Obituaries

August 29, 1938 to March 4, 2021

WINAMAC - Jerry L. Jones, 82, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, March 4.

He was born Aug. 29, 1938 in Grass Creek, to the late Robert “Bob” and Marjorie Spotts Jones. He 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. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Jack (Karen) Jones, Winamac, Son
Tom (Carrie) Jones, Star City, Son
Ashley (Ben) Floreancig, Indianapolis, Granddaughter
Chelsey (Cody) Brink, Kalamazoo, MI, Granddaughter
Hailey (Hunter Medbourn) Jones, Winamac, Granddaughter
Dominick (Kylie Little) Intravaia, Terre Haute, Grandson
Alexia Intravaia, Star City, Granddaughter
Cooper Jones, Star City, Grandson
Carly Jones, Star City, Granddaughter
Cady Jones, Star City, Granddaughter
Cecilia Floreancig, Indianapolis, Great-Granddaughter
Christopher Floreancig, Indianapolis, Great-Grandson
Bill (Pat) Jones, Kewanna, Brother
Pam (Terry) Campbell, Greenfield, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
RJ, His Beloved German Shepherd

Preceded in death by:
Lorie Jones Kirkley, Niece

Mr. Jones was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong educator, retiring in 2001. He taught industrial arts (woods and drafting) for 41 years; with four years at Jefferson Twp. High School near Goshen, and 37 years at Winamac Community 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, he was inducted into the Winamac Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He 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, he 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.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 11, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 12, at Winamac First United Methodist Church with Rev. Michelle White and Mr. Jones's brother-in-law, Rev. Terry Campbell (Ret.) officiating. Burial will be at Grass Creek Cemetery in Grass Creek.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Community High School Athletic Department (for the cross country or track teams), Pulaski Animal Center, Memorial Swinging Bridge Project, or Winamac First United Methodist Church.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.