John Michael Jones

John Michael Jones, better known as Mike Jones, 80 years young, passed away on December 27, 2023. Born in New Jersey in 1943 to parents James and Kathleen (Cuthbert) Jones, Mike grew up alongside his sisters, Kathleen and Geraldine.

Mike was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather during his incredible eighty years of life. Nothing brought Mike more joy than the time he spent with his family, of whom he was infinitely proud.

In his earlier years, Mike served in the US Air Force’s Canine Corps, stationed in Weisbotten, Germany.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Mike returned stateside and met the love of his life, Bernice.  They recently celebrated fifty-four years of lifelong devotion to each other.  

After marrying Bernice and settling in the Bronx, Mike started a successful dog school where he boarded and trained celebrity dogs that often appeared on movies and television shows.

Several years after marrying, Mike and Bernice welcomed their first child, Jacqueline, to their family.  Years later, they all moved to Orange County, New York, where Mike and Bernice were very pleased to welcome their next child, Kristen, to their family.  Soon after, Caryn and Michelle arrived and were lovingly welcomed to the world.  During this time period, Mike began his lifelong career with the United States Postal Service where he faithfully worked for over forty years until his passing.

Mike and Bernice established roots in Pine Bush, New York, and joyfully raised their family of six for many years.  

With their next chapter in mind, Mike and Bernice moved to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, where they focused on enjoying a life filled with their four grandchildren: Christopher, Megan, Madison, and Kayla.

Mike loved spending time with his family and friends. Additionally, Mike had a passion for lifelong learning.  He always strived to be a better version of himself.  He loved reading, hiking, staying fit, listening to podcasts, photography, training his dogs, working around the yard, and – most recently – honing his skill of masonry.  Oh, let’s not forget his penchant for telling jokes at all times.

Mike leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly: his wife, Bernice; daughters Jacqueline (Dennis Gansen), Kristen (James Marullo), Caryn (Dan Herman), Michelle (Erich Kopp); grandchildren Christopher, Megan, Madison, and Kayla; sister Gerri (Eddie Giannantonio); brother and sister-in-law George and Christine; niece Jennifer; nephews Michael, Steven (Lisa), Edward (Kelly); and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves many other family members, dear friends, and his sweet dogs Happy and Honey, along with countless fur grand-babies.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Paws of War.

https://pawsofwar.org/?form=MichaelJones