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Librarian, Editor, Journeyman

Jonathan William Carey-Voris ’67

April 27, 2025, in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Jonathan Carey-Voris (né Van Voorhis) was born in Lansing, Michigan. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Reed, where he developed his interest in the lifeworks of James Joyce.

Following graduation, Jonathan worked as a librarian in New York City, nurturing his appreciation for literature. He traveled to Europe and followed the path of Joyce’s research, which he applied to his master’s degree in English from the University of Tulsa.

At the Spartan School of Aeronautics, Jonathan served as an editor of training manuals and met his beloved wife of 30 years, the late Elizabeth Carey-Voris. In the early ’80s, the couple moved to Saint Louis, where Jonathan worked for the aerospace manufacturing corporation McDonnell Douglas and later Boeing. His work as senior quality auditor guided training development of the US Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet, plus numerous other iconic Boeing aircraft.

Upon retirement, Jonathan commenced French language classes at Alliance Française de St Louis, where he mastered both spoken and written French. He loved reading a wide variety of literature and enjoyed a range of movie genres, plus French soap operas.

Jonathan was known for his personalized, handcrafted, witty cards that honored his friends’ birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. He was admired for his colorful stories and his dedication to living the Golden Rule.

Appeared in Reed magazine: Winter 2025

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