John Atwood Jones, 84, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2023, after a lengthy illness.  John was born on September 30, 1938, in Onslow County.  He graduated from Richlands High School, Richlands, NC, in 1956.  After graduation, he attended East Carolina University and completed a year.  He then dropped out to work for a few years.  During that time, he and Jeanette were married on December 21, 1961.  His goal had always been to finish college so he went back to ECU and earned his BA degree.  He went on to earn a Master's degree and an Educational Specialist degree.  He taught middle school students in Jones County and high school students in Onslow County.  He also was an assistant principal at Jacksonville High School and a principal at Parkwood Elementary School and Blue Creek Elementary School.  He was always trying new things to help the students.  He never wanted any accolades for himself. It was always what was best for the children and their success.

He enjoyed playing golf as long as he was able.  He also enjoyed reading and researching information on his computer.   He was a faithful member of Brookwood Baptist Church.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nolan and Agnes Jones; his brothers, Elwood, Jimmy and Carl Jones; his sister, Marsha Maready; and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jones.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ava Jeanette Jones; his sons,
John Michael Jones of Richlands, NC; Todd Edward Jones of Sharpsburg, GA; his daughter-in-law, Jo-Ann Jones, of Sharpsburg, GA; grandchildren, Stephen Jones and John Jones of Richlands, NC; Thomas Jones, Jonathan Jones, Kimberly Jones and Todd Jones of Sharpsburg, GA; three nieces and one nephew.

A visitation will be held at Jones Funeral Home, 303 Chaney Avenue, Jacksonville, NC, on Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  A funeral service will be held at Jones Funeral Home on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 10:00 am, with Pastor Ryan Hearn officiating.  Burial will be at Onslow Memorial Park, 3280 Richlands Hwy, Jacksonville, NC, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.