Gary Earl Jones

Gary Jones passed away suddenly Friday February 6, 2026, from a sudden heart attack while enjoying a Lake Erie vacation with family in the Port Clinton/Vermilion Ohio area.

Born in Sandusky, Ohio June 3, 1953, to Earl and Carolyn (Vogler) Jones who both preceded him in death. Gary graduated from Vermilion High School in 1971, BGSU and Dayton University with degrees in education as well as the Nazarene Church Biblical Studies as an ordained minister.

Gary married Kelley (Esmonde) Jones on July 25, 1981. Gary is survived by his wife and three sons and grandchildren: son-Ryan and Allison (Kirkendall) Jones - their children Corban, Beckett and Cambrie; son-Daniel Jones and son-Isaac Jones all of Lima, OH.

He is also survived by his sister and her husband Kimberly (Jones) and Eric Forseth of Weiser, ID. Brothers and sisters-in-law Michael and Laura Esmonde of Lima, OH; Richard and Jill (Esmonde) Donovan of Carrsville, VA and many nieces and nephews. Gary is also preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law Larry and Susann (Bowsher) Esmonde.

Gary was a longtime teacher/coach, pastor, and most recently, factory inspection technician in the Lima, OH and Nampa, ID area. He enjoyed his sports career throughout high school and college. Gary was a lifetime fan of the Cleveland Browns and Guardians.

Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Shawnee Alliance Church 4455 Shawnee Road, Lima, OH 45806 with visitation from 9:00 AM until service time.

The Alliance Church is unable to accept flower deliveries; instead, please consider making memorial contributions to Shawnee Alliance Church or an organization of donors' choice.