Jonathan "Jon" Garcia Gallegos passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 2, 2016 after a battle with cancer.

Jon was born on December 24, 1950 in Alma, Michigan to Benjamin Gallegos and Guadalupe Garcia Gallegos Baker. He grew up in a Mexican-American migrant family traveling from south Texas to northern Michigan year after year. At the age of 12 Jon's family set down roots in Grand Traverse County. Jon graduated from Traverse City High School in 1970.

Throughout high school years Jon was athletic. His favorite pastime was baseball. He played on the varsity team, which earned him a scholarship to Central Michigan University. His love for America's game continued into his adult life as he coached little league for his sons, played on softball leagues with friends, family and co-workers, and enjoyed coaching freshmen and junior varsity baseball for the Traverse City High Schools.

Jon and his wife, Johanna (Drake) Gallegos, celebrated 40 years of marriage on November 7, 2015. Together they shared a beautiful, blended family including Malachi (Amy) Gallegos of Howell, MI, Zachariah (Sara) Gallegos of Linden, MI, Naomi Gallego of Washington D.C., Justin (Jenna) French of Traverse City, MI and Micah (Rebecca) Gallegos of Traverse City, MI.

Of all the blessings Jon experienced throughout his life he found the greatest joy in being "Abuelo" to his 13 grandchildren: Ana, MaryBeth, Irwin, Maddie, Gaby, Tony, Jaqui, Isaiah, Brody, Ava, Graciela, Marisol, and Cora.

Jon was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin, in-laws Robert and Bernice (Berg) Drake, David Drake, and Debbie (Drake) Gray. He is survived by his mother, Guadalupe Garcia Gallegos Baker of Interlochen, sisters Elizabeth (John) Cobb and Lydia Gallegos both of Traverse City, and brothers Benjamin Gallegos of Corpus Christie, TX and Tony (Doris) Lerma of Three Rivers, TX.

Family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00am on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at West Side Community Church on East Traverse Hwy. A memorial service to celebrate Jon's life will be held at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to LOCO Ministries, Inc., a cause dear to Jon's heart, which supports orphans in Mexico. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Jon's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.