Jack B. Jones

As a young man, Jack served his country in World War II as a member of the US Army in Europe. When he returned to America, he began a job at International Harvester in Canton, IL where he met the young Connie Morgan, the saucy redheaded secretary with whom he fell in love, married and would eventually spend the next 61 years as husband and wife.

Jack eventually chose to go back to school, enrolling at Bradley University in Peoria IL where he studied Mechanical Engineering. While obtaining his degree, Jack also remained actively involved as a member of ROTC, continuing on after graduation as a member of the Air Force reserves for many years.

Upon graduation, Jack and Connie moved to Rockford, IL where he worked for the Barber Coleman Company. In addition to his new job, Jack and Connie also began a new family, giving birth to their daughter Lynette Jones Isaacs and son Reed Jones. Jack’s career eventually transferred him and his family to Dunwoody, Georgia in 1962, where he continued his work as a Mechanical Engineer with various companies, including Kelsey Hayes and FMC.

This work meant long hours on the road and days away from home, but Jack always found time for his family, whether it was taking the family on fun summer vacations, hosting neighborhood parties, or being co-president of the parent booster group for his son’s high school band. Jack also enjoyed woodworking in his shop, singing in his church choir and a local barbershop quartet, as well being “Mr. Fixit” with various home improvement projects around the house and the neighborhood.

Once their children had left the house and went on to college, Jack and Connie relocated to Maitland, FL in 1976 to begin their newest adventure. Working many years for the FMC Company, Jack eventually retired. He enjoyed spending his time volunteering at the Aloma United Methodist Church, where he was active in delivering recorded weekly sermons to shut-ins, working the annual Christmas Tree lot and rummage sale, as well as joining the men’s club to serve meals at the Coalition for the Homeless. Jack also served as an Election Judge for his precinct for many years, including the notorious Bush/Gore recount where his location proudly found no mistakes, miscounts or hanging chads.

His greatest act of compassion, though, came when his wife, Connie, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Jack spent the next 3 years taking care of her as her health declined. Being her primary caregiver, he selflessly worked day and night for her comfort, obvious to all that he would do anything for his bride, the love of his life. When Connie passed away on January 26, 2011, he relocated to The Villages to be near his newly retired daughter, Lynette Isaacs, also of The Villages, as well as his son, Reed Jones, of Ocoee, FL.

Jack’s next year was filled with new experiences, friendships and discoveries. He loved his new church family at the New Covenant United Methodist Church who welcomed him with open arms. Jack also became active with Operation Shoebox, exercise classes, golfing and spending wonderful family time with his two kids every week.

Jack was a compassionate, spiritual man. He had a kind heart and found the good in everyone. He also found the humor in most every situation. Jack was a loving husband, father and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

Jack is survived by his children Lynette and Reed, and his grandson Zackrey Isaacs of Los Angeles, CA.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 8 at 10:30a.m. at the New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Jack to the New Covenant United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.forestlawnocala.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala, FL