J. MICHAEL CHARGOIS

1944-2020

Our hero, who loved so deeply, cared so widely, and was thought of so highly, passed away at home in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020, at the age of 76, surrounded by his wife and children. Michael was born on the 27th of November, 1944, in historic Third Ward, Houston, Texas, to Sidney A. Chargois and Viola Judice Chargois.

He was a longtime Austin resident, and recently established dual residency in Houston. Michael is known to many as a humble, unassuming man who experienced extraordinary success in love, lifelong friendships, and his career.

Michael graduated from Yates High School and later attended Texas Christian University. His early passion for automobiles laid the foundation for his life’s work in the automotive industry. At age 17 he built his first vehicle by hand, using his earnings from the lawn mowing business he started at the age of 12. His combined love of automobiles and his entrepreneurial spirit launched his career as a nationally recognized and awarded automotive dealer and business magnate. His Austin-based parent company Pavilion Lincoln-Mercury was named one of the country’s top black-owned businesses within three years of its founding. This led to the formation of JMC Auto Group, the largest black-owned automotive business in the state of Texas, which included dealerships in Austin, Houston, and San Marcos, as well as Memphis, Tennessee. He later diversified and created JMC Enterprises to include real estate development and holdings, equity investments, restaurants, and most recently a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina.

Michael’s ability to continue to break barriers and achieve unparalleled success received recognition in notable publications including The New York Times, Time magazine, Black Enterprise, Automotive

News, National Auto Dealers Association, and the Austin Business Journal. Revered for his tenacity and loved for his humility, Michael never allowed his success to affect his approachability or willingness to engage with anyone he encountered, which was demonstrated in the numerous mentoring relationships he established. Michael was a true philanthropist, giving generously to his local community as well as to national and global initiatives to better the world he so vigorously enjoyed. Some of his hobbies included drag racing, collecting antique cars, creole cooking, and golfing.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Sidney A. Chargois, his mother, Viola Judice Chargois, and siblings Sidney Chargois III, Alvin Chargois, and Rose Marie Grass.

Michael is survived by his wife of 36 years, Roxann Thomas Chargois, his children Katrina Chargois, Charles Chargois and wife Kellie, Nailah Pruitt and husband Balious, Julian Michael Chargois, Morgan Chargois, and five grandchildren, Brianna and William Polley, Kayla and Kiana Chargois, and Raegan Pruitt. He is also survived by his brothers, Carl and Gerard Chargois, and sister, Lois Ann Chargois, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Michael was a lifelong Christian and devoted servant. He served as an altar boy during his early formative years. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas and St. James Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas.

The public visitation will commence at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery in the Chapel of the Texas Liberty Mausoleum at Reflection Lake Estate, from noon until 1:30PM on December 19, 2020, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will be private to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, however, please go to www. MemorialOaksFunerals.com to join the family virtually.