Gerald Albert Jones

Gerald Jerry Albert Jones passed away March 20th, 2016 in Edmonds, WA. He was born September 20th, 1946 in Chicago, Il, but has been a resident of the Seattle area all his life. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Marjorie Sharper and brother Gregory Jones. He is survived by his wife Maggie, son Gerald Jones Jr (Robin), daughter Jia Jones (Rod), daughter Angie Mathews (Taj), granddaughters Jasmine, Janelle, Mackenzie, Nicole and Evangeline, grandson Seven, great grandson Amonte and sister Margaret.

Jerry graduated from Garfield High School in 1964 and served for 30-years in the Seattle Fire Department. He was only the third black person ever hired and eventually retired as Deputy Chief. Jerry's decades long basketball coaching career began in 1992 and included many years as the head coach of Nathan Hale High School. Just two weeks prior to his passing, Jerry achieved a lifelong dream of winning a state championship as a Shorecrest High School assistant coach. For nearly 20 years Jerry ran the WWPBA, known to many simply as the "Jerry Jones League".

He lived his life in service to his community and was a positive force in many young lives. Always a funny guy, Jerry commanded a card table and often had you laughing until you cried. Most of all, Jerry loved his family. He was so proud of his children and loved watching his grandchildren grow up. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.