John Jones

Portsmouth, RI - Retired Navy Lt. Commander John M. Skip Jones, passed away at home on February 29th, 2008. He was the husband of Helen Nelson Jones, to whom he had been married for 47 years. He was the son of the late George E. and Helen M. Yahrling Jones. He was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Cadestoga High School in Berwin, Pennsylvania. Although he received an appointment to the Naval Academy, he elected to attend Ursinus College. He completed 2 years and resigned to enter the Navy in 1944 and was appointed to midshipman school. He served in WWII and the Korean War. He was a past member of the vestry at St. Marys Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, was a concerned citizen who worked to save and restore the Glen Manor House and later serving as president of the Glen Manor House. He also served on several Portsmouth committees and was especially interested in preservation of land.Skip loved music and the arts. He enjoyed from jazz to opera and was devoted to the big band sound because of his love of dancing. He, and others, founded the Friends of Ballroom Dancing in 1987 with Skip managing it for the next 21 years. In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons Robert Jones of the Philippines, Richard Jones of New Orleans, Louisiana and a granddaughter Margo Morgan of Mississippi and two great grandchildren. His oldest son James Jones died on February 13th, 2008. Skip had many nieces and nephews. His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 15th, 2008, at 11:00 am in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Marys Episcopal Church Building Fund, East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or to Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.