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Donald Jones Obituary
Donald E. Jones, 78, of South Warren St., Orwigsburg, died Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Mount Holly , NJ.
Born in Pottsville, PA, on December 22, 1934, he was the son of the late Everett and Gladys (Maberry) Jones.
He was the husband of Lorraine S. (Snyder) Jones, They married on August 16, 1958, and celebrated 54 years of marriage.
Don was employed as an teacher at Blue Mountain High School for 40 years, retiring in 1996.
He was a Schuylkill Haven High School graduate, class of 1952; Kutztown State Teachers College graduate, class of 1956; Bread Loaf School of English Middlebury College graduate (Vermont), with a Masters Degree in English.
He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg, PA.
After his retirement from teaching, he was a tour director for AAA Red Carpet Schuylkill County, and a member of the donor societies Friends of the Collection and Burgesses Society.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, Douglas T. Jones of Franklin, TN; a daughter, Cathy J., wife of Jeffrey D. Bailey of Mount Laurel, NJ; and a granddaughter, Caitlin O. Bailey of Mount Laurel, NJ. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Mark, and his sister, Christa De Turk
Family and friends are invited to call Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 10:30 a.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home Inc., 116 South Liberty Street, Orwigsburg. Religious Services will be held following the visitation at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013. Interment Services will be held at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Inc. Schuylkill Haven, PA.
The family desires that contributions in Donald's honor be sent to BMHS Activities Fund - Donald Jones Memorial, 1076 West market St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Jones
Carolyn Duran
April 17, 2013
My deepest sympathies go out to the Jones family. Mr. Jones was a strong force that shaped so many of us - now spread far and wide. His legacy is with us all. (Class of 1988)
Deborah Dietz Noll
April 16, 2013
Dear Jones Family,
It is with great sadness that I write this note. I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Jones' passing. God in Heaven might have met his match, I'm afraid, and I might not be the only person in a "snit" right now. :} What a phenomenal human being and teacher he was. Unforgettable. Thanks to Mr. Jones, I passed Senior English and off to college I went. Had I not had Mr. Jones as a teacher, I would never have been as prepared as I was for college. A huge "thank you" to the Jones family for sharing such a great man with the Blue Mountain High School community.
Mike Zimmerman
April 12, 2013
I only just heard of Mr. Jones' passing this afternoon. As a former two-time student of his (freshman and senior years), I can say without question that he's one of the reasons I have a writing career. He'd lay down the gauntlet and dare you to be better. But beyond introducing us to his pals Steinbeck and Shakespeare, one of the things I remember about him most was his incredible sense of humor. One day he came into class with one of his fingers bandaged so thickly that it looked like a half-gone roll of toilet paper. When he wrote on the blackboard, this finger stood straight up in the air...and yes, it was his middle finger. So every time he wrote on the board, he was flipping off the class. That he was able to laugh at that (once he figured out what WE were laughing at) is just further proof that he was born to be in a classroom. His influence on me isn't just a theoretical thing; it's a day to day reality. I write books because of his influence. I had to have front-row seats when Ralph Fiennes played Hamlet in '96 because of him (I still have Hamlet's father's soliloquy memorized). I recently told my kids about his "word of the week" challenges. My son is about to enter honors English next fall for his freshman year and I know that Mr. Jones is partly responsible for that. Teaching does have a trickle-down effect. I haven't spoken to Mr. Jones in many years, but I know I'll miss him. The best we all can do is pay his legacy forward.
Elizabeth Meck Chismar
April 11, 2013
Dear Jones Family,
with my deepest sympathies
Georgia Smith Smith
April 8, 2013
Dear Sister Lorraine, Doug and Cathy, The memories that we share when our families would get together for holidays in PA and New Jersey will be forever in our hearts and although our being in Texas limited our time together, you were always in our thoughts. I'm so glad Holly, Logan and Mica and myself were able to spend time with Don when we visited New Jersey. Love Georgia, Dick, Rick, Holly, Logan and Mica.
Mark & Victoria Miller
April 8, 2013
Dear Jones Family,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you with our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember the interesting and fun challenges with Mr. Jones and the very subtle jokes! I even remember his story about the Shakespeare play where there was a wardrobe malfunction with the show continuing on!! His legacy lives on in the thousands of students that were and are better because of his teaching. May he rest in peace and rise in glory! Mark & Victoria Miller
Tobi Mengle
April 7, 2013
My sincere condolences to Lorraine and family on the passing of a devoted husband, father, pillar of the Blue Mountain education community, and friend. He was unchallenged as the toughest English teacher I had in high school or college, but everyone who survived his class was blessed with his dedication to excellence and cursed with having to find the spelling and grammar errors in all things written forever more. He will be sadly missed by the community, and our family will miss seeing him on the tree farm during the Christmas season.
