Jack Eugene Jones

Died at the age of 80 on May 19, 2026 in Holt, MI.

Jack and his twin sister, Jill, were born on August 26, 1945, to Evert and Nellie Jones. They also had an older sister, Beverly. The family lived in Bay City then moved to Grayling, Michigan.

Jack grew to love small-town life in Grayling, where he spent his days along the Au Sable River, competed in archery competitions, and proudly served as both manager and player on the Grayling basketball team. After graduation, he planned to drive to California with a friend, but made it as far as Pontiac, Michigan, where he started working in a warehouse. That job would end up being the start of his long career in manufacturing facilities, often working as a forklift operator.

He volunteered to join the U.S. Army but was turned away before later being drafted during the Vietnam War. Before leaving for basic training, he married Catherine Forbes, also of Grayling. Jack attended basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He contracted a severe case of pneumonia and was hospitalized, which changed the course of his military service. He went on to serve the remainder of his Army time as a Specialist and legal clerk and was honorably discharged without being sent to Vietnam.

He and Cathy moved to Lansing, Michigan, where Jack earned an associate degree in business, graduating magna cum laude. The couple eventually moved to East Lansing, Michigan, where Jack made his home for more than 45 years. He and Cathy raised two children, Heather and Chris.

Jack loved watching Michigan State University sports and shared that enthusiasm and love for the school with his children. He was an amazing natural artist and would often surprise family with a quick sketch of someone he had doodled. He also loved returning to Grayling to be outdoors, canoe down the Au Sable River, watch the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, and teach his children or grandchildren to fish on Lake Margrethe.

Jack loved spaghetti westerns, doo-wop, and ’80s music videos. He could often be found cleaning the house with old VHS tapes of MTV music videos playing at full blast, or cheering on the Spartan basketball team from home with his unmistakable “wooo” and whistle.

Jack and Cathy later divorced but remained friends as they raised their children. Jack was a loyal supporter of his children and their lives. He was always willing to act silly to make the kids laugh and have fun. He continued this with his grandchildren, who loved climbing all over him as he tickled them, made “dad jokes”, and entertained them. He attended countless sporting events, performances, and ceremonies in support of his family. He had a quiet but constant way of taking care of the people he loved, whether that meant caring for his kids’ cars, warning family about upcoming bad weather or road conditions, or offering words of support when they were needed.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Beverly; and his ex-wife, Cathy McLeod. He is survived by his children Heather Slawinski (Tim) of Holt and Chris Jones (Bree) of Seattle; his sister, Jill Jones of Flushing; three granddaughters; and nieces and nephews.

There will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Jack may consider making a donation to the Crawford County Lakes and Rivers Fund through the Northeast Michigan Community Foundation, in honor of his love for Grayling and the AuSable River. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.