Michael John Jones

Chief Michael John Jones, U.S. Navy, Retired, age 71, of Long Beach, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2013, in Long Beach, MS.
Chief Jones was born in Sidney, MT. He served in the United States Navy for 22 years before his retirement. His service included four tours in Vietnam, multiple aircraft carrier deployments, recruitment duties in MN, and several years with the Seabees in Gulfport, MS. After active duty retirement, he worked for the MS Department of Employment Security where he assisted disabled veterans as they re-entered the workforce. He twice served as post commander at the VFW Post 3937 where he was still an active member. He was also an active member of the American Legion and volunteered with the American Cancer Society.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Ruth Jones and his sister, Mary Ann Harris.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol J. Jones, of Long Beach, MS; children: Robert E. Jones, Thomas A. Jones (Jennifer) of Jackson, MS and Rebecca Jones Whittington (James ""Rusty"") of Long Beach, MS; brothers: Thomas A. Jones (Mary Ann) of College Place, WA, and Philip Jones (Connie) of Marion, MT; grandchildren: Emily Ryals, Caitlin Martinek, David Ryals, Jacob Whittington, and great granddaughter, Chaylynn Gerald.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, MS from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the VFW Post 3937 213 Klondyke Rd. Long Beach, MS immediately following the burial in honor and celebration of Chief Jones' memory.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.
Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.