Robert E. Jones

Robert E. Jones, age 95, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away August 20, 2018.   He was born May 22, 1923 in Flint, Michigan; son of Edgar and Grace (nee Bevairs) Jones.  He proudly served his country with the United States Army during WWII where he worked on a hospital ship in the Pacific as a dental technician.  Robert was united in marriage to Joanne J. Jakeway on August 6, 1949; they just celebrated 69 loving years together as husband and wife.

Robert graduated from Central High School in Flint; Class of 1941.  He continued his education with a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s Degree from U of M Ann Arbor.  He earned a Specialist Degree in Education Administration from EMU.  Robert began his impressive career in education as a teacher in Flint.  He worked as a principal for a majority of the years, with 23 of them being in the Birmingham Public Schools.  A highlight of his career was his school receiving the Michigan Exemplary Award and the National Exemplary Award, which he received on behalf of the school and was awarded by Ronald Reagan in Washington DC.  After 40 years in education, Robert retired in 1989; he was so well loved by the staff at the school that they kept in touch over the years and recently threw him a birthday party.

Robert was an avid golfer and bowler; he enjoyed playing golf at Charlevoix Golf Club and was a member of two bowling leagues at Woodland Lanes in Livonia.  He loved to spend time at his cottage up north in Villa de Charlevoix where he served in various positions on the board of the neighborhood association and helped make many positive changes to the area.  Robert was a huge sports fan; he liked to watch golf, bowling, and Tigers baseball.  Whether it was attending a game with his kids or watching a game on TV, rooting for U of M Football was a big part of his life.  Robert took great care of his home and yard; he liked to have the best manicured lawn on the street and was a handyman around the house.  He enjoyed carving ducks out of wood and would give the beautiful decorative decoys as gifts to family and friends.  He also enjoyed dancing; as a child he did tap dancing on stage in Flint and later in life social dancing like the jitterbug.  His favorite music was from the Big Band era of the 1940’s.  He was a great card player, especially Euchre and Poker.  Robert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; he cherished the time he spent with family.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne J. Jones; his children, Christopher (Wendy) Jones and Kathy L. Jones; his siblings, Norman (Norma) Jones and Carol (Don) Reed; his grandchildren, Jason (Kori) Jones, Karie (Kyle) Jamison, Alia Jones, and Liana Jones; and his great grandchildren, Deven, Conor, Teagan, and Rowen.  He was preceded in death by his son Mark Robert Jones, his parents, and his sister Shirley Diagnault.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the American Legion, Post 147, 100 W. Dunlap, Northville beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Mr. Jones will be laid to rest with his son at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels America , 1550 Crystal Drive, Ste. 1004, Arlington, VA 22202.