William "Bill" Alden Jones Jr.

Bill was born January 19th, 1947, to William and Francis Jones in Portsmouth, Va. He graduated from Cradock High School, went on to study English at Old Dominion University, and then completed a Masters of Parks and Recreation at Michigan State University.

Bill married the love of his life, Katherine Ann Jones, June 9th, 1968, and they embarked on a lifetime of adventures. Together they raised a loving family including three daughters and 7 grandchildren. Bill loved Kit dearly and became her caretaker in later years when she had Alzheimer’s. He celebrated their love yearly, gifting one rose (for a total of 55) to signify she was still his one true love. Their ashes will be scattered together.

Serving as a National Park Service Naturalist was one of Bill’s passions. He worked as a ranger at Shenandoah National Park where once a bear stole his ranger hat off a bench, leaving a large bite missing. He then used that hat in many campfire programs. Bill also worked at Humpback Rocks, as a Classroom Coordinator on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and at Great Falls National Park.

Bill followed his heart and made a lasting impact on those he knew. He taught highschool English, Biology and Environmental Science for many years in VA and NC. He stood for environmental, racical, and local justice as Mayor for two terms in Woodland, NC. He was invited to attend and speak with world leaders at the International Albert Schweitzer symposium, Reverence for Life, Ethical Solutions for Environmental Problems held in conjunction with the United Nations Environmental Program.

As a commercial beekeeper, farmer, cider mill owner, greenhouse owner, and manager of a dairy farm he worked hard and always had exciting stories to tell. From the pig that wouldn’t stay in, to the skunk that sprayed him in a bee yard, his stories would always hold you captive.

Bill was an active part of the Friends (Quaker) community for over 50 years and always appreciated worship and friendship with those he met at the Maury River Friends Meeting, Rich Square, Shenandoah, and Virginia Beach Friends meetings and more. He also held close the Mennonite community he met in Virginia and friends of all walks of life. He had no greater joy than a phone call, letter, or conversation with a friend, family member, or stranger (they wouldn’t be a stranger for long).

Bill Jones excelled at biscuit making from a young age, and was famous for his “Bill Jones Specials,” that might include any item he found in the refrigerator. He loved making apple pies, to be eaten with a slice of sharp cheddar of course, as well as delicious oatmeal cookies and pound cake. He was known as “the cookie man” at the Mayflower where he made weekly visits to see his mother-in-law. Bill’s garden was always overflowing with produce to share with neighbors. He enjoyed bluegrass and folk music, identifying native plants and birds, reading nonfiction, and eating coffee ice cream. He loved his companion Annie, a joyful chocolate lab that could get away with anything.

Bill will be missed by his three daughters and their husbands; Amy Vann (Cliff Vann), Hannah Bailey (Britt Bailey), Caren McFall (Nathan McFall), his grandchildren; Rebecca Vann, Maggie Vann, Cale Vann, Laurel Ripani, Tristan Ripani, Annabelle McFall, and Juniper McFall; as well as his brother Tim Jones, mother-in-law, Emily Warrell, his nieces and families, and his community.

“You don’t get to choose how you are going to die, or when. You can only decide how you are going to live. Now.” (Joan Baez) was one of Bill’s favorite quotes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Maury River Friends Meeting House, 34 Waterloo Dr. Lexington, Virginia, on March 29th at 11:00 am followed by a potluck lunch. All are welcome to attend. If you are traveling please stay, eat, and share stories, but no need to bring food to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah or the National Parks Conservation Association.