Jon Christian Schreyach

Jon Christian Schreyach, a treasured husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong soldier, passed away on April 16, 2024, at the age of 82. Jon lived a life filled with accomplishment, dedication, enthusiasm, and humor (especially the dry kind).

Born in Plainfield, New Jersey on June 11, 1941, Jon married the love of his life, Judith Graham, in 1967. (Each of them car fanatics, she was introduced to him in 1961 by a mutual friend as “the black Morris Minor,” while he was “the red Triumph TR3.”) Upon enlisting in the Army in 1963, he proudly became a soldier in the United States Army Field Artillery, honorably serving his country for 27 years and rising to the rank of Colonel. A veteran of Vietnam, where he was awarded four Bronze Service Stars, Jon went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971, and his Master’s degree in Military Art and Science at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in 1975 (his thesis, “The Dynamics of Army Writing,” is a classic in the field). After serving as Commander of the 6th Battalion, 14th Field Artillery in Germany, Jon was stationed in Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon, before returning to Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the role of a TRADOC System Manager. Retiring from the Army in 1990, Jon and his family moved to the DFW area, where he retired from his second career at Lockheed in 2008.

Jon was a man of extensive talents and interests. His sharp intellect and quick wit made him a scintillating conversationalist. His ability to recall commercial jingles and movie lines from the 1950s was uncanny. He articulated his social and political views by analyzing disparate topics of the day through his blog, “Opinions Unlimited,” where his incisive commentary and astute observations garnered a loyal following. An avid skeet shooter and skilled fly fisherman, he enjoyed the expertise that comes from diligent practice. Jon was a devoted father and mentor to his children (and grandchildren). He and Judy worked together as a team, helping them to realize their own potential.

He is survived by his wife, Judith G. Schreyach; his sons Michael Schreyach and Christopher (Katy) Schreyach; his daughter Kendal Riley; and his grandchildren Evher Riley, Matthew Schreyach, and Claire Schreyach. Jon’s vibrant spirit will be cherished in memory by his family and by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.