Sherman Jones

Sherman “Coach” Jones was reunited with his beloved wife, Kim, in heaven on March 3, 2024. He passed at the age of 77 in Coffeyville, Kansas at CRMC.

His life was a testimony of his love for his family, and he touched countless lives through his teaching and coaching. Though we are heartbroken at the loss of our wonderful father and grandfather, we find solace in knowing his joy at the reunion with our mom and family in heaven. 

Sherman Robert Jones was born on April 4, 1946 to Gordon and Lydia (Hollmann) Jones in Coffeyville.  He grew up in rural South Coffeyville, attending Lenapah schools, where he also graduated.  He played baseball and was an All-State Basketball player in high school. In college he attended Oklahoma Military Academy on an athletic scholarship where he played basketball and baseball.  He then attended the University of Arkansas on a basketball scholarship, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in secondary education.  

On June 10, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Kim Marang.  After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he began teaching and coaching in Missouri but enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War.  Sherman’s first child, Amy, was born on the military base in Fort Hood, Texas. Post military, he continued his lifelong career of teaching and coaching at Independence High School (Independence, KS), Field Kindley Jr./Sr. High Schools (Coffeyville, KS), and Oklahoma Union Schools (South Coffeyville, OK, where he was also a principal). Additionally, he served as the principal at Caney Elementary School (Caney, KS). His love for teaching kept him in education until the age of 75.

Sherman's faith wasn't just a belief; it was evident in his actions. He not only provided for his family but also served as a spiritual guide, laying a strong foundation for his loved ones. Sherman and Kim were devoted members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for many years, attending services with their children, Amy, Lauri, Sara, and Jeff, every Sunday. 

As a skilled carpenter, he built the family home where they lived for the remainder of their lives. To his children and grandchildren, he was a hero whose love knew no bounds. Sherman was a selfless caregiver, and he loved and cared for his family deeply. He proudly supported his children and grandchildren, faithfully attending all their various activities. Despite facing various challenges during his life, he lived with unwavering strength, dignity, and independence. He remained resolutely self-sufficient. 

Numerous students’ lives were enriched by having Mr./Coach Jones. He spent endless hours after school in the gym and classroom helping those around him succeed.  He encouraged his students and basketball players to believe in themselves and to do their very best. His legacy will live on in the many lives that he touched.

Sherman and Kim had four children and ten grandchildren: Amy and Troy Graefe from Greeley, CO and their daughters, Caitlin and Megan; Lauri Jones and Ross Osborne from Columbia, TN and her children, Braden Mayfield and Madison and husband Chase Lutz; Sara and Adam Thomasson from Baxter Springs, KS and their daughters, Jacy, Rilyn and Landry; Jeff and Amanda Jones from Fairview, TN and their daughters, Hadley, Grace, and Lynden.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Kim, parents, Gordon and Lydia Jones and sister Janet Compston. 

 A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville from 6-8pm.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church 506 W. 9th, Coffeyville, at 10am with Pastor Jon Franson officiating. The burial will take place at Restlawn Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Kim.  Memorial contributions may be made payable to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Oklahoma Union Education Foundation in Memory of Sherman Jones. Contributions may be left in care of the chapel.  To leave an online condolence, share a memory, or view services, visit Sherman’s obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com