Jerry L. Jones
Jerry L. Jones
Jerry L. Jones, 82, of Winamac, mowed his last yard Thursday, March 4, 2021.
He was born on Aug. 29, 1938, in Grass Creek, to the late Robert “Bob” and Marjorie (Spotts) Jones. Jones graduated from Grass Creek High School in 1956, Purdue University in 1960 (Bachelor’s), and Indiana State University in 1966 (Master’s). On June 3, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Brown. Jones Jerry was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church.
Jones was a lifelong educator, retiring in 2001. He taught industrial arts (woods and drafting) for 41 years; with four years at Jefferson Township High School near Goshen and 37 years at Winamac High School.
He coached high school cross country (31 years) and track (17 years) at Winamac. His teams won numerous invitational, conference, and sectional titles. He had fond memories of all of his teams including the 1999 team that went undefeated (118-0). He was recognized as conference coach of the year many times. In 2015, Jones was inducted into the Winamac High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Jones was part owner of JK&M Builders from 1966-76 along with his teaching buddies, Dave Kroft and Bob March. Their famous slogan was, “We’re slow, but we do good work.”
In 1976, he started Jones Nurseries which allowed him to enjoy his second passion until his retirement in 2017. He was able to give many of his students their first summer jobs.
Of all his lifelong accomplishments, Jerry was most proud of his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had a one of a kind sense of humor and tremendous work ethic. He taught us a lot with very few words. Never mind the curmudgeon he was (Google it!), he will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Jones, Winamac; sons, Jack (Karen) Jones, Winamac and Tom (Carrie) Jones, Star City; granddaughters, Ashley (Ben) Floreancig, Indianapolis, Chelsey (Cody) Brink, Kalamazoo, Mich., Hailey (Hunter Medbourn) Jones, Winamac, Alexia Intravaia, Star City, Carly Jones, Star City, and Cady Jones, Star City; grandsons, Dominick (Kylie Little) Intravaia, Terre Haute and Cooper Jones, Star City; great-granddaughter, Cecilia Floreancig, Indianapolis; great-grandson, Christopher Floreancig, Indianapolis; brother, Bill (Pat) Jones, Kewanna; sister, Pam (Terry) Campbell, Greenfield; many nieces and nephews and RJ, his beloved German Shepherd.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bob” and Marjorie [Spotts] Jones and niece Lorie (Jones) Kirkley.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2021 at Winamac First United Methodist Church in Winamac with Rev. Michelle White and his brother-in-law, Rev. Terry Campbell (Ret.) officiating. Burial will take place at Grass Creek Cemetery in Grass Creek.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Winamac High School Athletic Dept. (for the cross country or track teams), Pulaski Animal Center, Memorial Swinging Bridge Project, or Winamac First United Methodist Church.