Michael Mague

Michael J. Mague (Mike), 74, of Jackson, died on March 31 at home.

Born in 1942 to James, a naval attaché, and Marie Mague, he spent his childhood with his four siblings in many US locations, and abroad for two years in Rome, Italy where he learned Italian.

Mike met the love of his life, Kathleen Lavin, on a blind date while in college in Washington, DC. They were married for 49 years and spent many happy years with their family in both Washington and Philadelphia.

Mike spent his career as a postal inspector, investigating mail fraud, a job that he loved and excelled at. He woke up every Monday morning, excited to start his week and to fight crime. He worked on many high profile cases, even playing a role in the prosecution of televangelist Jim Bakker in the 1980s for mail fraud. He also served in the Air Force.

His retirement was filled with adventure. With Kathleen, he biked across the entire US and backpacked around the world. It was their seasonal work in resort areas that led them to Jackson. He marveled at the local beauty and natural surroundings, and was most at peace in this welcoming community.

A family man, Mike crisscrossed the country with Kathleen, visiting beloved grandkids. He loved the grandkids’ visits to Jackson. He’d take them fishing and on wildlife searches in the Tetons and Antelope Flats, have them scour the woods for the best Christmas tree, and make trips to the baseball diamond for batting practice.

Forever persevering despite vision and hearing impairments, he lived his favorite motto: Positive attitude changes everything (PACE). He volunteered and raised funds for many local organizations in Jackson, including the Lion’s Club.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Christian and his wife, Reiko, and grandchildren, Alex and Sean, of San Francisco; daughter, Jenny and her husband, Fred, and grandchildren, Ian and Celeste, of Boston; brother Bob and his wife, Donna; brother Tom and his wife, Valerie; sister Theresa, and her husband Dick; sister Mary and her husband, Rick; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be celebrated  at 10 am on Saturday, April 8 at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, 201 South Jackson Street, Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s name to Fisher House Foundation, www.fisherhouse.org.