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Leonard Jones Obituary
Leonard Morris Jones, Jr.
(also known as "Coach Gritty Jones"), a native of Memphis, Tenn., and a long time resident of Vallejo, passed away on June 8. He was 74. He was a merchant seaman, lived and worked in Vallejo, for a number of years for Kaiser Steel, and a number of years at St Patrick-St Vincent High School in Benicia, as the Assistant Athletic Director, Trainer, and Head Track Coach. He also ran for Mayor of Vallejo.
Survived by son, Tony Jones, of Portland, OR; daughter, Joycelyn Jones, of Plano, TX; son, Lennon Jones of San Francisco.
Funeral Service will be 1 p.m., Thursday, June 16, at Kyles Temple AME Zion Church, 902 Florida St. Vallejo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in "coach Jones' name to The Kyles Temple Summer Institute, (a program that works with students to age 18 from June to August).
Condolences may be mailed to P.O. Box 966, Vallejo, CA 94590.
A reception will be held at St Patrick-St Vincent High School Cafeteria In Benicia at 6 p.m., for family, his former students & friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Jones
4 Entries
Mark DeLuca
June 21, 2011
Leonard,
I was there on those nights when you earned the nickname "Gritty" and I still laugh about the great times we had. That famous smile of yours was something I always looked forward to at practice and on game days. You were a very positive influence to many players and coaches. Rest in peace my friend.
My prayers to Tony and the rest of your family,
VirginiaMimie Standridge
June 19, 2011
What a wonderful Father figure to my family and such a role model for all the kids, especially the guys. In so many sutle but significant ways, Mr. Jones was a person who could just get attention by a small gesture or word. Especially on this Fathers Day, his influence for and on my children is greatly appreciated. Some of the things I could not voice very adamately were expressed by Leonard, thus re-directing anything negative ...and knowing there was a person who wanted the best ...expected the best.....no less.... It is a blessing to all of us.
Daniel Mahoney
June 16, 2011
Coach Jones was a great human being and friend. " Gritty" always worked to help kids and tried to teach people around him about life. I will always remember him laughing at me trying to teach Tony how to swim. Tony was traumatized, and might still be, over the ordeal.
Tanisha Champion-Benjamin
June 15, 2011
He may have moved on physically, but spiritually I will always cherish his memory. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. A treasure to hold onto and always reflect back on. My “Coach Jones” will be in my heart always.
Tony I hold you and your family in my prayers and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Love ya TJ!
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