With deep sadness, the Zacharias family announces the passing of Jon Edward Zacharias, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He died peacefully on Aug. 20, 2024, in the arms of his wife of 62 years and in the presence of his two children.
Jon was born on Jan. 31, 1935, in Glenwood City, Wisc. He was the youngest of eight siblings, all of whom preceded him in death and were, no doubt, gathered to welcome him as he entered heaven. To hear him tell it, his childhood on the farm was happy, filled with hard work and mischief. After high school graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and was accepted into navigator training. After a couple of years as a navigator, he decided “the real fun was in the left seat” and went to pilot training. He flew for more than two decades, with postings in Fairbanks, AK; San Antonio and El Paso, TX; San Francisco, CA; Vietnam; Orlando, Ft. Walton Beach, and Tampa, FL; and Sembach, Ramstein, Wiesbaden, and Stuttgart, Germany. In the last several years of his military career, he commanded a USAF special forces unit. He retired after 30 years of service.
Post-retirement, Jon was a real estate agent, tax preparer, savvy investor, handy man, roof repairer, home renovator, pool guy, fisherman, crabber, world traveler, chef, wine enthusiast, and root beer float connoisseur. He also did a mean Sudoku and jigsaw puzzle.
More than any of that, though, he was a loving husband, proud father, ever-more-proud grandfather, and friend you could count on no matter what.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Arthur; his brothers, Harris (“Zac”), Chester (“Chess”), Walter (“Swede”), and Sherman (“Red”); his beloved sisters, Madeline Fassler (“Sis”), Carol Knauss (“Carrie”) and Madonna Praschak (“Dotzie”); and the best dog ever, Toxie.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice; his children, Beth Zacharias Hunt (Brian) and Stephen James Zacharias; and his grandchildren, Jonathan James Zacharias, Harper Janette Cecelia Zacharias, and Shannon Elizabeth Hunt.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in the chapel at St. Mark Village, 2655 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor, Florida. Jon’s family will receive guests at a reception to follow.
At a later date, Col. Jon Edward Zacharias (ret.) will be buried with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Air Force Aid Society (https://afas.org/) or the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/).
Mike Fassler
September 4, 2024, 10:37 pm
Was sad to hear he passed. He definitely lived a full and successful life.
Was my favorite uncle. He was also my mentor in the Air Force and a true Patriot.
My prayers will always be with him.
Smg
September 5, 2024, 1:19 am
Beautifully written obit. For a wonderful man.
Jody Stahl
September 5, 2024, 2:18 am
Hugs to Aunt Mary and all respective family members. I have many fond memories of spending a lot of time with a very young Beth Ann and Stephen while Uncle Jon was in Vietnam. While I did not remain in close contact with him throughout the years I remember him being a joyful soul when at mom and dad’s home. May he rest in peace.
Jon Knauss
September 5, 2024, 2:41 pm
Uncle Jon was the best man I have ever known!
He touched so many lives with his amazingly glorious heart, so many of us are missing him now. He,helping us move, caring for our daughter, Being a comfort in time of need, and always a gracious host! I will miss him with all my heart!
Jill Ray
September 5, 2024, 4:30 pm
During my last couple of years in high school in Tampa, I felt a part of the Zacharias family, not only because my best friend Beth was (and is) among the world’s most amazing humans, but because of the love and trust and kindness Jon and Mary extended to me. Jon loved his family something fierce and it was returned in kind. May his enduring love, light and memory be a comfort and blessing to his whole family now and always. Sending love and prayers.
Joseph Knauss
September 8, 2024, 10:39 pm
Uncle Jon will forever live in my heart and memories. After years of being out of touch, fate brought me to Tampa, where I found myself commuting from the east coast of Florida almost weekly. Without hesitation, Jon and Mary welcomed me into their home as if no time had passed between us. He helped me with my taxes and even assisted in cutting a drain into my pool deck when I bought a house in Englewood. His generosity extended across borders, as he traveled to Brazil to celebrate my eldest daughter’s 16th birthday with us. I’m deeply grateful for the way our paths crossed again, giving us the chance to create these cherished memories—whether sitting around the dinner table, discussing life, or simply sharing moments of kindness and understanding. His presence will always be a part of me.
Vicki
September 10, 2024, 1:00 pm
Uncle Jon. (It’s a full sentence) The most loving, caring, kind, gentle man I have ever known. He was truly an uncle to me, my husband and all of my children. When we needed him, there he was and a friend who would stop by just to say “hi” when passing through. There are really not the words enough to explain him. Take out the dictionary. We once heard a story about a grand father who pulled his granddaughter hand out of the mouth of a shark. How courageous. We don’t know anybody brave enough to do that. Then my Jon and i looked at each other, and simultaneously, said, “Yes we do. Uncle Jon”.
I loved him.
Pat Del Villar (Fassler)
September 13, 2024, 2:27 am
Uncle Jon was also my favorite uncle to me and Ted. I hope he sees my mom (sis) and everyone in heaven. He was such a an Amazing person….always forgiving and giving! Mary, Beth Ann,and Steven with your extended families, I am so glad you were there to help during the transition. Thank you.
Bruno Rizzato
September 19, 2024, 3:36 pm
I had the pleasure to serve as a plans officer in the Joint Special Operations Support Element, McDill AFB, FL for several years while Colonel Jon Zacharias was the Commanding Officer. He was a very astute expert in the role and integration of joint military special operations forces in strategic planning of major contingency plans and exercises on behalf of the Joint Chiefs of staff. I truly appreciated his wisdom, thoroughness, dedication, and inspiring leadership. After retirement, I again had the pleasure to work with him in a real estate brokerage where he proved to be a trusted friend and co-worker. His honesty, integrity, and professionalism was beyond reproach, and my admiration for him increased even more. I could go on and on about all his other many qualities which included generosity, caring attitude, friendliness, and camaraderie, etc. I extend my sympathies and condolences to his wife, Mary, all his children, and to his entire family. Jon was truly a great man, comrade, and patriot.