Gerald "Jerry" 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.

Memorial services will be held for Jerry on Saturday, March 26th, 2016 in the Shorecrest High School gym at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made with checks payable to the Dale Turner Family YMCA attn Jerry Jones Memorial Fund at 19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. There will be a sports scholarship set up in his name for kids who want to participate but cannot afford it.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Mar. 24, 2016.

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michael prineas

March 27, 2016

remember jerry from the 70s, when he lit up the floor dancing at sundays to the music of the disco era! he rarely left the floor and always had a smile for everyone he engaged. a true gentleman in every sense of the word. we would run into each other every so often, and he would talk of those years,and how much he enjoyed them! will miss u my friend, until the other side.

Cathy Chohlas

March 24, 2016

Oh Jerry. Why'd you have to go and die so young?

Since I met you early in 1969, you were a big beautiful smile in my life, always a pleasure to see, to run into. Your mom would say Don't you pay no attention to him, he's so full of himself, but we all did, because we knew just how wonderful a person you were, so kind, so genuinely interested in knowing how we were doing, how our families were, how we were. You would light up when little Jerry would be around you, when Jia was there, many years later with Angie; the pride would literally make you glow. I can only imagine how you were around grandchildren.

Ed & I wish your family our sincere sympathy. It's been years since we have run into any of you. Margaret, I hope you are well. You all have my deepest condolences,

Cathy

Noel Ululani Woodard

March 24, 2016

~Homage to Jerry~ You who have gone before us, have entered a realm which our souls remember: a place of freedom, light, laughter. Take with you on your journey our blessing and our love. We shall miss you! Our desire is not to hold you back, but only to tell you: 'Dear one we are yours; our love and support are ever yours and our prayers for your highest happiness. We shall meet again. Once more we shall laugh and rejoice together; to share the joy of eternal peace.' ~Fondly, Jerry & Jia's Aunty, Noel Ululani Woodard

Gail Kelsie

March 24, 2016

Our condolences and prayers to the Jones Family. Harold and I have known Jerry since the 70's when I can see him now dancing at Sundays to the famous disco music. He was always happy, and would always greet us with a smile and a big hug, usually at a basketball game. He will be missed but his contributions to the Seattle community will be stamped on the city's history forever. RIP Jerry, God's speed

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