Reverend Mr. Michael R. Jones

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our father, Reverend Mr. Michael R. Jones, age 96, a devoted deacon of the Catholic Church. 

Born July 1, 1929, in Oklahoma City to George R. and Francis Eischen Jones, Mike's journey began in the heartland of America. After graduating from John Carroll High School in Oklahoma City in 1947, he pursued his education while playing basketball at Amarillo Junior College (1949) and Oklahoma State University, ultimately earning a degree in Entomology in 1951.

It was at Amarillo Junior College where Mike's life changed forever when Ruth Starker handed him an invitation to the Newman Club's first meeting. Their love story blossomed, leading to marriage on November 8, 1952, 7 children and a beautiful partnership that would last a lifetime.

Mike served in the Naval Reserve from 1948 to 1956. His professional career began with the Santa Fe Railroad before embarking on a 32-year tenure with Chevron in 1951. In 1969, Mike and Ruth moved to Atlanta and became members of Holy Cross Catholic Church. In 1985, Mike and Ruth founded M&R Specialty Sales, a business venture he took great pride in, especially working alongside his sons Danny and Robert.

In 1987, Mike answered a higher calling, becoming a Deacon in the Catholic Church and joining Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He was set to retire in 2026, having dedicated nearly four decades to his ministry while serving on the Buford Ministerial Association until June 2025. His passion for serving others was matched only by his love for his family, tennis, golf, traveling, and photography.

Deacon Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth Starker Jones and his children Michael Kevin (Chong) Jones, Kay Marie Jones, and David (Caroline) Roy Jones. He leaves behind a loving family: sons Danny (Kerrie) Jones and Robert (Katie) Jones; daughters Dianne (Todd) Jones Miller and Nancy Jones Atkinson; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

As Deacon Mike often said, "While we don't understand the power of God, the Holy Spirit is always there to help." His faith, service, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him as a kind, humble and spiritual man.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 11045 Parson Road, Johns Creek, GA, 30097. Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens, Buford, GA.   Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, GA. at 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:30 p.m.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.