Jeffrey Earl Jones

Jeffrey “JJ or Jeff” Earl Jones, age 57 from Westerville, OH, passed away at Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital on October 15th, 2023.  Jeff was born January 14, 1966, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.  He was the first child and son of Julie Ann (Lingg) and Robert Lee Jones of Centerville, OH.

Jeff is a 1984 graduate of Centerville High School in Centerville, OH where he played in the Marching Band.  He graduated from Capital University with a BA in Jazz Studies.  Jeff later received a Master’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati in School Administration. 

Jeff and his wife Kim were both active members of their community and career educators in Columbus Public Schools.  They advocated fiercely for children, first their own, as well as those children they served in their community.  There was not an activity that their children were involved in that Jeff and Kim did not also give their time and talents to support.

Jeff spent 27 years in the Columbus City School system working in both the classroom as a music/band instructor and in the later years, as an Administrator.  He found joy in working with students to help them achieve their goals.  He successfully created a middle school Steel Drum Ensemble that showcased the student’s talents and served as a show piece for the district.  Jeff “JJ” also worked at Columbus Pro Percussion, working with band instructors across the country.  Throughout his 39 years in Columbus, he performed with bands, ensembles, or as a solo artist. When not performing he was attending events as an instructor, or because he helped them purchase their drums.  He is well known for his musical gifts, a fantastic sense of humor (even if it was crass sometimes), and a warm and entertaining personality.  

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother Julie in 2001 and by his beloved wife Kim who passed away just 15 hours before him on October 14th, 2023. 

Jeff is survived by his sons; Quinton (Troy VanGundy), Cameron (Kelsey Kirsch), and daughters; Abigail, and Emily; his father, Robert Jones, his three sisters Cheryl (David) Weaver, Jennifer (Joel) Steward, and Catherine (Kevin) Derringer, along with eight nieces and nephews, and many more cherished friends and family members.

A joint memorial service to celebrate the lives of Jeff and Kim Jones will be held on Saturday, November 11,2023 at Peace Lutheran Church in Gahanna, OH (455 Clark State Rd). As neither Jeff nor Kim were fans of funerals, Tie-Dye or Hawaiian attire is requested; bright colors are welcome, but please no black. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM. The Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 AM. Parking is slightly limited, so please carpool if possible.

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