Michael "Mike" Jan Jones

Michael Jan Jones, aged 77, beloved husband, proud father, and Corgi dad extraordinaire transitioned suddenly to the next life on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. He was born in Malvern, Arkansas, on June 4, 1946, to W.A. and Marjorie Jones.  He attended Benton Public Schools and while playing defensive tackle for legendary championship teams at Benton High School, “Texaco” forged friendships that lasted throughout his life as an integral member of the Benton class of ’64. After attending Henderson State College (now HSU) and serving in the US Navy, he was employed as a control chemist at Reynold Metals and worked in property development with his father at W.A. Jones, Inc.

In 1978 he married the love of his life, Nancy, and they began a varied life of work and travel, including liquor store ownership and the establishment of Applewood Farm, a hunter/jumper boarding facility. Their life was filled with love abounding and adventurous trips to Africa, South America, and many countries in Europe including a recent trip to Portugal.

Mike was the epitome of the energizer bunny who filled the room with vitality, fun and laughter just by being present. Not only was he a hardworking businessman, veteran, athlete, passionate animal lover; he was a notorious prankster and known for his childhood and adult antics, the class clown, a best friend, confidant, tough as nails, stubborn as a mule, blunt, kind, caring and he never met a stranger. He was a dedicated, talented and generous woodworker who created many commissioned pieces of furniture and also shared his created treasures with friends and family and often donated pieces to charity auctions.

He is pre-deceased by his parents and older brother, Garry Don Jones.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of forty-five years, Nancy, and his daughter, Aliza Janelle Jones, whom he adored, and innumerable friends. Also surviving him are his sister, Beverly Steed (Terry), and three nieces and their families: Stacy Hazel (Paul), Shelly Arnold (Jason) and Stephanie Steed, and a special brother-in-law, Gary Butler and beloved nephew, Clayton Butler.

His passing leaves an enormous empty space in the hearts of so many that were lucky enough to know and love him, but his tremendous heart and infectious spirit will live forever within us all. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Danny and Ron’s Rescue, P.O. Box 604, Camden, South Carolina 29021; or Benton High School class of ’64 Scholarship, c/o Mary Kay Mooney, 701 Miller Cove, Benton, Arkansas 72019. 

Arrangements entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.