Raymond “Jonesy” H. Jones of West Middlesex, formerly of Brookfield, passed away unexpectedly at 11:17 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at UPMC Jameson with family by his side after a period of declining health. He was 72 years old.
Raymond was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on August 13, 1952 and was the son of Herbert H. and Clara B. (Horn) Jones.
Ray was a member of Brookfield High School class of 1970 and he actively maintained friendships and socialized with many of his classmates. One of Ray’s greatest passions in life was the game of baseball. Following high school, Ray graduated from the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School for professional umpires in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Over the years, Ray graced many baseball and softball diamonds with his umpiring prowess and had one of the best “You’re OUUUUTTTT!!!!” calls anyone ever heard. Ray loved to talk about the game, knew all the stats and as a spectator he would often be found in the stands with his umpire clicker in hand. He attended opening day festivities for the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium for decades.
Ray worked for Sharon Steel Corporation for 23 years until its closure. He retired in 2009 from the Kmart Distribution Center in Warren, Ohio. After retirement, he enjoyed going to the Shenango Valley Senior Center where he was always able to strike up a conversation with friends and strangers alike. He also enjoyed participating in aquatic classes at the Buhl Club.
Above everything else, Ray loved the time he spent with family. He was a proud and involved father to Cori and Claire and took time to instill family values that will make a lifelong impact in his children. They spent family vacations together including many memorable trips to The Little League World Series when the girls were younger and various sight-seeing trips in more recent years.
He was a loving “Poppy” to Calvin and Landyn. He made a flawless effort to connect with his grandchildren each day, whether in person or by phone, to ensure they knew how much their Poppy loved them. They will cherish the memories of his loving presence, along with his fist-bumps.
Raymond is survived by his daughters, Corinthian Maree Dieter and her husband, Drew, of Hermitage and Clairessa Rae Cone and her husband, John, of West Middlesex, along with two grandsons, Calvin Cone and Landyn Dieter; his former beloved wife and friend, Joanie Jones of West Middlesex and several nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death, along with two brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Jones of Brookfield, Ohio and William “Bill” Jones of Transfer, Pennsylvania.
A special thank you to Shenango on the Green in New Wilmington for the loving care they provided to Ray.
In keeping with Ray’s love of baseball, he has finally finished his “run” and is now “safe” in the loving arms of Jesus.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 3, 2024 at The Smith Funeral Home, 3126 Main Street, West Middlesex, Pennsylvania from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. The Rev. Donald Campbell will officiate.
Interment will follow at Brookfield Cemetery, Brookfield, Ohio.