Jon S. Strange Sr., 80, passed away at his home in Gila on Thursday, September 5, 2019 following a long battle with cancer. Jon was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia, on October 23, 1938. He was the eldest of four boys born to Merle “Pat” Patrick and Joe Grayson Strange. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 on September 28, 2019 at the Presbyterian Church in Cliff, NM. Interment will follow at the Mesa Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share in a potluck at Tammy’s Café after services.

 His family moved to the Southwest during the 1950’s. On September30, 1961, he married Patricia Anne McCauley. They had three sons: Jon Jr. “Jonny” who lives in Albuquerque with his wife Marsha, Michael Garrett who resides in San Rafael with wife Wendy, and James Stephen who is deceased.

After high school Jon worked for the Bell Telephone Company. He later worked for the US Forest Service where he became a Smokejumper. For Most of his adult life Jon was a heavy equipment operator working for Phelps Dodge at Tyrone for 17 years then in 1985 he and Patricia moved to Grants, NM, where he worked for the Lee Ranch Coal Mine until his retirement in 2003. Jon was a very creative person excelling in both photography and pottery. He took classes at WNMU and NMSU Grants Campus. He also made beautiful furniture and jewelry.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald H. Strange, and son, James Stephen Strange. He is survived by wife, Patricia, sons Mike and Jon, grandsons: Jordan, Bryce, Josh, and Christian all of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Dorothy of Lamar, Colorado, and great granddaughter. Riley Jane of Albuquerque.

 Donations may be made to Cowboys for Cancer Research or the American Cancer Society.  Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, “Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends”, 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, New Mexico 88061. Phone 575-388-1911.  Remembrances can be made atwww.hbrightfuneral.net