William Jason

TRAVERSE CITY — William Jason, beloved husband, father, brother and grandpa passed away after a peaceful night's sleep on Nov. 12, 2011, at the age of 90.Bill was born Feb. 12, 1921. His parents made Detroit their home after emmigrating from Ukraine.He graduated with a degree in pharmacy from Wayne State University in 1942. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country during World War II. He was a medic in the 1st Marine division and participated in several landings in the Pacific Theatre and, in particular, the Battle of Peleliu.Bill married Mary Ellen Poffenbarger in 1948, and they raised three children, Katherine, Roderic and Carol, and one lively beagle named Snoopy in Dearborn. Bill led a full life and found time to travel with Mary, ski with his family and grow just about anything in his beautiful gardens.Bill and Mary Ellen owned several drugstores in the Detroit area, where they worked as pharmacists, especially at Jason's Drugstore in Dearborn.After retiring, they moved to Traverse City, where they became active grandparents in Robert and Jesse's lives. Bill spent his days baking, cooking, gardening, and creating stained glass pieces. He loved all animals, especially his cats, and spent many hours observing the deer, raccoons, squirrels and birds in his backyard. Over the years he perfected his famous recipes for Spanakopita, stuffed cabbage, Easter bread, Christmas cookies and Borscht. He never divulged the ingredients because he always claimed they were "Just an old Siberian recipe" and "Would Macy tell Gimble?"He will always be remembered for his singing, wonderful sense of humor, kindness and love for his family. Bill is someone who grabbed life and lived it his way.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Ellen; Katherine (Doug) Butler, Roderic (Connie) Jason, Carol (David) Saxton; and his sister, Nina.The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Munson, Tendercare and Yorkshire Manor for their compassionate care.A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cherryland Humane Society.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.

William Jason

November 12, 2011