Dr. Donald D. Jones
November 5, 1933 ~ July 6, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Dr. Donald D. Jones, 82, former Asheville City Schools Superintendent and Lee H. Edwards High School (Asheville High) principal died at Brooks-Howell Home Wednesday, July 6th, 2016. Don loved his family - Gladys, his children and his grandchildren, his church, his school work, and Asheville.
Don was the son of the late Clarence and Bonnie Jones and was also preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Jones Merrill. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, to whom he had been married 63 years, and his daughter, Donna J. Miller and her husband, Lewis Miller of Hudson, NC; son, Jeff Jones and his wife, Dr. Carolyn West Jones of Wilmington, NC; and son, David Jones and his wife, Suzanne Burgin Jones of Columbia, SC. He especially cherished his six grandchildren: Matt Miller and his wife, Jess Nelson; Megan Miller Starnes and her husband, Jimmy Starnes; Weston Jones; Will Jones; Natalie Jones; and Hunter Jones. Don adored his great-granddaughter, Emmelin Starnes.
Don is also survived by two sisters: Jeannette Thomas and her husband, Quinton Thomas of Asheville; and Helen Rice of Asheville; and two brothers: Mack Jones and his wife, Shirley Jones of Asheville; and Jimmy Jones and his wife, Janet Jones of Concord.
He was a graduate of Oakley High School and Asheville Biltmore College where he served as student body president at both places. He received a bachelor's degree from Carson-Newman College, a master's degree from Western Carolina University and an EdD from Duke University.
Dr. Jones taught mathematics for one year at Vero Beach High School prior to accepting a physics and math teaching position at Lee H. Edwards High School where he soon became Dean of Boys and Assistant Principal before becoming Principal at the age of 26. He later was named Superintendent of Kings Mountain District Schools in Kings Mountain, NC where he served for 10 years. He returned to Asheville in 1976 as Superintendent of the Asheville City Schools and served in that position for 10 years as well. He retired as Director of the Western Regional Education Center in Waynesville and was an adjunct professor at Western Carolina University.
Later Don enjoyed working 10 years as a sales representative and also as a vice-president of J.D. Jackson Realty Associates. In his latter years, Don enjoyed painting, woodworking and spending time at their vacation home at Linville Land Harbor.
Don attended First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and on many committees. He served terms as president of the Asheville and Kings Mountain Kiwanis Clubs. He was honored to serve two consecutive terms as President of the NC Education Association Division of Superintendents.
Don leaves behind a legacy of school progress including curriculum and facility improvements and the passage of three major bond issues. Construction during his tenure in Asheville include the Asheville High football stadium, Vance Elementary School, Claxton Elementary gymnasium and the completion of the Hall Fletcher Middle building. His legacy to Kings Mountain include K.M. Middle School, the auditorium at K.M. High School, and five major additions to elementary schools.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Sunday, July 10th at First Baptist Church, Asheville with Dr. Buddy Corbin, one of Don's former students, officiating. Also assisting will be the Rev. David Blackmon, coordinating pastor of First Baptist Church, Asheville. The family will receive friends at the church immediately after the service.
Interment will be private at Green Hills.
In lieu of flowers, Don would be greatly honored by contributions to Eliada Home in Asheville, NC or to Crossnore School in Crossnore, NC.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
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My love and prayers go out to Gladys,and all of Don’s family. Don was one of Asheville’s finest citizen’s who everyone adored. He was loved by thousands of Lee H. Edwards students for his kindness and loving spirit. We will all look forward to seeing him in Heaven! God be with all us all. William N.(Bill)Waddell)class of 59
Dr. Donald Jones Family
Love and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing that so many others share very deeply in your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was a great man and made my years at Lee H. Edwards fun and Happy. He will be greatly missed. A very Special Person
Donald Jones was one of the most honorable people that I have met in my lifetime. RIP Mr. Jones
I was honored to have Dr. Jones as my principal at Lee Edwards. He was one of the finest men I knew. My condolences go to Gladys and the entire family. May his memory be for a blessing.
The Jones Family is in my thoughts and prayers. I’ve known David for many years and seen the love and influence of his Dad. May God continue to hold you in His arms of love and may the memory of Dr. Jones be Eternal.
He was my principal at Lee Edward and was always fair and kind. His wife, Gladys and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty Mewborne Head
I feel deep sadness at the loss of this outstanding man, roll model, and mentor to many. I truly received an excellent education at Lee Edwards High School under his direction. May the knowledge that he improved the lives of many comfort his beloved family.
