James "Jim" Jonak MD
1941? - 2008

May 20, 2008 James "Jim" Paul Jonak, M.D., age 67, died at his home in Hartfield, May 20, 2008.

Dr. Jonak was a native of New York State and graduated from Olean High School, class of 1958. He received his B.S. Degree from St. Bonaventure University and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from the University of Buffalo, and then completed four years of extensive research with the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo.

In 1976 Dr. Jonak received his M.D. degree from the State University Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He served his family practice internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse and was elected president of the Corning Hospital Medical Staff in 1978. Throughout Jim's career, he was also a family practice physician in Virginia for an HMO in Richmond; Fort Chiswell Medical Center, Wytheville; Ft. Eustis McDonald Army Hospital and retired from the Riverside Hayes Medical Center in the fall of 2007.

Civil War reenactment was a major part of Jim's past time. He enjoyed portraying soldiers of both the North and South because he wanted reenactments to allow people to be educated about both sides in the Civil War.

His compassion, dedication, and genuine concern for his patients, family and friends were the cornerstone of his too short life. Jim's life will be remembered and treasured by many including his wife of 23 years, Holly Jonak; three brothers, Thomas Jonak and wife Barbara of Rochester, New York, Dr. Michael Jonak of Las Vegas, Lawrence Jonak and wife Eileen of Olean, New York; sister-in-law, Gaile Felli and husband James of Watkins Glen, New York; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Dr. Jonak's life journey will be held Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Hogg Funeral Home, 3098 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes, Virginia 23072. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the service. Inurnment will be private. Holly would like to invite friends back to their home following the service for a time of food and fellowship.

To continue Jim's educational legacy and passion for helping others, contributions may be made to the: St. Bonaventure University, Attn: University Advancement/Dr. James P. Jonak Memorial, P.O. Box 2519, St. Bonaventure, New York 14778 or the Gloucester-Mathews Free Clinic/in Memory of Dr. James P. Jonak, 2276 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes, Virginia 23072.