Lisa Aderhold (Teter)
April 7, 2013
May the sympathy of your friends and family bring you some comfort at this sad time. So sorry to hear of Mr. Jones passing.
Julie Molloy (nee Frankenstein)
April 5, 2013
Thank you, Mr. Jones, for being a teacher and a legend. I heard your name from my parents and other students long before I ever stepped through the High School doors. You have touched countless lives including mine. May you rest in peace. (Class of 1995)
Rochelle Evanousky
April 5, 2013
Mr. Jones was a great influence on his students and left memories that will not be forgotten..."Our Town"...field trips to Broadway...Shakespearean theater in Stratford...field trips to New England. He will be missed.
Joulwan Family
April 5, 2013
My daughter is a 1986 graduate of BMHS. Mr.Jones was her English teacher. When I told her about his passing she said,"Mr. Jones was the best teacher I ever had. He was tough but, when I went to college, I was better prepared than most of my classmates." We hope your family finds comfort in the knowledge that he helped so many of his students become successful adults and he will be remembered with fondness and gratitude.
Laurie Fink
April 4, 2013
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Jones. I too am a former student who both feared (a little bit) and respected him for being such a challenging teacher. He taught me so much about writing ... and let's face it... making all those flash cards to help me memorize my vocab words! Flash cards helped me get through college. I always wanted to tell him about the praise I received from my college Comp professor for how well I was able to construct paragraphs. I even helped tutor other students, and that is a true testament to the excellent instruction Mr. Jones provided to all of his students. He was an intelligent and wonderful man who will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones.
Jennifer Frey Crispell
April 4, 2013
Dear Mrs. Jones and family,
My prayers are with you at this difficult time. I can only echo the kind words already spoken of Mr. Jones, whom I had two years in high school. I still have my senior notebook that taught us to write a proper paper. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Carol Leashefski
April 4, 2013
Dear Mrs. Jones, Cathy, and Doug
My thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort at this time.
Dawn Tursi
April 4, 2013
Cathy, Jeff & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The comments in this guest book are truly moving. I can see Mr. Jones was loved and respected in his community. Hopefully it will help ease some of your pain knowing how many lives he touched and how many people he inspired. We are so sorry for your loss. Love, the Tursi Family
Frank & Rosalie Rogers
April 4, 2013
Lorraine & family,
A true gentleman that will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Our good wishes go out to you in this time of sorrow.
Frank & Rosalie Rogers
Tina Cinamella-Geiger
April 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family at this time of sorrow. He made such a difference in so many lives including my own. Few teachers influence their students in such a way to make them look differently at everything. He taught me to appreciate the written word throughout my entire life. Warmest wishes and deepest regards.
Bonnie & Jessica Miller
April 4, 2013
Very shocked to hear of this. He was a great friend to us through the years. Our thoughts & prayers are w/the family. Take Care & God Bless.
April 4, 2013
My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Rose Kohutka
April 4, 2013
Dear Lorraine and family,
As our "down-the street, around the corner neighbors" I was so saddened to learn about the passing of Mr Jones. As so many others have eloquently spoken, your husband/father/grandfather, was and always will be remembered for his determination to have HIS students become thinkers, writers and citizens of the world. So many memories are flooding into my thoughts as I write this, all of which are filled with smiles and flashbacks to the excellence that he demanded from all of us.
My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I know how proud he always was of his wife and children. He would radiate with joy when he spoke about his family.
I will always remember his meticulous and impeccable style. He has left his legacy with so many of us. May you find comfort and healing with loving memories and knowing that Mr. Jones will never be forgotten.
With deepest sympathy,
Priscilla (Sowers) Johnson
Melissa Joulwan
April 4, 2013
Mr. Jones had a huge impact on me, and I don't think it's an overstatement to say that he influenced who I am today. I've loved playing with words for as long as I can remember, and Mr. Jones taught me how to _structure_ that desire to write. And vocabulary! Oh, those weekly vocabulary tests. I complained about them bitterly, but I secretly loved them, and I think about Mr. Jones and that weekly challenge very often. We were all so fortunate to have him in our lives, and his influence reaches far and wide.
April 4, 2013
Lorraine,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Donald's passing. What a dedicated, selfless, and respected teacher! Many students feared his commanding presence and being taught by "God". Instead, everyone felt his care and gentle nature. To me he was an intellectual mentor.I had no fear of him since I was "Lord." Truly, the college professor in a high school setting. I was amazed a few years ago when Donald instantly remembered my husband,Lou Jones, a former student from the 60's.
Praying that all your loving memories provide comfort. Eternal Memory, Donald.
