with high school buddies over this last year. A true friendship over these years!!
Douglas Williams
September 16, 2023
The Kitchen Boys of Camp Seafarer, 1969. Jack is front row, viewer´s right. Too soon.
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