Michael Alexander Jones

Michael was born on July 17, 1968 to Bob and Carolyn Jones in Chehalis, WA. His middle name was given in honor of his great-grandfather, Alexander Ellis. Michael came into the Jones’ family (which also included his older brother Robert Leland Jones, Jr.) very quickly at 19 minutes – and literally ran through life. He was diagnosed at a year and a half with severe asthma, but early on his doctor recommended lots of activity like swim team to develop his lungs and make them strong. He was very active in basketball and baseball, and later in his early teens, he became an avid long-distance runner. He did well on the track team and eventually ran marathons. Karate was a love for him as well.

Upon graduation from high school, Mike was given a trip to Hawaii as a gift. He fell in love with it, came home, sold his car, and moved there, where he worked two jobs as a pedi-cab driver and at a macadamia nut factory. He lasted 8 months – it was too expensive to live there, and he came home where he found work at a gas station. He also dabbled at investing in run-down multi-family units. He eventually moved to Aberdeen Washington where he remodeled three sites and re-sold them all so he could move to Florida to do the same thing. He loved to travel and went to England in the midst of all of this. When he moved to Florida with his beloved dog Bubba (a half-wolf), he was young (26 years old) and he was sure to be a property baron. However, he was not savvy and vulnerable to con artists, who made use of his saved capital. This caused him to enter into a time of struggle, but he never gave up. He came home for several visits to his parents and brother in Washington State, revitalizing himself and went back to Florida with a plan. With long years of very hard work, he built-up a small company that did window washing and power washing of high-rise buildings, schools, convention centers, and luxury homes (and even “Magic Mike’s” home from the movies). He built-up a crew and equipment and became established with a highly referred business.

He met Kathy Holsten, who became the love of his life. She preceded him in death in 2017. He came to Washington State for a visit to family on an extended road trip to get past his grief and restart his life. As he was traveling back to Florida from his extended and joyous visit, he stopped in Texas to have some extensive dental work done. This was a big goal he had accomplished, but sadly, he had a severe asthma attack at his hotel and went into cardiac arrest. He passed away on January 9, 2020. He was an organ donor and because of his gift, 18 people will have a second chance. Michael was known for his kindness, his sense of humor and always ready for an adventure.

He had no children, but loved Katy and Kelly (Kathy’s children). He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Jones; and brother, Rob (and Tomoko) Jones; his beloved nieces and nephews, Zachary (and Kat) Jones, Kaiya Jones, Tiana Jones, Cadence Jones, Leland Jones, Xander Jones, Reyna Jones, Noah Jones, Kaylana Jones (and soon to be here, Luca Jones). He adored spending time with his cousins, Tamora, Kimberly, Deborah, Lee, David, Tim and Lynn. He loved his Aunt Betty and other aunts and uncles, Mark (and Terry), Patrick (and Jenny), Terry (and Jim), and Jeff (and Alicia). He thought of his co-workers, Fred, Tyler, John and Carlos, as family and loved them. Also, he extended this love and family to his long-time friends, Mike, Trace, and Diana. When you were loved by Michael, it was a forever thing. He is greatly missed, but will never leave our hearts. We were all enriched by knowing him.

Michael’s Mom will post “special stories” each week so you will be reminded of our “Special Magic Mike!"

Michael’s pediatrician told him at 5 years old, as he and his family were moving to Wenatchee, by taking his hand and saying, “Now, Michael, go out in the dark forest and make your own path!” This was Mike's motto in life, and with God’s help, that is just what he did.