Jonathan Paul LaMaire's Obituary
Jonathan Paul LaMaire passed away on March 28th, 2021 at the age of 43, due to COVID-19, at University Medical Center in New Orleans. Jon was a loving father, beloved son, talented artist, deep thinker, dedicated activist, and compassionate humanitarian. Known to many as a gentle giant, Jon could brighten a person's day with his ebullient smile and vibrant, loving energy. He held a special bond with marginalized members of society and was known (and loved) by many people living on the streets of West Michigan and New Orleans. Jon was fiercely dedicated to destigmatizing drug use in our culture and reducing the dangers that opiate users face. Through years of work with social justice organizations like Red Project in Grand Rapids, MI and Trystereo in New Orleans, he was able to help countless people in their struggles with substance use and help save many lives. His work with Red Project was well-regarded within the harm reduction community and gave his life a deep sense of purpose. Jon was also an outspoken critic of the American criminal justice system which he expounded on at length on his YouTube channel “Its All In the Game.” An accomplished glass-blower, his work was widely featured in glass shops throughout Michigan and the Gulf South. While he was never wealthy Jon was always generous with what he had. He loved reading, playing and listening to music, playing poker, fishing, conversing on a wide range of subjects, and spending time with his family. His two children Zoe and Miles brought him his greatest joy in life. He never hesitated to brag about them, and expressed amazement for their intelligence, curiosity, creativity, humor, and, above all, their kindness towards others. Jon was born in New Jersey, raised in Wisconsin, and spent most of his adult life in Grand Haven, Michigan. After his children graduated from high school he moved to New Orleans, a city he loved deeply. He spent the last year and a half of his life in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans with his long-time partner Jenny whom he referred to as his rock. His life was not without hardship and suffering, and in death he now finds peace. Jonathan will be forever missed by his children Zoe and Miles, parents Paul and Linda, partner Jenny Joanisse, brother Mark, step children Winston Hoppensteadt and Isaac Joanisse, Red Project family Steve Alsum, Echo Brown and Brandon Hool and countless other friends, family and acquaintances. A memorial service for his immediate family was held at Spring Lake Cemetery in Spring Lake, MI. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Red Project, 401 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Please sign the family's online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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