Noah Jones

1996 - 2020

 

It is with a heavy heart that we make the announcement that our world has lost another wonderful soul way too soon. Noah Alan Jones passed away at Providence Hospital in Everett, WA at 3:31 P.M. Saturday, December 26, 2020.

 

Born in Arlington, WA, Noah's family decided to move to Stanwood, WA in search of a bigger house. However, Arlington was always home as Noah attended school in Arlington where his mother and sister are teachers. His family have been positive, strong community members for the past 31 years. A northwest boy to the core, Noah was an avid sports fan, stalwartly following the Mariners, Seahawks, and the Sonics, and often seen wearing a jersey of the latter team despite the fact that they had been stolen from us by OKC when Noah was only 12 years old. His love for sports spilled on to the youth courts and fields in Arlington where he was a standout player for Arlington's little league baseball teams, as well as our community's youth football and basketball programs. Despite his boyish face, he was a fierce competitor from day one, displaying jubilation after a win, and teary-eyed rage and disbelief after a loss.

This competitive fire continued into his older years and helped him become a crucial member of Arlington High School's Boys' Varsity team that managed to place fifth in WIAA's 4A State tournament. Noah was a three-year letterman, two-year captain, and two-year All Wesco selection. After that, he was a finalist for consideration in WIBCA's annual All-State Game. This talent propelled him to college where he played for Everett Community College for two seasons, and because of his loyalty, and reliability, he was asked to join EVCC's Men's Basketball coaching staff. After serving there for one season, Noah returned to his alma mater and was on Arlington Boys Basketball Coaching staff. Additionally, Noah had earned himself a reputation as being a more-than-formidable foe in local men's leagues as well as three-on-three tournaments winning multiple championship tee-shirts.

 

Although sports and basketball, in particular, were vital parts of Noah's life, he was also extremely social by nature. Standing at six-foot, three/four/five (depending on his shoes, and whom you asked), he was a presence wherever he went. Despite his big frame, he was much like his post moves: subtle, but powerful. His moves, demeanor, and the way he carried himself were all extremely fitting for his moniker, "Big Smooth," a nickname he earned during his storied days at youth basketball camp. He had a way of steering the conversation without ever taking it over. His ability to debate and banter about sports, and other issues could be aggravating to his friends, but also engaging and all knew Noah was not going to back down from a challenge. Rest assured, he had done his research, and he had the ability to articulate his points with his calm, gravelly voice in a way that would be difficult to disprove. Granted, these conversations could range from headline issues to which was the best X-Box controller to use in certain situations.

 

As evidenced by the number of notes, texts, messages, and other items in regards to the powerful memories Noah left behind, he touched many lives. Besides basketball, friends were extremely important to him, and he preferred company to being solitary. Images of the bearded gentle giant towering over someone with a comforting hug, posting up with his back to the basket with one hand raised in the air demanding the ball, or sprawled out talking through his headphones while engaged in an epic Y2K battle pepper memories of many who knew and loved him.

 

Noah always cherished his family and what they meant to him. He adored Alyssa, and always held his mother and father in highest regards. Spending vacations with them into adulthood, Noah managed to find a fine line between being a little brother and son, but also growing into a friend who embraced opportunities to spend time together. His love and respect for family was probably most evident by watching him with his grandparents. Always interested, curious, and engaged when they talked to him, he knew how to make them feel special and loved.

 

This compassion for others and sense of loyalty steered Noah towards pursuing a degree in education. Having worked with special-needs students, and specifically autistic children, Noah's natural abilities to help others became undeniable prompting him to want to become a special-education teacher as well as coach basketball.

 

It was once said that the secret of life is to build memories. This may be true, or not; but either way, Noah did a great job of doing just that. Never in a hurry, but always seemingly on the move, Noah managed to live his life in a way that grabbed others attention and attracted positive vibes and brought out the best in those close to him. A credo in the high school basketball program is to "Stay humble so you don't have to get used to it." Yes, Noah was confident, but never cocky, and always appreciative of those who helped him along the way.

 

He leaves behind his parents, Forrest and Heather Jones of Stanwood, WA; sister, Alyssa Jones of Arlington, WA; grandparents, Lloyd and Jacque Axtell of Portland, OR; girlfriend, Mimi Randlewise of Tracy, CA; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, teammates, and friends.

 

A celebration of life will be held sometime in the spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Noah's name to Special Olympics of Washington or the Humane Society.

 

May 7, 1996 - December 26, 2020