Jai Michael of Douglas, formerly known as Floyd F. Nietert III, died Thursday September 4th in Tucson, Arizona following a long illness. Fred was the son of Floyd and Paula Nietert formerly of Douglas. A 1974 graduate of Douglas High School, Fred attended Cochise College and the University of Arizona before returning to Douglas to take over from his father as manager of the family-owned City Loan and Finance company with offices in Douglas, Bisbee, and Nogales.

Believing his given name, Floyd Frederick Nietert III was too complicated, he changed his name to Jai Michael. Over the years he was very active in the community serving on the city library board, as a member of the John Birch Society, and president of the Douglas chapter of Mensa, the International High IQ society. Pursuing his interest in spiritual growth and belief in a higher power he was an active member over the years of the Christian Science faith, the Cornerstone Metaphysical Foundation, the Universal Life Church, the Catholic Church, Santeria, and taught classes on both astrology and the Urantia book. Always an activist for social causes he was known for breaking down barriers and helping many people. At one time he even ran the countywide LGBTQA+ Switchboard from his home.

Fred/Jai is survived by his husband Justin Michael, of Tucson and his sister Heidi Nietert. He will be missed by a wide circle of friends throughout Cochise and Pima counties who loved him, benefited from his activism, his knowledge, his brilliant mind, and remember him for the wonderful times and entertainment he provided. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated, and no formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to share a memory or, as Jai would have wished, do someone a kindness.

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