Jason John McArthur, age 46, of Gaylord, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. He was a proud and loving husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, and uncle. He was a friend to many and loved by all.
Jason was born on January 10, 1977, in Petoskey, Michigan, to Bruce and Angeline (Wiewiorski) McArthur.
Jason graduated from Johannesburg-Lewiston High School in 1995 and went on to work at H.B. Carbide for the next 23 years. He married Krista Marie Derenzy in 2005, and together they raised their 2 children, Madelyn and Nolan. After deciding to make a career change, Jason went to Alpena Community College and obtained a Utility Technician Certificate in 2020. While he began his Lineman Apprenticeship working downstate, Jay was thrilled when he was able to continue it locally at Great Lakes Energy in Waters, Michigan. He genuinely loved linework and was extremely grateful to be back home with his family.
Jay “Mac” was always a multi-sport athlete in school, earning many awards for JLHS Basketball, Football, and Baseball. He was offered a full scholarship to play baseball for Ferris State University but went on to play for the Manistee Saints when the FSU program got cut. Jay continued to play in tournaments and co-ed leagues for the rest of his adult life, making many more friends along the way. When he wasn’t on the ball field or watching his kids play sports, he spent his time golfing, fishing, hunting, trapping, and camping with family and friends.
Jay thought the world of his children and was so proud of all their achievements. His friends were considered family and he was always willing to lend a hand or do a favor. Once Jay put his mind to something, he finished it to the end and never gave up. Jay liked to be the life of the party and could often be found telling jokes and animated stories. With the “hat just a little to the right, half crooked smile, eyebrow raised, and a goofy laugh” you never knew what to expect.
He is survived by his wife, Krista; daughter, Madelyn; son, Nolan; parents, Bruce and Angeline (Wiewiorski) McArthur; and brother, Mark (Elizabeth) McArthur. He is also survived by his near and dear in-laws; Don (Beverly) Derenzy, Renee (Donald) O’Neill, Renea Derenzy, Jeff (Erin) Derenzy, Corey (Penny) Derenzy, and Kathryn (Steve) Koza; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Charlton Township Hall in Johannesburg, Michigan from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a time for sharing stories at 7:00 p.m. A private interment for the family will also be held.
With baseball being such a large part of Jay’s life and so close to his heart, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Johannesburg-Lewiston High School Baseball Program. Donations can be sent to JLHS- Attn: Baseball, 10854 M-32, Johannesburg, MI 49751 with “Jason McArthur” in the donation line.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
14 comments on “Jason J. McArthur”
This just doesn’t seem real! I grew up with Jason. He’s always been so healthy! I will never forget that big smile. Nobody could play on the baseball field like Jason or run the bases! I remember spending countless hours and summers playing softball 🥎 with Jason. Nobody could play shortstop like Jason! He could jump like it’s nobody’s business! I’ll never forget his big cat Mitzi growing up and him showing everyone the cats big paws. I’m so sorry to hear about this! You will be greatly missed! I’m so sorry I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. I’m thinking about your family! God bless. I’m so sorry Bruce, Angie and Mark, I want to give you all really big hugs!
Bruce and Angie I am so sorry for the loss of your son. He was a amazing man. Prayers to you two.
So very sorry for your families loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bruce, Angie and Markie,
I’m so very sorry for you loss. Jason was an awesome guy. He will be greatly missed by many. I remember him sometimes coming over to our house when he was a teen looking to play baseball with Jamie or sometimes football, usually Mark and sometimes Eric would tag along or they would be somewhere in the river. All good kids. I’m am so deeply sorry to hear of his passing. All my prayers and Love are sent to the family and his friends. Ashley and Alicia also sending their condolences.
Krista, you Mattie and Nolan are in my thoughts, prayers and heart. Jason was like another son to Pat and I. We never said no when we needed something. Remember when he had gone hunting and you plowed our driveway, you did such a great job and Pat and I were so thankful. Wouldn’t you know when he was gone hunting, we would get a big snowstorm. We were so thankful when you and Jason moved in across the street and it was someone we knew. Know he and Pat can talk all they want, now. Bless you and the children and a big hug!
We are so very sorry to hear this shocking news. Jason was a real nice guy and he will be missed by so many. Prayers to the family and his friends.🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m very sorry to hear this news. 😥 Prayers for peace and happy memories for Jason’s friends and family.
Bruce, Angie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jason’s passing. He was such a great athlete and person. Sending hugs and prayers to you all but my heart is breaking for you. God bless.🙏🙏🙏❤❤ Denise Bemke Heyser
Angie And Bruce, I am so sorry for your loss of your son. My condolences. I will be thinking of you. I’m sure he will be missed greatly. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. Worked with him for 8 years. He was a great guy. Very friendly.
Big hugs to the family of a special son. Our thoughts are with you.
I have fond memories of Jason of days when we rode the bus to school. He was always a ‘good guy.’ I ran into him a few times when he’d pick his daughter up from dance class. My sincere condolences go out to all his family & friends. May he rest in perfect peace.
Mark, Elizabeth, and Family,
We are thinking of you and praying for your spirits to be lifted high through your loss. Thank you for sharing Jason’s passions and for the opportunity to send a donation to JLHS in his honor; may his life continue to bless the living.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you Krista, Madelyn, Nolan, and the McArthur and Derenzy Families.