Joseph Quinton Jones

Joseph "Joe" Jones, 91, of Louisville, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of Louisville, and a Catholic by faith. He was a member of St. Barnabas, now St. John Paul Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, and mother of his children, Glenna Evelyn Haddix Jones; his daughter, Debra "Debbie" Gail Jones; and his parents, James Q. and Irene Louise Bierle Jones and his brother, James Jones.

Joe's day job found him working for the old Celanese Coatings Corporation (formerly Jones-Dabney) as a supervisor from 1948-1982. But his evenings and weekends found him umpiring softball for 25 years and officiating basketball games for 51. Growing up he played basketball with the hopes one day of being a journalist. As Byron Crawford had mentioned in the article he wrote about Joe back in 2003, that had "been his dream." But he ended up playing in independent leagues and officiating basketball and umpiring softball games. He has officiated and umpired 1000's of games, only to finally retire when he was 76, and hang up his whistle after 51 years. There were elementary, middle and high school games here in Kentucky, but also Amateur Athletic Union and International League games all over the U. S., Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. Joe gave so much of himself, very effectively, tirelessly and diligently over the 51 years he worked closely with the children. Protecting and teaching them to be the very best they could be.

He was a legend in his time and a delight to watch him work a court. He talked to everyone, shook hands and answered questions. His hardwood stories included the likes of John Wooden and Michael Jordan. His name is synonymous with basketball here in Louisville always showing a bit of "pizzazz" in his calls and showmanship on the floor. He was fair, always concerned for the kids and they knew it, making him one of their favorites.

Left cherishing his memory is his loving wife, Francine Kirkwood Jones; son, Joseph Michael (Deborah) Jones; grandchildren, Andrew, Amy, Benjamin and Michael Jones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Tuesday at St John Paul Catholic Church, 3521 Goldsmith Lane, with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 2-8 pm

at Arch L. Heady & Son Southern Funeral Home, 3601 Taylor Blvd.