John Daniel Jones Sr., affectionately known as ‘Dan’, went to join the ancestors in paradise on May 27, 2021 at the age of 74 at his home in Glendale, Arizona. His parents, Daniel Jones, and Hattie Jones, (son) Vernell Jones, (sisters) Patricia Littlejohn, and Mary Bolden, preceded him in death. Dan was the consummate athlete, educator, and community advocate touching the lives of his many students and community members in every locale in which he resided.
Dan moved to Glendale, Arizona to start a business, and later taught in the Glendale Union High School District. Dan retired from the United States Army under Honorable conditions, and was a tireless community activist championing causes such as civil rights and social injustices wherever they appeared.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Betty McGruder-Jones of eighteen years of Glendale, (brother) Willie E. Jones, of Grand Rapids MI, (sons) John D. Jones Jr., Donell Jones of Grand Rapids, MI, (daughters) Darla Zuller of Grand Rapids, MI., Hope A. Jones of Memphis Tenn. Eight grandchildren, Donell Jones Jr, Deshone Jones, Mico Williams, Andre Jones, Porsha Robinson, Armani Zuller, Deon Jones, and Vernell Jones Jr, and one great grandchild. Four stepchildren, (sons) Charles and Greg Franklin, and Aamir Muhammad, (daughter) Leslie McGruder. Step-grandchildren, fourteen nieces and nephews and a host of relatives, and special friends.
A funeral service for Dan will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 9:30AM.
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