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George William Jones
Date Of Birth:April 14, 1930
Date Of Death:February 28, 2010
Service Date:March 3, 2010

George William Jones of Bloomington passed away Sunday February 28, 2010 at his residence. He was 79 years old. George was born on April 14, 1930 in Macon, Missouri to Lyndell and Florence Myers Jones. He graduated from Macon High School in Macon, Missouri in 1947 and received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1951. George went on to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas to be awarded his Masters in Religious Education in 1953, his Masters of Arts from Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, Tennessee in 1960 and received his Doctor of Education from Columbia University in New York, New York in 1965. While completing his graduate work George worked from 1953 to 1956 in Springfield, Missouri as the City-wide Baptist Student Director for Southwest Missouri State, Drury, Springfield Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Draughon’s Business College, and Springfield Senior High School. From 1956 until 1964 George worked in Nashville, Tennessee as the Director of Baptist Student Union at Peabody and Vanderbilt, Belmont and other schools. And lastly he worked from 1964 until 1995 in Muncie, Indiana at Ball State University as the Director of Religious programs and Student Voluntary Services on Dean of Students Staff. Upon retirement, George served as an active member of the Bloomington Baptist Church; volunteered at the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana and the Student Advocates Office at Indiana University; served on the Peppergrass Board and the Indiana Network for higher Education Ministries Board, and also was a member of the Bloomington Kiwanis Club. George leaves behind his wife of 56 years Garnell Hamilton Jones of Bloomington; daughter Lynette Russell and husband Mark of Hockessin, Delaware; son Daniel Jones and wife Linda of Lawson, Missouri; son Andrew Jones and wife Jane of Bloomington, Indiana; daughter Sarah (Wendy) Smith and husband Chris of Knoxville, Tennessee; grand children Gretchen Chamberlin and husband Sam of Anchorage, Alaska;  Elizabeth Russell of Boulder, Colorado; Grant Russell of Lexington, Virginia; Haley and Kelsey Jones of Liberty, Missouri; Allie and Will Jones of Bloomington, Indiana; Christopher and Blake Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee. George also leaves behind a sister Mary Zelade and husband Irv of Lake Jackson, Texas and a brother John Jones and wife Karen of Jamestown, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services for George will be held Wednesday March 3, 2010 at 7:00PM in the evening at Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37, Bloomington. Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 3, 2010 from 4:00PM until the time of the service at 7:00PM. George will be laid to rest on Friday March 5, 2010 at 11:00AM in the Grand Prairie Cemetery, Moberly, Missouri. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the GWJ Endowment Fund (7504) at Ball State University Foundation, P.O. Box 672, Muncie, Indiana 47308 or Bloomington Hospital Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 1149, Bloomington, Indiana 47402.


  • From: Dr. & Mrs. Ron Ross
    Location:Muncie, Indiana

    Garnell & Family, I want to express on behalf of Elaine, myself, and our family condolences on George's home-going. He impacted many lives in his 79 years of life, and his advice and encouragement helped me as your pastor for those years. Even after you folks moved to Bloomington, I would see him at varied fuctions, and he maintained that care and concern for others. He will be missed. May God's grace which surpasses our ability to comprehend provide what you need at this time in your lives. -Brother Ron & ELaine -


  • From: Eldon L. Morehouse
    Location:Muncie, Ind.

    I worked with George at the Gateway Center in Muncie, In and with several community wide projects. I deeply respect George and his Christian convictions. He was a faithful support in God's Kingdom in Muncie. I thank the Lord for the privilege of knowing him. We pray for his family. Eldon L. Morehouse Muncie, In


  • From: Della  Stanley-Green
    Location:INHEM/ Indianapolis

    To the family of Dr. George Jones In the past nine years, it has been a great joy to work with George. He was a strong supporter and mentor to me. His deep faith in Christ was always an inspiration. I appreciated both his great thinking and great thoughtfulness. I am very sure that Indiana Network for Higher Education Ministries (INHEM) would not have come into existence and continue today without his vision and leadership. I know that I have been very blessed to have known George as a mentor, colleague, and brother in Christ. May you of you be comforted with good memories, the deep love of God, and the assurance of George's eternal home.


