Obituary of Michael James Jones

Michael James Jones passed from this life November 1 7, 2014 at the age of 62. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Michael was born February 5, 1952 in Pasadena, CA to Lee and James Jones and was their first born child. When he was six years old, the family moved to Tucson. When Michael was six years old, he was given the choice to go a Nascar race with a prominent Nascar driver or go to Disneyland to see Mickey Mouse. Michael chose Mickey and he loved Mickey Mouse ever since. When Michael graduated from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Corpsman during the Viet Nam conflict. His experience as a Corpsman in the United States Navy led him to pursue a career in nursing and when he was discharged from the Navy, he earned an Associate Degree in nursing from Pima Community College. Michael loved nursing. It was not just a job for him; the care and compassion he showed to his patients carried over to every aspect of his life. In July 1975, Michael married Kathleen Garber. They had two sons, Michael Patrick, who was born June 4, 1979 and Shawn Christopher who was born August 7, 1980. Michael loved and cherished his sons and was the best father he could be for them. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball and taking part in the activities his sons were involved with. Michael loved to talk. What would start out as a short conversation would sometimes turn into a fifteen to twenty minute conversation with Michael explaining how something occurred and what he did to remedy a situation. But once he said what he needed to say, he would be done. Harley Davidson Motorcycles and muscle cars were his passions. You would be able to find Michael in the front yard on any given Saturday either washing or working on his bikes or getting his beloved Dodge Charger ready for a car show. His 1978 black Corvette won numerous awards at car shows and Michael served as event coordinator with the Tucson Corvette Club. He coordinated many fund raising events for different charities in Tucson. Michael joined the American Legion, Post 36 and he could be found at the post most Fridays nights talking with the American Legion Riders about motorcycles, guns or life in general. He enjoyed volunteering and assisting with the blind vets when they arrived for the Friday night fish fry or going to the VA hospital and helping in the lunch room on Saturday. His smile, sense of humor and quirky t-shirts are just a few of the numerous things we will miss about him. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. Michael is survived by his sons, Michael Patrick and Shawn Christopher, his sisters Wendy and Kathleen, his brother, Pat and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 5 to 8 pm at Brings Funeral Home, 6910 E Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85710. Graveside services will be Monday, November 24, 2014 at I I :00 am at Eastlawn Cemetery, 5801 E Grant Rd, Tucson AZ 85712 The family requests donations in lieu of flowers honoring the Honor Flight and Disabled Veterans. Donations may be sent to Steve Sperl, President of American Legion Riders, American Legion Post 36, 5845 E. 22nd st, Tucson AZ 85711.