Mike was a straight shooter and a model Police Officer. He was a very dependable, no nonsense guy who always gave the people of Suffolk County 100%. Rest now in the Peace and Warmth Light, Michael.
Mike Koszalka 1St SQD. Ret.

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of  Col. Michael M Jones including our neighbors Mike and Alisa Jones and their children Dakota and Mackenzie.  John and I know how difficult it is to lose a parent.  Don't let your grief keep you from celebrating what a great man he was.

Mike was my first commander at the 5/5.  When I arrived in 1985 as Service Battery Executive Officer, he presented me with a 5/5 "Above the Rest" shirt and hat, which I still have.  He certainly set an example for us all, and now that he is gone, we can truly say now that he is "Above the Rest".  Mike we'll miss you, but look forward to seeing you in the future.  Al Klee, LTC Retired, now Commissioner, White County, TN

Mike and I served in the 5/5FA together and met up again during Desert Storm, he was a good friend and a soldier's soldier. He will be missed!

As President of Suffolk Archers, Mike's objective was sharing his love of the outdoors with the membership.  He was a true gentleman, sportsman and friend.

Mike and I grew up together in East Meadow in the 50’s and early 60’s.  We were two mischievous kids that pulled many daring pranks together, too many and too bold to ever discuss publically. Mike was two years older than me.  I was always drawn to Mike and admired him, much, as an older brother.  Of course, eventually, it became clear to me that Mike was reaching adulthood before me and we went our separate ways in the world. Even so, I felt I never lost our friendship just our time together. 
Mike and Diane visited me when I was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo, probably 1973. Again, we reunited at his welcome home party from the Middle East. Then again, he visited me and other friends several years ago.  I felt as though we were kids again.  We laughed at the stories and really good times we had growing up. Most recently, last year, I had reunion for some of us who grew up on the block in East Meadow. Mike almost didn’t come, but did, and it was great seeing him again.
Mike was fearless, loyal, intelligent, and honest as the day is long. He possessed rare leadership qualities as evidenced by his military rank of Colonel.  He was a patriot and a person I could always count on. 
 I was very close to Mike during my teen life and almost 50 years later I reflect upon that relationship as if it were yesterday. I will never forget that special bond we had. I know I am a better person for knowing Mike in those formative years. He will always be a part of me in my heart and mind.

I was very shocked to hear about this. I remember Col Jones, when he came to the 5/5 FA. We were both Vietnam Vets and I was his driver, at the 5/5 FA. Last Year Col Jones was the Guest Speaker for the Hofstra ROTC. I will really miss him. My Condolences go out to Diane and the Family from myself, my wife, and The Copiague VFW Post 9482.              Jerry Posner(MSG,USA,Ret) AKA Mouse

I worked with Mike in the 1st Pct for many years also and he was always a gentleman, a man of integrity and honor.  He was a great American and a hero for his many years of service to our country. 
 I do recall his return from Kuwait where we greeted him on Montauk Hwy in Lindenhurst with American Flags, helicopters overhead and we all sang "God Bless America".  RIP buddy.

Jim Maher
D/Lt - 1st Squad Detectives, Ret.

Very , very shocked to hear of this . Mike (aka Grandpa Jones) sat in front of me in the SC police academy . He was a great cop and a great friend and a fellow VN vet . Mike , all too early , "rest in peace" My most sincere condolences to his family .

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Wow ,I just found out ,Mike and I were not only adjoining sectors but great friends . We used to spend alot of times together on and off duty with the families. Im devastated to hear this news. Mike you were a warrior . God bless you and  Diane and the kids.
RIP in Colonel

Barry Fox Lt/41/3

I met Mike through his spectacular work with the Women's Outdoor Adventure Weekend several years ago.  I had never picked up a bow and arrow and was very intimidated by guns prior to this.  Mike is one of the most talented instructors I've met.  He had a way of making you feel comfortable (even with dangerous weapons)  I now even own a bow and arrow because I enjoyed it so much.  His dedication to this women's event was incredible. He truly seemed to enjoy every moment of this annual weekend and would be upset if a conflict in his schedule caused him to miss part of it.  Mike even helped me organize an archery event for my 4th grade Girl Scout Troop.   Mike worked with me through month's of red tape to get all of the insurance approvals I needed.  He was relentess at making this event happen.  It did happen and my scout troop including two of my daughters were blessed with the chance to meet Mike.  I truly mean blessed because he was one of those rare people that touched the lives of so many- I don't even know if he realized it.
My condolescences to Mike's family and friends.

        I worked with Mike for many years in the Suffolk County Police Department, and over those years we became close friends. Our families spent many happy hours together sailing the Great South Bay, fishing, telling stories and laughing like giddy little kids.  We ate stale bagels and drank cold coffee many times heading out on the bay after a midnight tour to go sailing and fishing. We also drank cold coffee at work as we covered the Deer Park area in the First Precinct. Our very first call together was a domestic dispute that was on the second floor up at the end of a dark narrow stairway. When we got to the top of the stairs a female yelled "He has a gun, he's there at the door!" Mike and I knocked the door off the hindges and on top  of the subject who had a .357 hand gun.  I know to most people this is just another police story, but to me it was the begining of a great friendship. Mike was a trusted close friend, both on and off duty. He served the people of Suffolk county in the PD and served his country with a life time in the military. I send all the love from my family to Diane, Mike and Sharron. I know Mike's in a tree stand, waiting for us to be togehter again so we all can go sailing.

OBITUARY

Col. Michael M. Jones

June 21, 1945 – June 3, 2011

James Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services