Obituary of John "Jack" Jones

John "Jack" Jones Oxford, NY John "Jack" Jones of Oxford and formerly of Sidney passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at his home after a long battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judith (Walker) Jones, his children: Kim (Tom) Hahne, Apalachin, Gary (KellyAnn) Jones, Bainbridge and Derek (Denise) Jones, Sidney; five grandchildren: Tom, Ryan, Sean, Trever and Baylee; Brother-in-law, Robert (Robin) Walker, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2 nephews and a niece. Jack was born November 21, 1941 in Taylor, PA son of the late David and Ruth (Stone) Jones. He was a graduate of Taylor High School in Taylor, PA, East Stroudsburg University and SUNY Cortland. Jack had a long career in education spanning 37 years. He was a physical education teacher in the Liberty and Sidney School Districts before moving into administration as Director of Physical Education and Athletics where he served in this role in the Sidney, Vestal and Norwich School Districts. In addition to teaching, Jack had a lengthy coaching career as a football, basketball, tennis and track and field coach before turning his full attention to basketball. Jack's basketball coaching accomplishments included: 8 straight Susquenango League Championships, 4 Section IV Championships, 3 NYSPHSAA Class B Regional Championships, 1 NYSPHSAA Class B State Championship and 4 Coach of the Year Awards. He was also the Section IV Boys Athletic Representative for the New York Public High School Athletic Association and served on the Section IV Executive Committee. Jack was a 22 year member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Executive Committee, Classification of Non-Public Schools Committee and the Championship Advisory Committee. As a result of his success, Jack was inducted into the Sidney, Section IV and NYS Basketball Halls of Fame, selected NYS Athletic Director of the Year and inducted in to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Another honor which really meant a lot to him was the naming of the Norwich High School Gymnasium in his name. His family would like to thank his devoted caregivers - Shelly, Stacy, Diane, Bill, Tracy and Chenango County Hospice for all their care and compassion during his illness. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Norwich High School 89 Midland Drive Norwich, NY 13815 in the "Jack Jones" Gymnasium. A celebration of Jack's life will begin at 2:30 PM in the Jack Jones Gymnasium, and a reception will follow in the High School Cafeteria. Memorial contributions may be made in Jack's name to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Haynes St. Norwich, NY 13815 or the MDA ALS Division 601 Gates Road Vestal, NY 13850. Condolences may be sent to the family online to www.landersfh.com Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney, NY 13838