Evelyn Lord Jones, Schuylkill Haven, PA
Jeff Rudloff
April 3, 2013
I was privileged to enjoy his teaching, his wit and his energy for my senior year (1972) at BMHS. He was never afraid to allow his students to think, even to disagree openly with him - but those of us who did always found him more than capable of holding his own, even if we never chose to agree. He was the kind of teacher that is so rare to find today: one who didn't teach his students facts, but rather how to think, which is SO much more valuable. He will be remembered as a "tyrant" and a great friend and mentor at the same time - and he would have enjoyed that paradox, I am sure...
Kathleen Pretti
April 3, 2013
My prayers are with you at this time. God Bless.
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
By Lamaretta Simmons
stephanie Lepera
April 3, 2013
Mr. Jones was a great teacher i was honored to be in his class at my years at blue mt high he was a god sport as well when he lost his bet to the senior class he will be missed by all blue mt grads of 1995 prayers for his family god bless fly free
Jim Shire
April 3, 2013
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Jones. I had Mr. Jones for Literature Class my Senior Year. I will never forget the great time we had learning from him. He taught us all so much and he had some of the best advice and some of the funniest stories. He always kept you interested and he truly cared about his students education. I enjoyed studying Hamlet with him and reading and discussing the various books we read in class. He would also show the movie that was made from the book and would have us try and pick out the differences between the two. I will always look back with very fond memories of him and will never forget how emotional we were and how proud he was of all of us graduation night, as we were the last class that Mr. Jones taught right before he retired. Thank you so much Mr. Jones for being my teacher, and Thank you so much for the great memories that will last a lifetime. Jim Shire Class of '96
Gabriel Gitman
April 3, 2013
It is no overstatement when I say that Mr. Jones taught me how to think. I was privileged to sit in the classroom of this gifted teacher for two years. With humor and clarity, he challenged his students to meet his high standards. His love of teaching was evident in every class. It is with gratitude that I remember Donald Jones.
Joyce Mengle
April 3, 2013
Dear Lorraine and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Donald.I enjoyed his friendship and his sense of humor. I appreciated his being a teacher to our three children.
He was just a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy.
Nils Kreysing
April 3, 2013
I was a German exchange student at Blue Mountain High School in 85/86 and very fortunate to take part in his English class. Mr. Jones impressed me with his personality and his dedication to teaching. To this day I still remember the opening lines of the monologue of Hamlet‘s father‘s ghost which I had to learn by heart back then. I became an actor in Germany and thought of him the very first time I performed Shakespeare. I am so very sorry to hear he passed.
Susan Jensen Brooks
April 3, 2013
So terribly sorry to hear about Mr. Jones. He was my homeroom teacher and was so very kind and so very funny. Every day he always asked to see what kind of socks I had on - and I had some crazy ones. I'll always remember his laughing at my choice of the day, and just shaking his head! Family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Beth Trapani
April 3, 2013
Fondest thoughts and sympathies to this very kind family. He took so much extra time with me in the community - as a teacher and a church member. He will be missed.
Melissa (Fisher) Lantz
April 3, 2013
Mr. Jones was an amazing teacher and neighbor. I remember being nervous when I saw I would have him for senior English but I had an amazing time in his class, learned so much, and was prepared when I got to college. He influenced so many and was such a nice man. Prayers to your family.
Lynn Kramer
April 3, 2013
Some of my best high school memories are from his class and from talking to him after class. My senior yearbook even mentions how I "could be found bantering with Mr. Jones." He was my favorite English teacher and I have ever been grateful for what he taught me. Mr. Jones really helped me be a better student and writer. I've tried to pass some of that along to my own students. I am very sad to hear that he has passed on. You have my deepest sympathy and I hope that you find comfort in knowing how many people he touched throughout his life. A part of him lives on because of that.
April 3, 2013
To the Jones family: Although many people will not post on a Guest Book, the amount of people Donald touched just at Blue Mountain (both teacher and student) is staggering. Although I was a colleague, like many of his students, I did not always understand his ways, but upon his retirement I realized just how much he worked to elevate both the students and the school. Working with him with the graduation ceremonies - my closest interaction with him - would give huge levels of frustration dealing with his attentions to detail; however, I find myself looking for those exact details of "the tradition and history is your legacy to uphold" every year in my career. He will be greatly missed, but never ever forgotten. - Richard Bacz
Sean Suttles
April 3, 2013
Although I was never fortunate enough to have Mr Jones as my teacher I know that those that had him really were fortunate. Go bless and watch over your family and comfort them at this sad time.
Rene Vaughn
April 3, 2013
An amazing husband, father and grandfather...I will miss you!
Dawn Bendetti
April 3, 2013
So sorry for your loss,thoughts and prayers to the family. Mr Jones was a wonderful teacher he cared for his students. I will never forget the trip to NYC. God bless you !