Lovely Christian man. I graduated from Lee H. Edwards, 1961. Mr. Jones, as I called him was always friendly, and a fine example to me. When Alan and I committed our lives to Christ in 1970 and joined the staff of Campur Crusade for Christ, he rejoiced and allowed Alan to come back to Lee Edwards and give a testimony to students about his new found faith in JESUS. As I look back over my life, I am so thankful for how God blessed me through His people like Dr. Jones. Condolences to his family and know that we are grateful for his ministry in my life and Alan’s. May Triune GOD continue to bless you and his Legacy.
One of the very best men I have ever known. I worked for him at LEh and Asheville High.My career began with him at LEH, and finished with him at Asheville High. It was a joy working for a man you knew would support you if you were in the right, He could flat let you have if you were wrong, but never in public.All the great things he accomplished for the schools he loved so much have been listed and the results are beyond compare. He truly was a great one, and I was privileged to be a part of it.
Dr. Jones was principal during my time at Lee Edwards, but I was honored when he and his wife, Gladys, attended the breakfasts by graduates from the school. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to visit with them. My prayers to the family, and to a man who will be greatly missed by many.
GLADYS AND FAMILY,
We went to Merriman Ave Baptist with yall 50/60’s. I will never be able to thank Mr Jones enough for helping my Mother Jessie Cook with my brother Ron Cook after our Father died. Their decision for him to join the Navy, saved him and made a wonderful man of him. He was my principal at LHE high school.
My prayers and condolences for the Jones family. I’m so sorry to hear of this tremendous loss to your family, and to all that knew him.
My memories go way back with the Jones family….God bless you all.
Our most sincere condolence to Dr. Jones family and friends. Go with our prayers.
Don Jones was a great husband just, father, and grandfather. Prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow .
We all knew Don would be a leader when we played ball and rode bikes in the Village at the bleachers. First Class man from a wonderful family.
I can’t think of my happy days at LEH without also remembering our great principal Mr. Jones, as we called him in ’61. He was a big help to me which won’t be forgotten!
Don Jones was Amanda with a God given heart. He saved me from being kicked out of Lee Edwards in my Senior year.(1963)I owe my success in life to him. I know he will be with God !
I always had a lot of respect for Don Jones when he was my principal at Lee Edwards. I was honored at our Class of 1964’s forty-fifth reunion to have him sit at our table. He was very much loved and respected by our student body. My prayers go out to his family in their loss.
A great friend and neighbor when they lived at Heritage Hills! Condolences to Gladys and Family.
He and his wife have been such dear friends. He gave me my career when he hired me as principal. I have always been thankful for his trust in me. My sympathy is with Gladys and his family. We have lost a good man.
Dear Jones family…..so sorry for your loss.Mr Jones was so wonderful to all of at Lee Edwards…..like to tell you 2 stories.
When he was Dean of boys( 1960 ish) I went into his office carrying a note from my aunt for being absent……He read the note and looked at me asking me
How I spelled Stewart…..caught!!!!..seems like your aunt spells it Stuart.He knew
I had cut school.He laughed…..also…when he was principal…I confessed that a friend took my SAT..He picked up phone called A-B college and told Dean that I wanted to go to college so bad I had cheated..what a wonderful man..
I knew Mr. Jones as my best friend’s dad, and now as my sister-in-law’s dad. He was a great man. Often being the most knowledgeable and educated man in the room, you would not know it and would feel very comfortable in his presence. He was unpretentious, kind and hospitable. The integrity and upstanding character of his children and their families are a testament to the type of man he was.
Mrs. Jones and family, our prayers are with you. We pray the Holy Spirit will comfort you as you adjust to life without Don/Dad/Grandpa.
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory! …and see Don Jones again!
My Dad, the late Francis Huntley of Fairview (1921>2005), also a Principal and one who also held many educational positions, was a good friend to Dr. Jones. I can still hear Dad speaking so highly of Dr. Jones and all the contributions he made to the community in so many ways. Now they are together in eternity. My deepest sympathy to Dr. Jones’ family and the many people he touched.
Gladys — How my heart goes out to you! As you know, I’ve long said you and Don were two of my ‘favorites’! I so enjoyed getting to know you when we all lived in Hendersonville and I have loved staying in touch since then. He leaves behind an incredible legacy of education and the many ways he contributed to the betterment of the educational system. Even more so, he leaves a legacy of love and a tremendous faith. And YOU, dear one, his beloved — I always loved the way you too looked at each other and I will so miss his charming smile. I love you dearly. I will be keeping you close to my heart in prayer.
