Courtland Craig Jones

Courtland Craig Jones, 79, passed away on January 30, 2026, leaving behind a family and community who loved and admired him. He was loyal, dependable, and deeply devoted to the people he loved, always ready with a story, a solution, or a phone call that lasted longer than planned.

Court was born on November 16, 1946, in Washington, DC, the only son of Courtland Joshua Jones and Janice Brookman Jones. He was raised in Arlington, Virginia with his two sisters, Brenda and Barbara. He attended Yorktown High School where he built lifelong friendships and developed pride in his Virginia roots that never left him, no matter where life and work took him.

He went on to attend college at the University of South Dakota, a place that would change his life forever when he met his wife, Nancy Nelsen. Married on August 9, 1969, for 57 years, they built a life defined by family, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.

After college, Court served in the United States Army for three years before beginning a distinguished career as an FBI agent. His work took the family to Virginia, Florida, and New York City before returning him home to Northern Virginia, where he worked at FBI Headquarters, Washington Field Office and in the Baltimore Field Office. He loved his work and, true to the FBI motto, proudly served with fidelity, bravery and integrity.

After retirement, Court fully embraced life’s next chapter: adventure. He and Nancy traveled the world, often by bicycle, exploring places such as China, Scotland, Austria, Costa Rica, Ireland, and France. Together, they canoed the Colorado River, drove the California coastline and sailed the Caribbean, making more memories and new stories to be told.

Above all else, Court was a devoted husband and father. He and Nancy raised two daughters, Tiffany and Tracy, and he never missed a single event they were involved in. Whether it was a soccer or basketball game, band concert or other milestone, he was always there, even becoming a regular and favorite chaperone for activities. Some kids might have rolled their eyes at having their dad’s constant presence, but his daughters and their friends adored him. Court was the dad everyone wanted around - funny, steady, and always ready to tell a story, even if you’d already heard it a million times. More than once, Tiffany and Tracy’s friends came over under the guise of visiting them but were really hoping to hang out with Court. Many even called or texted him directly, knowing the conversation would be worth it.

One of Court’s greatest joys was staying connected with his friends and family through long phone calls. His daughters knew he couldn’t resist picking up his phone when his Indiana Jones ringtone rang. They often called him on their way home from work, while running errands, or late at night, and those conversations frequently lasted more than an hour. And if he wasn’t on the phone, he was texting -- sharing a funny meme, a joke, a sunset photo, or just chatting about UVA or Tennessee. His way of saying “I love you” often came in the form of three emojis: smiley face with sunglasses, flexing arm, American flag. Always the same three, every time. No one really knows why he chose them, but somehow they perfectly captured his joy, pride, and love.

Court loved woodworking – or as he called it “making noise and sawdust.” His father gave him a lathe for his birthday one year and, from that gift, Court created and gifted countless pieces, most famously his custom wine stoppers. Each one was personalized with a golf ball marker that held special significance -- a college, a sports team, a cause, or simply a symbol of something that was meaningful to someone. How many wine stoppers does one person really need? For Court, the answer was “as many as it takes to show someone you care.” Dozens of friends, family, and colleagues now treasure a piece of his craftsmanship, each one a small, lasting reminder of his thoughtfulness, creativity, and the joy he found in giving.

Court’s “happy place” was the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Having grown up going to Nags Head with his family, he and Nancy later built a home in Duck, NC. Days at “The Dakota Connection” were filled with seafood boils, riding the waves, taking long walks to the pier with his beloved dogs, and watching the sun set over the sound. It was a place of peace, laughter, and togetherness, and at the end of every beach day, rain or shine, Court would say, “Another good day.”

You wouldn’t think a tough FBI agent would be so sensitive, but Court was moved to tears easily over a heartwarming story, a proud moment or even just a dinner together with his family. Court’s daughter Tiffany often described him as a toasted marshmallow: a little crusty on the outside, but gooey on the inside. When Nancy or his daughters needed advice or were facing a crisis, he was always their first call. He loved his family more than anything in the world and he had a way of fixing things. He always put others before himself.

He loved watching his grandsons, Tyler (21), Oliver (19), Will (19), and Quinn (16), grow up. “Bop,” as the boys called him, was ever-present at swim meets and baseball games, cheering them on and soaking in every moment. He loved hearing about their lives, their friends, their shenanigans. Being their grandfather brought him immense joy.

Court embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed staying active -- swimming, running, and biking. He completed three triathlons and numerous 5Ks and turkey trots. Some of his favorite runs took him through Central Park in New York City and along Hains Point and the monuments on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Court was proudly American; anything adorned with an American flag made him smile. He found happiness in simple pleasures: walks on the beach, watching reruns of M*A*S*H, and listening to oldies music, Jimmy Buffett and Johnny Cash on the radio in his pickup truck.

More than anything, Court loved living, and he did so bravely, wholeheartedly, and most of all grateful for a life well lived.

Court is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Tiffany (Scott) Aukema and Tracy (David) Connell; his grandsons, Tyler and Will Aukema and Oliver and Quinn Connell; as well as his sisters, Brenda Vieregg and Barbara (David) Gross, nieces, and nephew. He leaves behind countless friends, many of whom considered him their best friend, including his wife and daughters.

Services will be held at February 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Little Falls Presbyterian Church - 6025 Little Falls Rd, Arlington, VA 22207

Over the summer, the family will gather in the Outer Banks to celebrate Court’s life in the place he loved most.

**In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Project Purple in honor of Court Jones. **