John L. Michael
October 3, 1944 – February 26, 2025
John L. Michael, of Tunnel Springs, Sonoita and Chicago, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025.
Born in Topeka, Kansas, his busy life took him from Kansas to the Northern suburbs of Chicago, Boston, London, New York City, back to Chicago, then to Tucson in 1992, and from Tucson to Sonoita in 1998.
John loved it here—running, daily walks, swimming, entertaining with friends, dinners at the many excellent restaurants we’ve enjoyed in the area over time.
He was also active in local, state and national politics. His first effort in Santa Cruz County was to join Annie McGreevy in fighting the Nogales Airport—a good battle, well-fought.
He also took up Pilates in Patagonia and, recently, weight training there as well.
John’s many occupations were as a journalist for the Christian Science Monitor, a correspondent for UPI in London, a trade magazine producer, a VP at Leyland Brothers, a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade, and a consultant for Native American Tribes seeking government funds for health and housing.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Vista Michael, his daughter Alexis Michael, son Callan Michael, sister Delores D’Arcy, and nephews Jim and Hamlet D’Arcy.
John was an avid reader and was immersed in the Early Medieval Balkans until the end.
Services will be held in Chicago, Illinois on March 22. A Celebration of Life will be held in Sonoita sometime this spring.
Donations can be made to the Patagonia Regional Times in Patagonia, Humane Society or any liberal political group or cause.