Michael Clifford Jastrzebski

Michael Clifford Jastrzebski, age 75, of Dothan, AL peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on June 6, 2025. Mike was born June 14, 1949.  

Mike was a writer, a wanderer, and a man who lived life on his own terms. Never one to shy away from risk, he followed his dreams wherever they led, from the mountains of Maine to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. He owned a bookstore and a sewing machine shop, built and lived in a log cabin in Maine, and for sixteen years he and his wife, Mary, sailed from the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi and then on to Florida, across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, up to the Chesapeake Bay and back to Florida all aboard a 36-foot sailboat, accompanied by their faithful dog. 

Mike wrote what he loved: tropical mysteries filled with the flavor of Florida and the quirky characters of Key West, paranormal mysteries, and fantasy tales. While cruising he turned his experiences into stories that entertained and inspired, becoming the author of nine novels and two novellas. A regular at the Mystery Writers of America’s Florida Chapter meetings and a frequent participant in SleuthFest, Mike was always generous with his time and encouragement. He delighted in talking shop, swapping stories, and supporting fellow writers at readings. 

Long before he took to the sea, Mike was an avid swing dancer. It was on the dance floor that he met Mary, the love of his life. He had a great sense of humor, and even in his playful teasing, it was clear to everyone how much he adored her. The affection was unmistakable in the twinkle in his eye whenever he joked about how he suffered from life on “Mary Time.”  Once the legendary writer Elmore Leonard told him, “Mary must be a saint.” Mike just grinned. 

Mike was a big guy who lived life large. He was a proud father and grandfather. Writing was always his passion, but Mike’s greatest joy was in his family. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary, of 30 years and his son Neil (Stacie) and granddaughter, Cianna and grandson, David. Mike is proceeded in death by his parents Betty and Dan and son David Jastrzebski. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  

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