Mark W. Jones

1940 - 2023

Mark W. Jones

1940 ~ 2023

- Mark Jones was born on October 22, 1940, in Murray, Utah, and died on May 13, 2023, peacefully in his sleep at his home in Murray, Utah. On that morning there was a joyful reunion with Mark's parents, brothers, and most notably, his beloved grandson Austin who left this earth three years ago, and with whom Mark shared a special bond.

Mark first met his future wife, Karen Johnson at the same house they now share in Murray, and the same home where they married on November 1, 1966. From that moment forward, they spent their time creating and providing a safe haven for family, friends, extended family, and pets. If you needed help, needed something repaired or needed advice, you came to Mark. A call for help never went unanswered. Mark was generous with his time. If he saw a need for help, he gave his help. If you asked for Mark's help, you received his help. Mark was described by his sister-in-law as the most Christian man she'd ever known. Mark was a believer of Christian service and never missed an opportunity to help.

Mark was an accomplished artisan and craftsman. He spent several decades working as a glazier, installing the glass on most of the high-rise buildings in Salt Lake City built in the 70's and 80's, including the church office building. Then he spent the next couple of decades working as a general contractor in the fuel industry. Mark also spent 10 years in the Army Reserves.

Those who know Mark the best would describe him as being tough as nails. Two great examples are:

In the late 70's Mark broke his leg stepping out of a cherry picker crane. Undeterred and with time off work, Mark built his own house from the ground up, wearing a full leg cast.

In his early 60's, Mark survived an 18-foot fall off a ladder, landing on concrete which shattered both his heels. During his yearlong "recovery' (where he was supposed to be in a wheelchair taking it easy), he chose to crawl around the house and work on his 'honey do' projects. He returned to work as if nothing happened.

Mark was a builder. If you needed something fixed, figured out, disassembled, reassembled, created, re-created, made better, or just someone to have your back - you called Mark. He was a true handyman who could 'fix' all kinds of issues - big or small.

Mark was a consummate lover of nature. He was an avid skier, hiker, hunter, fisherman, and archer. Mark spent countless hours teaching his kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews the basic skills of archery and was a member of the Utah Bowmen's Association. Mark was also an expert in plants, trees, birds, and rocks, and enjoyed sharing this knowledge with his family. He systematically studied the areas he would hike and travel to in order to learn as much as possible and get as much as possible from the experiences he would have.

Times spent on the ski slopes were especially sacred to Mark and his family. Not only did he teach each of his kids to ski (mostly by pulling them up the hills with a rope!), but it was a place of freedom and exhilaration, as well as a place of respite and peace. Mark and his family had felt a special sense of solace knowing that Austin had been skiing by their sides in spirit over the past few years. Mark was grateful to still be going strong on the slopes this year as he took in the most epic winter ever.

Mark's favorite moments were those spent with his family. Some of his most cherished memories were the yearly Christmas parties he and Karen hosted with their huge extended families, and countless days and years spent at the family cabin in Kamas. Without fail, Mark would find himself in charge of keeping kids of all ages busy with fishing, hiking, archery, whittling, tubing, target practice, or any other activity that interested them. Regardless of how many kids were on hand, Mark never seemed to run out of energy.

Many people go through life being described as 'salt of the earth,' but a more fitting description never existed for anyone than for Mark Jones. Mark was many things…he was solid, dependable, honest, capable, and kind. He was a genuine individual, a teacher of meaningful skills, filled with common sense (and a wicked sense of humor!). But more than all of those, Mark was the backbone of his family. We love you, Mark. Until we meet again.

Mark is loved and survived by his wife Karen Jones; sister Janice (Larry) Pehrson; children Kim (Lee) DeWitt, Doug (Wendy) Jones, Peter Jones, Dave Jones, Kris (Prae) Jones, Nick (Melinda) Jones, Marcy (Worth) Peterson; grandchildren Kolton (Bree) Jones, Breonna (Nate) Tripp, Camille (Nathan) Sedgwick, Eva Jones, Jordan Allen, Adam Jones, Kyle Peterson, Chelcy Peterson, Emily Peterson, and Justin Peterson, one grandchild due in September; four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents Alfred Lynn Jones and Opal Jones; brothers Gordon Jones and Fred Jones; and grandson Austin Jones.

A Celebration of Life to honor Mark will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Murray 25th Ward House at 160 East 4600 South, Murray, Utah. Family viewing will be from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Friends and neighbors wishing to express their condolences please stop by between 11:00 - 12:00 pm. The Celebration of Life will start at noon and will last until all the stories have been shared by one and all. Burial services to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank or favorite charity.