Herman Jones

"The (fishing) season is ended. There was not enough of it; there never is."

Nick Lyons

The long and memorable season of life for Herman C. Jones – beloved family member, teacher, coach and outdoorsman – ended peacefully at home on September 26, 2025, in the loving presence of family.

Herm was born to Garwood and Louise Jones in Enid, Oklahoma on March 28, 1933. His sister, Anita, followed five years later. In 1944, the family moved to Vancouver, where both Garwood and Louise worked at the Kaiser Shipyards.

Herm attended Lieser Elementary, McLoughlin Junior High and Vancouver High School, graduating in 1951. During that time, he played a variety of sports, focusing in high school on basketball and baseball and earning league-leading accolades. He also played American Legion baseball in the summers, again with winning results. As a senior, his outstanding athletic achievement earned him the Shield's Blanket awarded annually to Vancouver High's top male athlete. He also played trombone in the school band and with smaller combos that entertained at local dances.

Herm married a high school classmate in 1953 and attended Clark College, earning an associate's degree in Auto Rebuilding. He also played on Clark's basketball and baseball teams.

After two years in the auto/body industry, and at the encouragement of longtime Clark coach Skeet O'Connell, Herm decided to pursue his growing interest in teaching and coaching. He returned to Clark for an additional two years, attending classes and serving as an assistant basketball coach. He then transferred to Lewis & Clark College, where he played baseball and earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education & Health. During this time, daughters Julie and Jennifer were born. Herm later earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon and completed additional post-graduate work.

Herm worked for two years as a teacher and coach at Woodland Junior High. He was then hired at Shumway Junior High in Vancouver. For the next 29 years, Herm would primarily teach PE and Health and coach ninth grade boys' basketball. He coached many championship teams, and saw his players go on to play successfully in high school, college and professionally.

In 1967, Herm married Sharon Davies of Vancouver. They enjoyed a long and happy union lasting nearly 58 years, sharing many common interests and a love for home and family.

Throughout his career as an educator, Herm was known as a well-respected and well-liked teacher and coach who served as an excellent role model for students. He stayed connected with many students for years, attending their high school reunions and the games of former students who became coaches themselves. He retired from Shumway in 1990.

As a compliment to his long-time coaching career, Herm also served for more than 25 years as a high school football official in Vancouver. In 2014, he was inducted into the Evergreen Football Association's Hall of Fame.

During the summer months and other vacation times, Herm and Sharon enjoyed road trips to Reno, the Oregon Coast and other Northwest destinations with friends.

Throughout his life, Herm's primary hobby and passion was being outdoors – either salmon fishing or hunting for deer or elk. His father taught him how to hunt and fish, and Herm enjoyed helping others perfect their skills. He also developed long and treasured friendships with fellow fishermen and hunters.

Herm lived a long, healthy life for much of his 92 years. He deeply loved his wife and family, and his wide network of friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Herm is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters Julie (Walter) and Jennifer (King); grandchildren Jackson (Nicole), Patrick (Justine), and Kylie; great-granddaughter Lisbon, and sister Anita (Jim).

At Herm's request, no services will be held. Evergreen Memorial Gardens is handling arrangements. Those who knew Herm are encouraged to sign the e-guestbook and share a favorite memory or story.