Michael Frederick Jones, 57, of Whigham, passed away peacefully on Feb. 10, 2014, surrounded by family.
Michael was born on May 10, 1956 in St. Augustine, Fla. to Robert P. and Malinda U. Jones. He graduated from Leon High School in 1974 where he was active in football, Key Club and Chorus —singing in both Madrigals and Capital singers. He served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer, First Class.
With his former wife, Cindy Christoe, of Newark, N.J. he had a son. He later married Carol Scott of Tallahassee. They raised their four children in Jacksonville, Fla., then moved to Whigham after retiring from the Navy in 1994. After retirement Michael went on to have a fruitful career in IT services with IT Net Group, then expanded his career with dedicated work in Disaster Preparedness for Citizens Insurance. He also answered every computer question his large and extended family could throw at him. He had patience beyond measure. We all knew Mike was living one of his dreams when he had the good fortune to play in a rock band for a few years.
While providing so well for his family, Michael dedicated his life to the Lord and worked tirelessly in many ministries with his beloved church family at Crossroads Church in Thomasville. Mike and Carol served in a variety of ways including missionary work and teaching, but for Michael his faith was best expressed through his music. Mike loved playing the guitar, and especially in the Praise Band. He sang with great joy and inspired others to do the same. His love for his God was a song of praise, and he led may people to the Lord with his music. He also wrote music for praise and worship and for his beloved family. Being able to sing an original song to Melanie at her wedding this past November was an answer to one of his most fervent prayers.
Michael is survived by his wife, Carol, of Whigham; sons Mike Jr. (Teasha) of Denver, Colo.; Scott Hollis (Kristen) of Jacksonville, and daughters Michelle Reynolds (Steven) of Climax, and Melanie Matthews (Garrett) of Athens, Ga.; his parents Bob and Malinda Jones of Tallahassee; two brothers, Matt Jones (Marlene) of Miami, Mark Jones (Daniela) of Tallahassee; and two sisters, Laurie Stevens (Mike) of Rockville, Md. and Cindy Jacobs (Joe) of Tallahassee. Michael was blessed with seven grandchildren, Jacob, Shelbi, Hudson, Kaden, Phoebe, Zoey and Noah, and one on the way. In addition, he leaves behind countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends who have loved and encouraged him as family throughout his whole life.
Services for Mike are open to anyone and everyone who loved him. There will be a memorial Mass for Michael at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 3640 Fred George Road, Tallahassee, followed by family visitation and food at the home of Cindy Jacobs, 3965 Bellac Road, Tallahassee.
There will be a memorial Celebration of Life for Michael on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 228 Walden Road, Thomasville, near Beachton, followed by refreshments at the church.
Michael’s life has been a blessing to so many, and in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Crossroads Church to help encourage and support the many ministries to which he was so dedicated. Crossroads Church, 228 Walden Road, Thomasville, GA 31792 (229-377-3589)
Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee is assisting the family with their arrangements.