Jack L. Jones

Jack Jones, of Kearney passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 27, 2024. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Pofahl officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the funeral home provided by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team, Kearney American Legion Post #52 and VFW Post #759. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. on Saturday to service time at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Kearney Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Kearney Public Schools Foundation or Kearney Catholic Foundation in lieu of flowers. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney is in charge of arrangements. Jack was born February 12, 1938 at the family farm near Pierre, South Dakota to Arthur “Casey” and Wilma (Hunsley) Jones. Jack married the love of his life, Shirley Mae Jones in Miller, South Dakota on July 14, 1957. Shirley was Jack’s sweetheart, mom to their four daughters, his best friend and was the rock of his life for 63 years. Shirley passed away on July 5, 2020. Jack graduated from Miller South Dakota High School in 1957 and went on to college at Dakota Wesleyan University where he obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in 1961. Jack served in the Army National Guard from 1955-1961 while attending high school and college. He was a teacher and coach in Niobrara, NE from 1961-1967. Up until the time of his death he would correspond with students he taught and coached. He was an advocate for the Sage brothers, Gary, Gregory and Kelly, that he coached in Niobrara to have their names placed on the Vietnam Veteran Wall. He was a Vice Principal, teacher and coach at Audubon, IA from 1968-1972 and Superintendent of Schools at Malvern, IA from 1972-1979. Jack was a lifelong learner, obtaining a Master of Arts Education degree from the University of South Dakota, Specialist Degree from Drake University and completed graduate study hours towards a Doctorate Degree at Iowa State University. Jack spent the next 40 years as an Insurance Agent in Kearney. He was a member of Kearney Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Eagles, Elks, Dobytown Kiwanis, Boys Scouts and VFW. Jack was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Kearney. Jack was a faithful Husker fan all of his life and was always seen in Nebraska attire. He was an armchair coach and referee for all sports and never missed watching a game until Peacock. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley, sisters Pauline Nash, Alice Jones, Marlene Jones, Phyllis Keasling and Helen Serr, brother Larry Jones and great grandson Gatt. Jack is survived by daughters, Sandy (Alan) Byers of Council Bluffs IA, Peggy Leu of Nebraska City, NE, Sharon (Tom) Jones of Omaha, NE, Cathy (Keith) Bryant of Centennial, CO; grandchildren; Jason (Mindy), Bryan, Christopher (Tina), Sarah (Dustin), Jennifer (Alex), Staci (Justin), Brittany (Matt), Carissa (James), Aaron and Kelsey; great grandchildren, Emily, Mallory, Cami, Henry, Brecken, Teegan, Ashtin, Kade, Isla, Reese, Riley, Raygan, Tyler, Wyatt and Waylon; sisters Ruby Gooden of Mesa, AZ and Beverly Jennings of Pierre, SD; brother-in-law Gary Davis of Miller, SD and sister-in- law Donna Welch of Pierre, SD; other family and many friends.

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Jack L. Jones

February 12, 1938 - February 27, 2024