James Michael "Mike" Jolly

James Michael "Mike" Jolly was born on November 12, 1942, in Jacksonville, Texas. He transitioned on January 14, 2021, in Dallas, Texas. 

Mike graduated from Jacksonville High School in Texas. He served in the United States Navy for six years, 11 months, and 17 days. He enjoyed a longtime career at Raytheon and retired after 36 years and six months of service. 

Among many hobbies, Mike enjoyed life on the lake, gardening, beekeeping, and computer game “Diablo”. He most loved in taking care of his Babe. An all-around handyman, Mike also delighted in being a grandpa, making hot sauce/jelly/jalapeno jelly/honey, and mentoring young engineers, tutoring in math, and solving problems. The lakehouse on Cedar Creek Lake has been an integral part of his life since the mid-1980s.  Countless kids, friends, co-workers, have learned how to water ski, wakeboard, and lake surf, and have been slung around the cove on a tube over the past 40 years.  All of this by a man that was a very accomplished water skier himself!

Affectionately regarded as many names, including "Honey", "Dad", "Daddy", "Grandpa", "Papa Poot", "Pappoo Jolly", "Big Mike", "Daddy Mike", "Uncle Mike", "Old man", and "Gamer", Mike was a witty, persistent, and practical man with a servant heart. His bigger than life nature will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.   

Mike was preceded in death by his father, E.B. Jolly; his mother, Alfreda Jolly; and his brothers, Wayne Jolly and John Jolly. Those left to cherish fond memories include his wife of 52 years, Suz Ann Jolly; son, Michael Jolly and wife Kristin; daughter, Stephanie Ondrusek and husband Carl; grandchildren: Peyton and Patrick Jolly and Cole and Cade Ondrusek; and other family: Janice “Sam” Jolly, Jimmy and Randy Slagle with kiddo Kelsey, Jared Jolly and wife Pam with children Danielle, Jordan, and James, and Jennifer Almholt and husband Thomas with children Cassandra, Jacob, and Erika; and his beloved dog children: Sasha, Lizzy, and Ziva.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made in Mike’s memory to a charity of your choice. Since his animals were such a huge part of his life,  donations can also be made to Friends of the Animals , 122 Old Gun Barrel Lane #8, Gun Barrel City, Texas 75156.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Michael "Mike" Jolly, please visit our floral store.