Darren Jones

Darren Jones, 64, of West Orange, NJ, passed away on September 16, 2024. Darren was born in Irvington, NJ, to Doris and Jimmie Jones on May 7, 1960. He was the younger brother of Bruce Jones, and elder of Craig Jones, and the late Lisa Renee Jones. After graduating from Irvington High School in 1978. Darren earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Morgan State University, where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi. While at MSU he also dedicated time to the Baltimore youth community, embodying his lifelong values of service and leadership.
Darren became the proud father of 2 sons Darren Harris and Jeremy Broadus. He dedicated his life to molding them into being strong, educated and successful young men. An objective he achieved beyond measure.
As Darren's career soared, he took on various sales positions. While working at NYNEX Information Resources in Clifton, NJ he met the love of his life, Laura Coblyn. They married in 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts, marking the beginning of a life defined by love, devotion, kindness, joy, and empathy for all who knew them.
Darren's professional accomplishments were vast. He obtained his MBA from Rivier College in New Hampshire and was promoted to Area Director of Sales for Verizon Business Systems. During his 21 years at Verizon, he was instrumental in propelling the Advertising Division into unprecedented revenue gains and transforming the Business System Division, positioning it for strategic acquisitions. His expertise, leadership, and vision earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as the national top salesperson of the year.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Darren transitioned his leadership skills into education, serving in various school districts across New Jersey. He took great joy in teaching. The students responded to him. They looked up to him as a mentor and role model. His dedication to cultivating the minds of future generations was an extension of his commitment to service, excellence, and integrity.
Darren's life was also enriched by his passions. He excelled at everything he dared to take on. He was a lifelong martial artist, talented golfer and fierce billiards player, winning multiple local and regional semi pro tournaments. At Irvington High School he was a track and field record holder in the 110m hurdles, and a starting tight end on the football team. Darren lived with vitality and an adventurous spirit. His favorite vacation spot was Martha's Vineyard, where he fished, swam and cycled.
Darren Jones was a man of strength, humor, and profound wisdom. His love and support will forever resonate in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Darren's legacy lives on through his devoted wife, siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Though we mourn his physical presence, we find solace in the enduring values he instilled in us-integrity, love, and strength. Darren's life was a testament to the power of resilience, commitment, and compassion, and his memory will continue to guide us. He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Jones; his mother, Doris Jones; his brothers, Bruce Jones and Craig Jones; his sons, Darren Harris (Nastassia) and Jeremy Broadus; his grandchildren, Darrian Harris, Danica Harris, Paige Ashley, and Cameron Ashley, Nieces, Brianna Jones, Cali Jones, Ayana Ford, Nephews Craig Jones Jr., Khalil Jones and Brian Jones, Uncles Norman Leach (Patricia), Kenneth Leach (Beverly), Aunts Elaine Leach and Jerilynn Smith, Hakim Simms (Angeline Simms). There are many more family and friends, who cherished him dearly. In the heart of those who loved you, you will always be there.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Darren Jones. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.