Joe Micheal “Mike” Jones was born in Elkmont, Alabama on July 31, 1953. He was the youngest son of Edward “Ed” and Ruth “Ruthie” Jones, and baby brother to Edward Lloyd “Butch” Jones Jr. Mike died on October 3, 2024, in Rome, Italy. Please join the family at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 24, 2024, for a graveside service at Antioch Cemetery in Elkmont, Alabama. Following the service, the family invites you to Willow Oak Farms in Elkmont for food, fellowship, speeches and other special tributes to celebrate the remarkable life of Mike Jones. McConnell Funeral Home will be assisting the family with services, and Brother Steve Ferguson will officiate. If you desire, feel free to wear orange and blue and give him one more “War Eagle!”
Mike spent his last Earthly day touring Vatican City in his Auburn hat, surrounded by the rich history he dedicated his life to learning and teaching.
He painlessly transitioned to his Heavenly home while in the arms of his beloved wife of 43 years, Chrystal, and by the side of his long-time best friend and fellow history teacher, Kirby Derrick. Though his loss is sudden and deeply felt, there is great comfort in knowing he was surrounded by love, in a beautiful place, doing something he had never done before. He enjoyed novel experiences, and his relentless pursuit of knowledge and love of history was fully expressed until his final breath.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Butch Jones (Kathy), who he cherished and admired his entire life.
Mike is survived by his wife, Chrystal Wales Jones; his two children, Ashley Jones Sahai (Shantanu) and Edward Ronald “Beau” Jones (Jessica); and his five adoring grandchildren who were the lights of his life, Grant Jones, Cohen McGowen, Makena Griffin, Taylor Mangrum and Jackson Mangrum. He is also survived by his nephews, Daniel Jones and Michael Jones (Amanda), and their precious children. In addition, Mike leaves behind an extremely close-knit group of lifelong friends and cousins, who all grew up together making history in the tiny town of Elkmont: Charles David Christopher, Mark Christopher, John Morris, Gary Scroggins, David Hanserd, Donnie Marlow, and Mike Brock.
There are countless people — be it family, friends or students — who he adored and loved whole-heartedly. He would want you to know your impact on his life was immeasurable and never forgotten. Mike went by many names, but whether you knew him as Mike, “Mouse,” Mr. Jones,
Daddy or Grandaddy, there is no doubt he impacted you in some unforgettable way. His accomplishments were many and his abilities innumerable. He earned a BS in Secondary Social Science from Auburn University, an MA in Gifted Education & History from University of Alabama, a master’s certification in History from UNA, and was his district’s first National Board Certified teacher in Social Studies and History. Mike was an educator for over 30 years in various districts throughout Alabama, spending most of his career with Athens City Schools. He initiated the first advanced academic program for gifted students at Whitesburg Middle School and Athens Middle School, with his program becoming the model for all middle school programs in both systems. He retired from Athens High School in 2008. In 2019, Athens High School established the Mike Jones Chapter of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society in recognition and appreciation for his years of service to Athens City Schools. Mike earned multiple awards and accolades for his forward-thinking approaches and teaching philosophy. Among his achievements, too many to name, are: 1992-1993 Alabama State Teacher of the Year, founding member of the Alabama State Teacher Forum, and author of American History Mysteries.
Mike’s exceptional abilities also extended beyond the classroom, be it fixing cars, building anything from houses to trebuchets, writing poems and stories and knowing the history behind most every classic rock song ever written. He was a member of Elkmont Church of Christ. He loved trees, nature, teaching, music, and most of all, his family, friends, students and the Auburn Tigers. The family would like to sincerely thank all who loved him and took part in his incredible 71-year journey.