To the family of Dr. Jones:
I am sorry for your loss…for our loss, because, in a way, he was a part of all of us at LHE. He was a wise, kind, yet firm, leader who knew all the teenage tricks. He had a great sense of humor and treated everyone with fairness. He was a good soul.
I was very sad to hear of Dr. Jones’ passing. He was a wonderful person. I remember him and his family from Calvary Baptist Church during my early teenage years. They were a shining example of a family walking by faith. I will keep the family in my prayers as they go through this most difficult time.
Please accept my sympathy for your family at this time.
I taught in the Asheville City Schools under Don’s tenure as Superintendent. He worked very hard for the students, and he was willing to listen to teachers when there were concerns.
I wish peace for all of you today and in the days to come.
Jenny Sansone Evans
Mr. Jones was a major influence in my life and deserves to share in whatever successes I enjoyed.
To the Jones family, please except my heart felt condolence in the loss of Dr. Jones. He was a great influence in my life at Lee Edwards. He was concerned about all of the kids and for their education. He will be greatly missed by many. Will keep his family in my prayers.
It wasn’t till much later in life that I finally realized what he was trying to get me to understand. Always had a real interest in me and where I was heading.
May his family know and share in God’s Grace during this time, there was only one of him for sure . He made a difference for me and so many like me.
Gladys and Family,
We salute the passing of an icon. Over the years, our class has treasured your and Don’s presence at reunions and class dinners. We were the first class he ‘principaled’ through all three years of Lee Edwards, so we felt especially close. What a fine man!
Jean Clayton and Bill Barkley
Lee H. Edwards High School 1963
Prayers for the family of a first class gentleman!
A FINE GENTLEMAN, EXAMPLE, and a WONDERFUL MOTIVATOR!
I remember Dr. Jones very warmly. He was my Principal when I went to Lee Edwards. He was friendly and caring. He had a wonderful career and leaves an impressive legacy. He made a difference.
I remember Dr. Jones at Lee Edwards when I was a student there. He was always in the halls when we arrived and left in the afternoons with a smile on his face. He was still very young when I was there I graduated in 1963 and think he had only been a principal for a very little while. He had a wonderful life of service to others and I’m sure he is resting in the arms of our Lord. Prayers and love to his wife Gladys family.
To the Jones Family:
I just want you to know that I am praying for you as you journey through this difficult time in your life. May God give you peace that only he can give in time like likes these. Don was very special person.
Tommy Koontz
Gilbert and I enjoyed working with Don in the Asheville City School system. His positive influence on the school system continues today. He was a special educator and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Our Prayers and thoughts are with your family.
My deepest condolences to the Jones family. Dr. Jones was absolutely the best principal any school could have asked for; he was all about the students and we loved him. He was our friend. God Bless you Dr. Jones.
Dr. Jones was a wonderful vice principal and principal at Lee Edwards.
He later became Superintendent of Asheville City Schools and was loved by all who knew him.
Rest in peace my friend.
The Kings Mountain High School Class of 1978 sends it’s condolences to the family of Dr. Donald Jones. Thank you for your service to our school system.
The Kings Mountain High School Class of 1978 sends it’s condolences to the family of Dr. Donald Jones. Thank you for your service to our school system.
Dear Jones Family,
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Jones passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you say your earthly goodbye to your loved one. I know that you know,as I know, that he is now at peace with his heavenly father. I pray that you will know the peace that passeth all understanding. I have so many memories of all of you – church, South Mtn.and GWC camps, Allen Jolley choirs, even David in Mom&Dad;’s younger youth group. I know you have a lifetime of wonderful memories – I pray they are a comfort and bring a smile to your face.God Bless You and Keep You.
debbie
I graduated from Lee H. Edwards in 1960 only by the Grace of Don Jones while he was Dean of Boys. I always respected him but at the same time was like a prisoner of war who looked for every weak spot in the system from which I could make my escape. I.E., cutting classes , smoking in the restroom , running the movie projector in reverse to get a laugh. I spent much time sitting in his office at the downstairs rotunda. He was always strict but forgiving and gave me a way out . He will always be remembered for his interest in what you did with your future , he effected mine positively!
My sincerest condolences to all of the Jones family. We were neighbors growing up in Sayles Village. All of the ‘older’ siblings were always so nice to my sister Margaret, my brother Donny and me. We were much closer in age to Helen and Jimmie and spent lots of hours playing kick the can, hide and go seek and many other games with all of our village family. I can see he touched so many lives. l