John "Jack" Alfred Jones

John Alfred Jones passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on December 10, 2025. Jack was born to British immigrant parents, John and Florence Jones in Detroit, Michigan on October 16, 1920. Jack was a graduate of Northern High School, Class of 1939. He met his bride, Vera Rose Mathews, and they married in 1941. He enjoyed 77 years of marriage with the love of his life until she passed away at age 95. One of his notes of pride is that Vera “Rose” was employed during WWII in an airplane factory as a riveter, making her a true “Rosie the Riveter.” Jack and Vera have three children, John Richard “Dick” and Jennifer Jones of Southbury, Connecticut, Allen and Dolly Jones of Caro, Michigan and Rosemarie Williams of Warren, Michigan; grandchildren, Jeff, Mark (Amy), Janelle (BJ), Jenny (Beau), Heather (Nathan) and Kelly (Mike); great grandchildren, Dean, Alyna, Evan, Mia, Morgan, Shelby, Ben, Camden, Emmalyn, Brady and Alyda; and good buddies, Frank and Bill.

Jack enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and ultimately became trained as a medical assistant assigned to the USS Meriwether. He was assigned to the ship upon it’s commissioning and remained on board throughout the Pacific campaign, ultimately being discharged following the end of WW II. The USS Meriwether traveled throughout the Pacific transporting Marines to battle and wounded soldiers to safety. The ship traveled to many battle fronts including Saipan, Pearl Harbor, Okinawa, Guam, and Nagasaki, Japan.

Returning to Detroit and to his young family, one son with two more children to follow, Jack returned to his position as an apprentice tool and die maker for the Burroughs Corporation which at the time primarily made business machines. From tool and die maker, Jack’s career progressed into management. In 1968, Jack was asked to lead the effort to open a new plant in Guadalajara, Mexico. He, Vera and his daughter, Rosemarie, made the move and for approximately two years enjoyed the adventure of building a business from the ground up in a foreign country. He returned to Michigan in 1970 and returned to his managerial duties at the Plymouth plant.

Following Jack’s retirement from Burroughs, he moved from his home in Redford Township (Detroit area) to Hartland, where he excelled in his new gardening abilities, planting trees, and becoming a country farmer. He and Vera wintered in the south and moved permanently to Summerfield, Florida in the 1990’s. Jack continued to play golf but became addicted to tennis when he was in his 70’s. He played tennis and golf throughout his 80’s and into his 90’s until his sight began to fade. In 2012, he and Vera made their home at Oakmont Manor, Sterling Heights. Jack found a community where he excelled. He and his buddy Bill became honorary employees, helping the staff picking up the sticks and trash, assembling Christmas trees, serving coffee for various events and chairing the annual Alzheimer’s Walk to raise money for what he referred to as this dreaded disease. They were proud of the “employee” shirts they were presented. Dad was also a man of faith and loved to attend the Bible study groups and encouraged others to attend. He continued to be a resident of Oakmont until his passing.

Dad had a very active year in 2025. He first was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Sterling Heights Memorial Day parade and got to ride in the back of a classic Mustang for the parade. Prior to the parade, several politicians gave speeches, and Jack had been asked to speak as well. Allen, his son, worked with the event organizers so that Allen would give a brief biography of Jack, followed by Jack simply standing to thank everyone for coming. However, after Allen’s introduction, Jack surprised everyone by delivering a five-minute speech on the history of Memorial Day. When we asked him where he got all his information he said, “Oh, I just asked Alexa”! It was remarkable for a guy who got his first cell phone at 98 years old. Later in the summer Jack was also honored as being a Hometown Hero at the Jimmy John’s stadium and received a standing ovation from 3,500 fans as well as his family. He was very moved by all the love he received from the crowd.

Jack had a remarkable 105 years on this planet. He loved to joke. Right near the end his great-granddaughter told him in secret that her mom was getting married, but not to say anything yet. When the first person came to visit he said, “I’ve got a secret, want to know what it is?” Then he told them and said “Say Morgan (a grandchild) told you, not me”. He made, lost and kept more friends than most people would have in two lifetimes. Lived long enough to have a child in their 80’s, and grandson in their 60’s and a great-grandchild now closer to 30 years old than 20. He was kind, generous and loved life, even when it became hard. A couple of days before he died we said, “What do you think Mom will say when you see her?” We joked she would say, “Jack, where is your hat?” He said no, she will say, “What took you so long?”. He had his intelligence and wit about him until the very end. He was a remarkable man and will be missed by many, but no more so than his family.

A Celebration of a Remarkable Life is being planned for Spring and details will be announced when they become available.