Gary J. Jones

Gary J. Jones died on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at home at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Jones in 2018. He is survived by his father, Des Jones of Augusta; brother Mike (Sharon) Jones of Delton; and sister Kris (Ted) Jenkins of Battle Creek. His nieces and nephews include Andrew (Bridget) Olsen, Adriana and Alexander; Nick Jones; Abby Olsen (Steve Nemeth); Bethany (Mike) Christiansen, Theresa and Sullivan; and Ean (Jonathan) Fulks, and a large extended family. Special thanks to Dr. Andrew Gordon during these last few weeks. 

While growing up, Gary was an Eagle Scout and very active in scouting at Camp T. Ben Johnston on Sherman Lake in Augusta. Gary spent several years during high school working in the Camp kitchen. This was the beginning of a lifelong, successful career in food service. 

In 1971, he graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and in 1975 he graduated with Honors from Kalamazoo College. For his required Kalamazoo College study abroad, he spent 6 months in France. He continued those French friendships his entire life. 

While at Kalamazoo College and continuing with his food service career, he worked for Saga Foods in the college cafeteria. From there, Saga Foods transitioned to Marriott (food service division) and then to Sodexho. Gary’s work included all territories west of the Mississippi, including Alaska and Hawaii. He found himself living in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Chicago; New Haven, Connecticut; Miami; San Francisco; and San Diego. (He even commuted from Miami to New Haven). It had always been a goal of Gary’s to retire at age 49…and he did. 

Gary was well known to his family and friends as an outstanding cook and enjoyed hosting dinner parties. His infectious personality made people want to be around him. He loved to travel, flip houses and work on family genealogy. It could be said that he had a wealth of knowledge on many different topics – anything from the British Monarchy to religion. He was a great man with an eccentric personality and a huge heart. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, starting at 11:00 a.m. in the Kellogg Hall at the Sherman Lake Y Camp, 6225 N. 39th Street, Augusta, Michigan. This will be a non-traditional event with storytelling, humor and great food. We invite friends and family to participate in sharing short, humorous memories related to Gary. Casual attire is preferred. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, 6225 N 39th St, Augusta, MI 49012.

Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.