  • From: Audie Murphy
    Location:Muncie, IN

    George was a great friend and mentor in many ways. I appreciate having the opportunity to know him while he was Director of Religious Studies at Ball State. We always enjoyed discussing issues related to our faith, sports, work, etc...I know he made a real positive impact during his time at Ball State and I'm sure he has continued to do so since moving to the Bloomington area. It is always difficult to lose someone special from our world but it is comforting when you know that person is in a much better place and will no longer have to suffer. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and give you the strength you need in this most challenging time.


  • From: Jeff, Rachel, Jordyn, and Levi  Fender
    Location:Brownstown, IN

    We had the great privilege of attending Bloomington Baptist Church with George and Garnell for nearly 9 years. His mentorship along with Garnell's were a vital part of both my husband and myself completing our graduate studies. George's strong faith, kindness, and gentle humor were always a great testimony to the God we serve. Our prayers are with Garnell and his family.


  • From: Sally  Jones
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    Dear Garnell and Family Members: Please accept my heartfelt condolences on George's passing. We will miss George deeply at the IU Student Advocates Office where he has served students and Indiana University with loyalty and compassion for over ten years. George's optimism and good spirit touched each of us and the students with whom he worked and will remain a part of our mission in the office. With best wishes for peace and healing, Sally Jones


  • From: Patrick Daunt
    Location:Eaton, IN & Ft. Myers FL

    I first met George as a new BSU faculty member in his departmentin in 1972. He became not only a good colleague and friend but an effective adviser who served as a great listener. His openness and quiet manner will always be appreciated. George will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences.


  • From: Rev. Dr. Max Case
    Location:Indianapolis, IN USA

    Dear George Jones family, We knew him affectionately as 'the godfather of campus ministries throughout the state of Indiana'....as he, Fr. Jim Bates and Rev. Rudy Rehmer, were the architects of the Indiana Office for Campus Ministries in l975, later INHEM....we were embraced by his ecumenical vision for campus ministries on college campuses, yet deeply sustained by our denominational origins...his leadership at Ball State and INHEM was compassionate and inclusive of all faith traditions...he saw the light and shadow sides of religious leaders, but worked effectively to promote the healthy and winsome witness of Christian groups. He seemed like a southern gentleman with his gentle and persusasive charm, but steadfast and determined to make his public witness. I will miss this remarkable spiritual compansion and colleague/mentoring presence. Rev. Dr. Max Case former director of IOCM/now INHEM


  • From: Debra Whaley
    Location:Maryville, TN

    Wendy-I am so sorry for the loss of your Father. I didn't know him, but after reading his obituary, I can see he was a fine man! I know you will miss him dearly. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and if there is anything that we can do for you, we are always here. God bless you, Chris, your kids and your entire family. Love ya, Debra


  • From: jim and barbara newsom
    Location:muncie

    dearest garnel and family. we had hoped to come and be with you during this time of sadness. please know that our thoughts and prayers go to comfort you. may god bless you and cause you to rise up and walk in his love now and each day forward. allow us the privilege to call and arrange to come and see you sometime soon. we love you. jim and barbara newsom.


  • From: Jim and Fran Shields
    Location:Bloomington

    Drew, Jane, Allie, Will, and family. I enjoyed knowing and serving with George on the Peppergrass board of Directors. I appreciated his wisdom and knowledge that he shared with us on the grounds and landscaping co. As amenities person I really appreciated his willingness to open the pool every morning during the season. I'm also sure from seeing him at church and talking casually with him that all of you have many, many memories that you will remember. God is love and he will be saying good morning to you, this is God, I'll be handling all your cares and problems today.


  • From: Mir Masoom & Leena  Ali
    Location:Muncie, IN

    I knew George since 1969 when I came to Ball State from Toronto, Canada. I especially knew him closely when I worked with the Ball State Muslim Students' Assocation as its faculty adviser. He was one of the most decent and likeable human being I have known. I have lot of memories of my association with him. Our sincerest condolences go to his family. We will highly miss him.