Obituaries

John Luis Jozo, 75, of Hamilton, Michigan, passed away on April 12, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, of natural causes.

He was born on June 24, 1950, in Sao Paulo, Brasil, to Alexandre and Catherine (Kirsch) Jozo, and carried the values of family, hard work, and devotion throughout his life. John graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree and later built a respected career in the tool and die industry, working at Kalamazoo Stamping & Die and Tower Automotive, where he worked for many years as a journeyman before retiring. He took pride in his work and was known for his steady hands, dependable nature, and strong work ethic.

On August 12, 1976, he married Kathryn Moon at a ceremony in Portage, Michigan. Their marriage was a deep and lasting partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. He was preceded in death by his father, Alexandre, and his loving wife, Kathryn Jozo. He is survived by his mother, Catherine Jozo; his children, Tamara (Dominik) Ausland, Michael Jozo (Kim Beaudoin), and Alex Jozo; his grandchildren, Brok, Joyce, Dawson, and Brianna; his great-grandchildren, Bastiaan and Jaxtyn; His nephews, David and Derek Knapp, to which he thought a lot of. He was loved and will be missed by countless other relatives around the world.

John was a kind, loving, and funny man who brought warmth and energy into every room he entered. He was always the life of the party and had a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten even the most ordinary day. He valued the people around him deeply, and family was his greatest treasure. His presence was a source of comfort, joy, and strength to those who knew him best.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, woodworking, gardening, classic movies, and reading, and he found happiness in both quiet moments and lively gatherings. Whether he was working with his hands, tending to a garden, or sharing a laugh with family and friends, he approached life with enthusiasm and heart. His interests reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship, nature, storytelling, and the simple pleasures that make life meaningful.

In keeping with John’s wishes, his family will be celebrating his life privately.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to a veteran’s organization of your choice, as a way to honor and remember him as the proud Army veteran that he was.

John will be remembered for his generous spirit, his easy laughter, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, dedication to his work, and a life lived with kindness and humor. Those who knew him will remember not only what he did, but who he was, a man of warmth, character, and enduring love.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Cremation entrusted with Mission Hills Memorial Chapel Crematory and Gardens