“Always provided New Hope for Kids”
Colonel Jones passed away on Sunday, September 12th, 2021 after a brief illness.
Our loving father was born on February 18th, 1937, in Iowa City, Iowa. He lived his boyhood days with his 7 brothers and 7 sisters in the small Mississippi River town of Clinton, Iowa.
Joel graduated from the University of Iowa in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. Army. During his attendance at the University, he was selected as the Captain of the Iowa Swimming team and as a distinguished military graduate. He later graduated from Hampton University with a Master degree in Psychological Counseling.
Colonel Jones served honorably for 30 years in the U.S. Army. His career, as an Infantry man, was highlighted by his unique skills as an Army Ranger and Airborne Parachutist. He served as a Commander at all levels and distinguished himself in combat and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during his combat in South Vietnam.
After his retirement from the U.S. Army, he and his wife Gail moved to Orlando and Joel began his successful 16-year career as a Developer and Manager of several Non-Profit Organizations in the Central Florida area. Most noteworthy, his position as the Executive Director of The Children’s Wish Foundation, and later Founder and served as CEO of the Center Florida Center for Grieving Children, and The New Hope for Kid’s Center, located in Maitland, FL. He was also awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award for his distinguished service to the Central Florida community.
Joel continued his support to children of Central Florida by serving on many Community Board of Directors as well as his long service and commitment to the Downtown YMCA Family Center Board.
Our Dad was an avid fisherman. He loved his many fishing adventures to North Carolina and Cedar Key, Florida. As a season ticket holder for more than 20 years, Joel loved spending his Sundays with his son Curt, watching the Tampa Bay Bucs, win or lose. During his years after his retirement, Joel became an accomplished Artist reflecting his unique talents of expressions through multiple mediums. Joel enjoyed spending his retirement years with his family. He enjoyed many trips with his daughter Nancy and Scott, family get-togethers in Cedar Key, and loved visiting his Texas family. Every moment that each one of his family members spent with him was and will be cherished.
Joel was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Jones, his parents, 7 brothers, and 7 sisters. He is survived by his daughters Kelly Henson, Nancy Holton, Julie Dorney and his son, Curtis Jones. He loved his grandparenting of 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 26th, 2021 from 11:00AM to 12:00PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida.
Memorial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to:
Downtown Central Florida Y Youth Scholarship Fund
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