Blake Nicholas Jones

Blake Nicholas Jones, 26, of Springfield, passed away at 1:24 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center. Blake was born December 6, 1983 in Springfield, the son of David and Sharon Allison Jones. Blake was a 2002 graduate of Pawnee High School, where he was a 4-year letter winner in baseball and basketball. He was awarded a Federal ROTC Scholarship and attended Illinois State University where he was pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Blake was one of a select few cadets to train at West Point Military Academy. Blake was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed playing golf and fishing. His true passion throughout his life was baseball. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Dolores J. Allison; and an aunt, Mary Kay Allison. He is survived by his parents, David and Sharon Jones of Pawnee; one brother, Bryce Jones of Pawnee; grandfather, Glenn Allison of Sherman; grandparents, Ronald and Laura Jones of Decatur; one aunt; four uncles; several cousins; and his family's dog, Jack. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. The family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The memorial gathering will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 902 St. John's Dr., Sherman with Rev. Msgr. Carl Kemme, V.G., celebrant. Private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pawnee High School Baseball Program, 810 N. 4th St., Pawnee, IL 62558.