Ken Jones

Joe Kenneth Jones (Ken) was born on December 19, 1936 in Delve/Yardelle, Newton County, Arkansas and passed on June 24, 2022 in Huntington Beach, California. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Nora Smith Jones; Father, Powell Clayton Jones; Grandparents; Alice Vanderpool Smith, Willard Smith, Sarah Hefley Jones Brasel, James Monroe Jones and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Janis Faye Olson Jones, four children; Karen, David (Michele), Jennifer, and Eric. Three step children; Sherry (Ron), Renee and Brian (Dryden). Also Aunt Jeanne Collins and Aunt Elizabeth “Tommie” Barron. Further he has thirteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many cousins.

In 1942, his family moved from Delve, Arkansas to Long Beach, California when his father obtained a job at Cal shipyards. In 1944, his family moved nearby to a new house in Lakewood. He lived there until he married in 1959. During this marriage, he lived in several cities in Orange County. In 1980, he married Jan where they resided in Huntington Beach.

He attended elementary school in Long Beach and Lakewood. He graduated from Bellflower High School, earned an AA degree from Long Beach City College, a BA and MA from California State University, Long Beach and EdD from the University of La Verne.

His professional career began with teaching Business Education at La Puente High School and then in Huntington Beach High School District where he taught at Marina High School and Edison High School. He was the Director of Adult Education where he initiated the Adult Education program and was also Director of Career Education and Director of Instructional Programs. Following, he

was recruited by Castro Valley Unified School District to be the Assistant Superintendent Business Services. He returned to Orange County in 1983 to become Deputy Superintendent and then Superintendent of Schools for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. After his retirement from Fullerton, he worked for a private consulting company and finally as superintendent for the North Orange County Regional Occupation Program. He taught at several universities and was a consultant to school districts.

His love of family, especially family gatherings, his stories and the wisdom he shared with those he loved will forever be cherished. He greatly enjoyed his scotch and a joyful “cheers” with family and friends. He was passionate about traveling with his wife to many places throughout the world and golfing with his friends. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers or plants the family asks that you please consider donations to the Newton County Arkansas Historic Society, 403 W Clark Street, PO Box 360, Jasper, AR.