Richard L. "Dick" JONES

1933 - 2022

Dick Jones entered peacefully into rest on April 7, 2022. He was born in Enumclaw, WA to Jesse and Helen Jones on February 1, 1933. His family moved to Tonasket, WA where he attended high school and played football. After graduating he moved to Spokane to attend Whitworth College and play football in 1952. He married JoEllen Weir in 1952, also of Tonasket, WA. Dick joined the Marine Corps from 1953 -to 1955, and then returned to Whitworth and his wife and received a Bachelor's degree in Education in 1957.

Dick began his teaching career at Mead Jr High. He continued his positive influence on young people throughout his life after receiving a Masters's Degree in counseling and counseled many youth and adults over the years at Shaw Jr High and with the Spokane School District until 1981. After retiring from the school district, Dick continued counseling youth and adults alike through his work at Daybreak, The Healing Lodge, private practice at Genesis, Excelsior Youth Center, and his work with the Kalispell Tribe in Usk, WA.

Dick was a long time member with his wife JoEllen at Whitworth Church where he was an elder and participated on many committees over the years

Dick was his children's biggest fan and strongest supporter in their sports careers. Jim's high school football and baseball and college baseball careers. Jennifer's volleyball career throughout high school and college. He was a loyal and dependable husband, father, grandpa, and friend. His non-judgmental character is rare and served him well in his family life and marvelous career as a respected source of counsel.

Dick is survived by his children Jim and wife Dayna, his daughter Jennifer and husband Ronnie Rodriguez, his beloved grandchildren Leeann(and Paul Shaw), James, Gabe (and wife Courtney O'Connor), Tony, Lindsey, Marcus, Alisha, Holly, Aden, Connor, great-grandchildren Dillon and Landon, his sister Dolores

Pheasant, his brother Skip (and Lil Jones), his dear loving Dee Saling, and his wonderful caregiver Kristin. He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Helen, and his wife of 62 years JoEllen. The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Fairwood Retirement for their loving care of Dick. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 11 at 1 pm at St. Luke's Lutheran Church at 9704 N. Division, Spokane, WA.