John M. Jones

John M. Jones, 68, of Worcester passed away peacefully from Pancreatic Cancer, Friday, October 2, 2020 in St. Vincent Hospital, with his wife by his side.

One of the many Vince Lombardi quotes was "The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have". John was a very proud and humble man, who never complained and was a friend to many. He was born in Worcester, son of James M. and Ann T. (Ladden) Jones and grew up quoting great football coaches with his father. This was the beginning of a life-long passion for all things football. At a young age, he would draw Xs and Os on his sister's homework and often say that football built character and promoted camaraderie.

John graduated from Doherty High School where he played on the football team. He went on to graduate from Worcester State College and was the Captain for two years of the varsity football team. He was especially proud of the fact that he put himself through college and credited his focus on football as the driving fact that helped him along the way. John would go on to coach his alma mater, Worcester State College, taking them to the National Club Championships. Throughout the years John played and coached many Softball teams and Worcester Parks League Football. He coached the Michelob Lights Women's team, where he would meet his wife of 26 years. When not coaching he would be watching football of any kind, but the Michigan Wolverines and the New England Patriots were his favorites. He also enjoyed golf with his buddies, and golf trips to Florida. His friend Jim Barron said "Johnny stay the course" & Always a man in blue.

John had a 35-year long career with the City of Worcester Public Inspectional Service Division. He worked his way up to eventually retiring in 2015 as Chief Sanitarian of Housing and Health Inspections.

He leaves his wife of 26 years, Doris M. (Robichaud) Jones; three sisters, Joanne M. Jones, Justine M. Warren and her husband, Jonathan and Judith M. Fish and her husband, Timothy all of Worcester; his mother and father-in-law, Gerda and Ronald Jones of Holden; two brothers-in-law, Peter Robichaud and his wife, Mary of North Carolina and Michal Robichaud of Florida. He was a loving and giving Uncle to many nieces and nephews. John also leaves his life-long high school friends, Bruce Pinto, Michael Early, Geoff Shooshan, Dean Lemovitz, Kevin Shea, Kevin O'Sullivan, Kirk Scotia, Jim Girouard, John Baldwin, Mike Morello and Steve McMahon. They were all very dear to him.

Visiting Hours are Thursday, October 8 from 4 to 7pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. In an effort to keep everyone safe, social distancing protocols and wearing of face mask will be required. A Public Graveside Service will be held Friday, October 9 at 11am in Hope Cemetery, section 110. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Worcester State University Athletic Dept. c/o The Football Program, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, 01602.