Jerry L. Jones
Jerry L. Jones, 82, of Winamac, mowed his last yard Thursday, March 4.
He was born on Aug. 29, 1938, in Grass Creek, to the late Robert “Bob” and Marjorie (Spotts) Jones. Jerry 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. Jerry was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church.
Jerry 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 Community High School.
Jerry 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, Jerry was inducted into the Winamac Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Jerry 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, Jerry 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. Jerry 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 of Winamac; sons: Jack [Karen] Jones of Winamac, and Tom [Carrie] Jones of Star City; granddaughters: Ashley [Ben] Floreancig of Indianapolis, Chelsey [Cody] Brink of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hailey [Hunter Medbourn] Jones of Winamac, Alexia Intravaia of Star City, Carly Jones of Star City, and Cady Jones of Star City; grandsons: Dominick [Kylie Little] Intravaia of Terre Haute, and Cooper Jones of Star City; great-granddaughter Cecilia Floreancig of Indianapolis; great-grandson Christopher Floreancig of Indianapolis; brother Bill [Pat] Jones of Kewanna; sister Pam [Terry] Campbell of Greenfield; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved German shepherd RJ.
He is 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, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Funeral services will held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, at Winamac First United Methodist Church in Winamac, with Rev. Michelle White and Jerry’s 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 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.
(Pulaski County Journal — March 10, 2021)