Dennis Eugene Jones

Dennis Eugene Jones of Newport passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2026, with a flash of lightning, a rumble of thunder and his daughters by his side. He was 81.

Dennis was driven by the love for his children. He most valued family, friends, and community, sharing life experiences and future wishes. He loved supporting small business and local purveyors in Newport, Oregon, the town he called home for more than 50 years.

Dennis Jones was born August 26, 1944 in Hillsboro, Oregon to parents Florence Elizabeth (née Schuetze) Jones and James Oliver Jones. His early years were spent in Beaverton, OR, "when it was nothing but fields." He had a Catholic school education and graduated from Jesuit High School in Beaverton, OR, in 1962. He began working nights to pay his way through college, when, in 1966, he was drafted into the ARMY. Dennis served in Vietnam from 1968-69 where he was a Sergeant of Fire Control Repair, using his Mr. Fixit skills to repair machinery.

After completing his military service in 1969, Dennis returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in History from Portland State University, with a minor in Math and English. He completed a Graduate degree in History in 1971, going on to earn an Elementary Education certificate with a Math endorsement for K-Algebra from Portland State University.

Dennis then headed West to the coast and began commercial fishing on the Oregon Coast. He was a fisherman, catching salmon from the dory boat named 'Frigate' out of Newport, OR, and became a well-loved fixture in the community. He was known to be a fun and friendly guy about town and loved taking part in social events, special occasions and any excuse to dress up. This was an outlet for creativity and flair that he retained for the rest of his life.

Dennis returned to his education in 1992 when he completed his Post-Certificate in Math Education from Oregon State University. As an educator he was creative and driven, an encourager specializing in Math, sciences, Art and their intersections. Mr. Jones taught students in middle and elementary schools across Lincoln County including Yaquina View, Sam Case, Taft, Siletz, Eddyville, and Newport Middle. He championed and coached local Talented & Gifted programs. Dennis also led workshops for educators at national conferences, and was honored in Washington D.C. as recipient of the National Science Foundation's 'Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.' He was proud to be the well-loved teacher of many students and enjoyed witnessing their growth and successes. He was extremely proud to see multiple students follow a path into teaching, most especially his granddaughter.

Once he retired from teaching, Dennis changed focus to his family, swimming and beach walking, and to his garden. Dennis became a Master Gardener and loved giving tours of his ever-evolving plant world. He loved the wonders of nature and its varieties; seeing the hardiness of the natural world reminded him of his own humble roots overcoming adversities. Dennis's favorite cap identified him as "Dysfunctional Veteran - Leave me alone," despite being well-known as a friendly guy who often brought flowers from his garden to baristas and servers in the many local spots he loyally frequented. A sweet gesture just to brighten people's days.

Dennis was kind to many, he will be deeply missed.

Dennis Jones was preceded in death by his beloved son, Duncan Jones, born Newport, OR and sisters Karen McClure and Marie Stacy. Dennis is survived by three loving daughters; Joël Miles, born Fort Knox, KT, Mariah Jones born Lincoln City, OR, and Amity Jones, born Newport, OR, grandchildren Erin Poffenroth and Max Miles, and siblings Kitty Phipps, John Jones, Bobby Wilkes, and David Jones.

Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Yaquina Bay Yacht Club, 750 SE Bay Blvd., Newport, OR 97365. Guests encouraged to don a colorful shirt to celebrate his fabulous style.

Additional services with full military honors will be held in the Portland area at a later date.

Donations welcome to ACLU or Arbor Day Foundation.