Jon A. Paradis

NORRIDGEWOCK – Jon A. Paradis, 62, gained his wings on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at his home. Jon was born in Waterville on Sept. 8, 1962, the son of Reginald and Pearl (Thibodeau) Paradis. Jon graduated from Winslow High School in 1981 and went on to gain his bachelor’s degree in jazz and contemporary music from the University of Maine of Augusta in 1995.

Jon had a wide array of employment opportunities over the years ranging from working nights at the Morning Sentential, working for the Maine DOT, being an Assistant Manager for the Family Dollar, selling insurance, selling car parts, playing music gigs in just about every venue you can think of, and even telecommunications. For the past nine+ years Jon worked at T-Mobile in Oakland. A position he absolutely loved and often talked about fondly.

Jon had three loves in his life, Family, Friends, and Music. Jon’s love of being in a band starts back in 1978 with bands like OUI, Ex-El, and Street Legal. He made a lot of people stand up and take notice of his abilities as both a performer and a songwriter. He was always amazed that people remembered and talked about those early days! In the mid 80’s, Jon played with the New England rock band Armed & Dangerous. Where the band had music featured on Face the Music, a TV show that showcased New England bands on the local (Portland ME) FOX affiliate station and could be heard on WTOS105 FM, a central Maine rock station. Jon also played with a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band and Saturday Night Special. In the early 90’s, as a member of Between the Lines, he recorded two of his original works “If I Were a Bird” and “When I See You” for the band’s CD’s. Jon also co-wrote a song called “Wait and See” with members of the band Seven. This song was a staple at Seven shows and often reared its head at performances by him when he later went on to play with the band, Night Moves. In 2007 Jon married his beloved wife, Stacy. Jon also wrote and recorded their wedding song titled “This is where we belong.”

Jon preferred to spend most of his time with family and friends making memories that all will cherish for many years to come and teaching many life lessons as only Jon could. Jon will forever be remembered for his legendary Christmas cards that he so carefully designed each year and spent countless hours making sure that each one was just right and that he had them all sent out before Christmas. Jon took great pride in the process and would become excited every time he had to update his spread sheet with new names and addresses, making sure no one got left out.

He was predeceased by his father Reginald Paradis, his mother Pearl Paradis, and brother Reginald Paradis Jr.

Jon is survived by his wife Stacy Paradis of Norridgewock; daughter Keiana Paradis of Skowhegan; his granddaughter Mia and grandson Colt both of Skowhegan.

There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday Jan; 4, at the Skowhegan Federated Church with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow at Somerset Abbey in Madison. A committal will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, 19 Washburn Lane, Skowhegan.

Please visit Jon’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/jon-paradis where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.