Donald Wayne Jones

Dr. Donald Wayne Jones passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and devotion to the communities he served throughout his life and ministry.

Born on May 2, 1934, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Don spent his early years in Muskegon, Michigan. During his high school years at Spring Arbor High School, he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He was a member of the 1952 basketball team that advanced to the state semifinals, competed on a state-placing medley relay team, and was elected Vice President of the Student Body. While still a high school senior, he also attended classes at Spring Arbor Junior College.

Don continued his education at Spring Arbor Junior College, where he ran track, played basketball, and was elected President of the Student Body. He later attended Greenville College, earning an Associate of Arts degree while continuing his involvement in athletics and serving as Treasurer of his senior class.

He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Counseling from Michigan State University and worked as a counselor at Lee M. Thurston High School in Redford Township, Michigan. Answering a call to ministry, Don attended Asbury Theological Seminary, graduating in 1961. In 1978, he furthered his theological education by earning a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University.

Following his ordination in the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Don devoted nearly four decades to pastoral ministry. He faithfully served congregations across Florida, including Beach United Methodist Church in Jacksonville Beach; Forestview United Methodist Church in Jacksonville; Azalea Park United Methodist Church in Orlando, where a new sanctuary was constructed during his tenure; Ortega United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, where a new office complex and chapel were designed and built; First United Methodist Church of Winter Park; Community United Methodist Church in Holiday; First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville; Kendall United Methodist Church in Miami; and First United Methodist Church of Ocala.

Throughout his ministry, Don was known for his visionary leadership, his commitment to church growth, and his ability to inspire faith and service in others. His influence extended beyond the church walls through community involvement, including membership in Rotary International, service with the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and participation on a district foreign exchange student board in Miami.

After retiring in 1999 in Ocala, Florida, Don remained active in his community and enjoyed one of his favorite pastimes, playing golf each Thursday with friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Judith Jones; daughters Karen Ebersberger (Brad) and Leslie Scrushy (Richard); granddaughters Bay Ebersberger; Chloe, and Gracie Scrushy; grandson Jaden; stepdaughter Tiffany Harris (Nate); and step-grandchildren Natalie and Ryan Harris. He leaves behind a family who brought him great joy and who will continue to honor his legacy of faith, service, and love.

A service celebrating Don's life will be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church 3180 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Moore Chapel, and a reception to follow in the Hospitality Suite. The Moore Chapel is located inside the main sanctuary building of the PRUMC campus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Residing Hope, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL 32725. www.residinghope.org