Leanne Kimmel Toth
April 3, 2013
Mrs. Jones, Doug, Cathy, and families,
I was so saddened to learn of Mr. Jones' passing. He was the most influential teacher I ever had while a student at Blue Mountain High School. I still remember the first day of class in senior year, when he told us he was known as "God", affectionately and otherwise. Although his curriculum was demanding, he cared enough to really prepare us for the road ahead. In all things he was fair and had a great sense of humor. Because of his class, I was one of the few students who arrived at Moravian College capable of writing a structured essay.
At church during the Christmas season, I would always joke with him about how it felt to have a "new son" in the family! He would crack a smile and chuckle as only he could.
I will NEVER forget Mr. Jones, and his influence on my life continues. I consider myself blessed to have been able to call him both teacher and friend.
May God grant you His courage and strength during this difficult time.
April 3, 2013
Our deepest sympathy, Lorraine to you and your family...he was a wonderful teacher and will be missed....our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Bonner family
Tori Anne Leonforte
April 3, 2013
Dear Lorraine, Doug, Cathy and family,
So sorry for the loss of Donald. He always worried whether he made a difference and I can positively say he did. My better grammar and love of the classic novels came from him. He gave me the chance to be the lead in "Our Town" inspite of my fear of public speaking. I am a better person because of him. I'm sure he was a wonderful husband and father also. So again, my deepest sympathies go out to you all. I will also miss him tramping around the farm for greens at Christmas and telling a good joke.
Love to you all.
Kathy Couch
April 3, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Jones family. Mr. Jones was one of the finest teachers challenging his students while at the same time one of the kindest men I know. He will be missed by so many that he taught to love Shakespeare!
Christa Miller
April 3, 2013
I can remember Mr. Jones saying the below quote in class and it seems to fit. I will forever be thankful for the knowledge he has instilled in me and hope to pass it on to the students I now educate. Thank you Mr. Jones!
“Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
? William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Donna Kline-Jones
April 3, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mr. Jones' passing. He was a wonderful teacher and class play director. Donna Kline Jones, BMHS Class 1972
GiGi Miechowski
April 3, 2013
What a Legacy he leaves behind.. His Loving Family .. His many Friends.. The many Students that excelled to his expectations ..He pushed us to be the Best we could be.. Thank you for your Influence on my life !
Bob Fligge
April 3, 2013
The cornerstone of Blue Mountain Education - he set the bar so very high for all of us to follow.
LisaJo Smith
April 3, 2013
Im sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this sad time. RIP Mr Jones.
Adam Schiffer
April 3, 2013
Dear Jones family: I am so sad to learn of Donald's death. He was one of the most important figures in my life. Until I took his English class as a senior in high school, I was adrift. he took a personal interest in me, helped me develop talents I did not even know I had, and set me on a path of educational excellence. I credit him in large part for my later academic accomplishments in college and law school. Perhaps it is no coincidence that my older son graduated from Middlebury with a degree in English. My deepest condolences on your loss. Regards, Adam Schiffer
Sharon Otstott
April 3, 2013
Dear Mrs Jones, Doug, Cathy and family ~
I am sorry to hear of Mr Jones passing. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May God give you strength to get through the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
Sharon (Repp) Otstott
Skip Fessler
April 3, 2013
I am sorry for your loss, Donald was an asset to the borough in many ways and he will be missed.Relyon your faith in this time of sorrow.
Judy Whalen-Geist
April 3, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Jones Family. Mr. Jones was my English teacher at Blue Mountain and a great inspiration to me. He will truly be missed!
Phyllis Connor
April 3, 2013
I am so sorry for your loass. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Shirley Staller
April 3, 2013
Jones Family
I had Mr Jones for 8th grade English - you will be in my thoughts and prayers
Lou Jones
April 3, 2013
Mr. Jones was my English teacher at Blue Mountain High School in the 1960's. He was agreat teacher and a fun-loving mentor. For me, Mr. Jones represented everything a young man should aspire to become. I was always impressed by his very neat appearance and dapper attire. No matter what he was involved in at any particular moment, he always looked like he had just stepped off the cover of GQ magazine. After high school, my wife (whom he taught with later on) and I were lucky enough to maintain a friendly relationship with both he and his wife Lorraine. Don will be sorely missed by all those students whom he taught, the faculty with whom he worked, his many friends, and his family. My heart-felt condolences go out to Lorraine, his children, and grand-child. He was loved and will be missed by many. God bless Donald Jones.
Bill Dietz
April 3, 2013
Few teachers touch the lives of students the way Mr. Jones touched my life. Role model, mentor, and father figure comes to mind when I think about Mr. Jones. We have lost a hero, but Heaven must be so blessed to receive such a great man. I will miss Mr. Jones dearly.
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