Michael was a student of mine at Pine View … and one of the most telling memories was when he played a role of “Smiley” in a one act play we did for competition … Susan Johnston [the playwright and former student of mine in WV] was there for the competition performance … after the curtain closed … she and Michael fell into each others arms weeping … each had felt the presence of “Smiley” as the show closed … as did I … stunning reminder that we all find people in our lives who move us - mold us … and oft make us better ..
Deb Blackwood

Michael and I were friends and colleagues in Siem Reap, and spent time together in rural Chanlei Dei while working at PEPY. When you overnight in quiet, rural Cambodia your experience is very much shaped by those around you. Michael lit up those days and nights with his sense of humour, infectious laugh, and never-ending stream of brain teasers. He was such a lovely and fun person to be around.

When I first met Michael, he was on a mission... a mission to improve the quality of food that was served at the PEPY house. Thanks to him, we all got to eat better. 

As a talented and passionate educator and entrepreneur, Michael touched many lives in Cambodia... I was among them. He was such an inspiration and will live on in many happy memories.

I remember Michael and our sons jumping on the trampoline with unbridled glee. There was always creative, joyful play when they got together! As an adult, Michael substituted in my (ASD) classroom. He was a gem, full of compassion and tenderness.

Miriam Showalter

When I took 3 weeks off to travel to Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia for my 40 birthday, Michael met me for a drink and walked me through all of his favorite places and things to do in Siem Reap. He referred me to Phare Circus, a social enterprise school for circus professionals.  It was truly the highlight of my entire trip.  The show was moving and funny and educational -- walking through a brief history of the atrocities in Cambodia in a very powerful but redemptive way.  I think I bought 90% of my souvenir presents there I was so moved by their mission and how sustainability was woven through every aspect of what they do.  There are so many aspects of Michael encompassed in that very specific memory... it happened just as he started First Book and we barely knew each other -- somehow in passing he learned that I was going on this trip and he very enthusiastically offered to give me recommendations because he had lived there for several years.  It encompasses his enthusiasm for helping others, his values around social enterprise and sustainable development, and his willingness to treat virtual strangers (me) as friends.  I will miss his vibrancy and kindness.  Sending my deepest condolences to his family and dear friends.  We are all blessed to have known him.  

My best,
Diana Peacock
Former Colleague at First Book

Michael Jones was my work husband at First Book. His last day at First Book was Valentine's Day (2020) and instead of going out to lunch with my own husband, I went out with Michael. Since we were celebrating, we splurged and got some extravagant Valentine's Day platter for two. I was pregnant at the time and ended up giving birth the next day, so will always fondly remember that lunch. And I was overjoyed that Michael was one of the last of my friends to meet my (then) newborn before the COVID lockdown. 

Food was always central to our friendship. He taught me about the dish Roti Canai while we were traveling in Philly many years ago. I still text him when I see it on listed on a menu. We were also members of an exclusive "Brunch Bunch" with Katie, Jules, and Marissa that was focused on good food and drinks.

Michael was driven, compassionate, humble, and had a long list of accomplishments he wanted to achieve before he turned 40. I am so proud that he achieved so many of them, but disappointed we all aren't able to witness the incredible things he would have accomplished by the time he turned 50 (and beyond). 

I had the privilege of being one on Michael’s teachers all through high school - he was an integral part of The Drama League  and his senior year he played a young high schooler who also struggled with his identity in ‘Death of the Smiley Face’ written by one of Smiley’s fellow students. The most profound moment of 66 years in education was the moment after the curtains closed at regional Thespian Festival Michael and Susan (playwrite) fell in each other’s arms weeping - powerful - profound - poignant. Michael - shine with the angels - and meet Smiley and say hi from me!!! Doc. (Deb Blackwood)

Michael loved teaching. He had a special passion for students who struggled with learning. Michael taught me Prisoner's Dilemma, a game about trust, which students loved. The children whose lives he touched were truly blessed. 

Michael was my boss for three years. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have applied for the leadership job that I have today, the job that made him my boss.  I can't thank him enough for that.  Because joining this Team is one of the better professional decisions that I've ever made. To think that I almost didn't make that decision - the decision to just apply - makes me very grateful for Mike and for his ability to see things that fit, even if you don't see it. He helped me get out of my own way and say "yes" to myself. I won't forget that, and I won't forget him. 

OBITUARIO

Michael A. Jones

26 agosto, 1980 – 16 enero, 2022

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

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