PVA Past President Jack Michaels
PVA Past National President Jack H. Michaels passes.
PN Online (PNO) received news from the Northwest Chapter that a memorial service will be held after Thanksgiving at the St. Francis Church, in Burien, Washington, where Jack had been a very active member for many years.
The St. Francis Church is located at 15226 21st Ave., SW, Burien, WA 98166. (The chapter will forward the specifics/logistics once they receive from the family).
Mr. Michaels served as PVA National President from October 1, 1987 through September 30, 1989. He served three terms as national senior vice president, before being elected national president.
Mr. Michaels was the recipient of the most prestigious PVA Speedy Award (Member) in 1997.
Mr. Michaels was recruited into the PVA in 1971 by a Cali., PVA volunteer while undergoing rehabilitation at the Long Beach VAMC. He became eligible for PVA membership when his helicopter came under enemy fire and crashed into the jungles of Vietnam, crushing his second, third, and fourth thoracic vertebrae in July 1970.
After rehab, Mr. Michaels returned to his Seattle home and began his career as an advocate of paralyzed veterans and people with disabilities, and in 1977 co-founded the Northwest PVA Chapter (charter member) and the Washington Coalition of Citizens with disabilities.
His work in the community helped Seattle attain national recognition as one of the most accessible and friendly cities in the country with one of the most progressive and accessible transportation systems.
In 2006, Mr. Michaels received a tribute, from the Congressional Record, on the occasion of his retirement, which provides countless examples of his lifetime service to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, disabled Americans, and so many others.
A remarkable legacy of a good man. He will be truly missed.
Condolences may be mailed to:
The Family of Jack Michaels
c/o Northwest Chapter PVA
14962 21st Ave., SW
Burien, WA 98166
