Joe Micheal Jones

youngest son of Edward “Ed” and Ruth “Ruthie” Jones, and baby brother to Edward Lloyd

“Butch” Jones Jr. Mike died on October 3, 2024, in Rome, Italy. Please join the family at 1:00

PM on Sunday, November 24, 2024, for a graveside service at Antioch Cemetery in Elkmont,

AL. Following the graveside service, the family also invites you to Willow Oak Farms in

Elkmont, AL for food, fellowship, speeches, and other special tributes to celebrate the

remarkable life of Mike Jones. McConnell Funeral Home will be assisting the family with

services, and Brother Steve Ferguson will officiate. If you desire, feel free to wear orange and

blue and give him one more “War Eagle!”

Mike spent his last Earthly day touring Vatican City in his Auburn hat, surrounded by the

rich history he dedicated his life to learning and teaching. He painlessly transitioned to his

Heavenly home while in the arms of his beloved wife of 43 years, Chrystal, and by the side of

his long-time best friend and fellow history teacher, Kirby Derrick. Though his loss is sudden

and deeply felt, there is great comfort in knowing he was surrounded by love, in a beautiful

place, doing something he had never done before. He enjoyed novel experiences, and his

relentless pursuit of knowledge and love of history was fully expressed until his final breath.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father. He was also preceded in death by

his brother Butch Jones (Kathy), who he cherished and admired his entire life. Mike is survived

by his wife, Chrystal Wales Jones, his two children, Ashley Jones Sahai (Shantanu) and Edward

Ronald “Beau” Jones (Jessica), and his 5 adoring grandchildren who were the lights of his life:

Grant Jones, Cohen McGowen, Makena Griffin, Taylor Mangrum, and Jackson Mangrum. He is

also survived by his nephews, Daniel Jones and Michael Jones (Amanda), and their precious

children. In addition, Mike leaves behind an extremely close-knit group of lifelong friends and

cousins, who all grew up together making history in the tiny town of Elkmont: Charles David

Christopher, Mark Christopher, John Morris, Gary Scroggins, David Hanserd, Donnie Marlow,

and Mike Brock. There are countless people- be it family, friends, or students- who he adored

and loved whole-heartedly. He would want you to know your impact on his life was

immeasurable and never forgotten.

Mike went by many names, but whether you knew him as Mike, “Mouse”, Mr. Jones,

Daddy, or Grandaddy, there is no doubt he impacted you in some unforgettable way. His accomplishments were many and his abilities innumerable. He earned a BS in Secondary Social

Science from Auburn University, an MA in Gifted Education & History from University of

Alabama, a master’s certification in History from UNA, and was his district’s first National

Board Certified teacher in Social Studies and History.

Mike was an educator for over 30 years in various districts throughout Alabama,

spending most of his career with Athens City Schools. He initiated the first advanced academic

program for gifted students at Whitesburg Middle School and Athens Middle School, with his

program becoming the model for all middle school programs in both systems. He retired from

Athens High School in 2008. In 2019, Athens High School established the Mike Jones Chapter

of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society in recognition and appreciation for his

years of service to Athens City Schools. Mike earned multiple awards and accolades for his

forward-thinking approaches and teaching philosophy. Among his achievements, too many to

name, are: 1992-1993 Alabama State Teacher of the Year, founding member of the Alabama State

Teacher Forum, and author of American History Mysteries.

Mike’s exceptional abilities also extended beyond the classroom, be it fixing cars,

building anything from houses to trebuchets, writing poems and stories, and knowing the history

behind most every classic rock song ever written. He was a member of Elkmont Church of

Christ. He loved trees, nature, teaching, music, and most of all, his family, friends, students and

the Auburn Tigers. The family would like to sincerely thank all who loved him and took part in

his incredible 71-year journey.