Michael James

Ponder

-
image description
IN LOVING MEMORY

Michael James Ponder

Aug 08 1952 - Dec 08 2015

Michael James Ponder, of McKinney, TX, passed away on December 8, 2015 at the age of 63. He was born August 8, 1952 to James Franklin Ponder and Jean Ardell (Seibert) Ponder in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Michael married Margaret Nelson on May 17, 1980 in Flushing, NY, after she “chased him until he caught her”. He graduated from Penn State with a BA in English, of which he reminded us often. You should have seen the editing effort that went into this obituary.

Michael worked in corporate communications at JCPenney for 24 years. His real passions were teaching, writing and storytelling. After JCP, he taught at McKinney North High School. He was a friend of First Presbyterian Church in McKinney, where he also taught ESL. Before his move to Texas, Michael was a member of the Floral Park Fire Department. He also enjoyed coaching youth soccer with the Bombers, Goal Rushers, and the McKinney Magic, and may well be in the running for most youth (and middle school, and high school) sports events ever attended. Michael will be remembered as an amazing, loving and supportive father and husband. His calm, warm spirit and jovial laugh were contagious. We are all better for knowing him, and hope to carry his legacy, stories and tall tales on for many, many years.

He is survived by his wife Margaret; son Ben and daughter-in-law Meghann, daughter Emily, daughter Stephanie and partner Paul Day; grandchildren Connor Michael Day and Jocelyn Kennedy Day; sister Nancy Callahan. Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service and reception will be held at First Presbyterian Church in McKinney on Friday, December 11 at 4:00pm.

If you can’t attend, we ask that you think about him at that time – one final coordinated send-off. Michael was an advocate for celebrating however you like, so please give in whatever way makes you feel best. Donate to a charity of your choice, buy flowers for yourself, or just remember him fondly.

image description

Memorials

absolute-header