We deeply mourn the passing of our dear friend, brother-uncle, stalwart supporter and longtime member of Pan Harmonia Board of Directors, Michael L. Jones, affectionately known as “MiJo,” on January 13, 2026.
Michael came to music first playing bassoon and saxophone as a public school student growing up in Fayetteville, NC. Later as an adult, he focused on the oboe and English horn, which he played devotedly for over five decades.
A career chemical engineer with degrees from NC State and University of Delaware, Michael and his beloved spouse, Marcia, a nurse and French horn player, retired to the Asheville area in 2006 and quickly became active in the WNC music scene.
Around that time, Michael and Marcia began attending open rehearsals offered at UNCA’s Reuter Center by Keowee Chamber Music Festival, the early iteration of Pan Harmonia. Kate and Michael first met for lunch at Laurey’s Catering in October 2008. He joined Pan Harmonia Board of Directors in 2010 and became a loyal supporter and friend.
Michael was very active throughout our area playing with the Hendersonville and Brevard Community Bands, the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band and the Toe River Chamber Ensemble for many years.
We will profoundly miss his music-making, steady presence, deep caring, sage advice, colorful language, infectious humor and laughter!
Thank you, MiJo! 🔆 Go be Stardust! 🔆
❤️ Kate, Rosalind and Jessica
