Michael F Jones

Michael Jones, a devoted husband and father who was born, lived and worked most of his life in the New Orleans area, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, at home in Metairie. He was 70, and the dignity and grace with which he faced a lengthy illness were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Michael was born in 1954 in New Orleans. He graduated from Rummel High School and the University of New Orleans, with a degree in Business and Marketing. He then began a long and distinguished career in retail, starting at Maison Blanche as an assistant buyer. After the closure of that iconic New Orleans department store, Mike worked as a buyer for Meier and Frank department store in Portland, Oregon.

Several years of missing family and friends led to a return to the New Orleans area and employment with D.H. Holmes, followed by a stint as Regional Sales Manager for Expressions Custom Furniture. He eventually landed at Dillard's, where he stayed for 32 years, over 26 of those as the Store Manager of the Lakeside Mall location. During his tenure, that location consistently ranked as one of the top stores in the company, a status he always attributed to the dedicated staff he supervised with palpable respect and gratitude.

Mike considered himself blessed to have the career he did, as retail allowed him the opportunity to travel the world and meet a multitude of extraordinary people. He was also deeply rooted in his community, contributing over the years to the work of many charitable organizations, including: The Spirit of Mr. Bingle (with the Salvation Army), St. Elizabeth’s Guild, Catholic Charities, Jewish Children Regional Service, Louisiana Children's Museum, Cancer Crusaders and The Ladies Leukemia League of New Orleans.

Anyone who spent time with Mike knew that his family was everything to him, and a source of everlasting joy in his life. He is survived by his wife Bridget, who he married on October 6, 1990, at St. Francis of Xavier Church; daughter Elizabeth, and son Matthew, all of Metairie. He is also survived by sisters June Salomon (husband Lavalle) and Petra Geerken (Chip), as well as brother Christopher Jones and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother Aurora Caravella Jones and father Waddy Jones.

Mike and his family are thankful to the many doctors and nurses at Ochsner and M.D. Anderson who cared for him, and especially to Sister Dulce Maria of Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center in Baton Rouge for her love, support and encouragement. Moreover, Mike was deeply grateful to the associates and management at Dillard's for all of their support, prayers and love over the years.

A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m, June 22nd, at St. Catherine of Siena. Visiting hours will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ladies Leukemia League of New Orleans or Catholic Charities of New Orleans in Mike's name.