Obituary of Mitchel "Mike" Jones

Mitchel J. "Mike" Jones June 23, 1955 – April 23, 2025 Mike, a devoted music lover, talented musician, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 69. Mike was a graduate of Sidney High School's Class of 1973 and went on to earn his degree from Hartwick College in 1977, where he was a member of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Though he studied to become a music teacher, Mike pursued a career in computer programming, working for Amphenol, Wilber National Bank, Bassett Healthcare, and SUNY Delhi. Yet music remained a central part of his life. He was the longtime organist and choir director at the Red Door Presbyterian Church, a member of the Mid York and Norwich City Bands as well as the Oneonta RC Flyers. Mike also enjoyed woodworking, building model trains, and flying model airplanes. He found joy in sharing these passions with others, always willing to lend a hand or offer a story. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karen; his son, John, (Amanda); his grandchildren, Serenity and Lucas; brothers, Mark (Verna) and David (Karen); sister-in-law, Lyn S. Winston; brother-in-law, Larry Stage (Danette) uncle, Russ Olsen (Jayne); and many cousins, nieces, nephews. He will be dearly missed by close friends Steve Lewis, Terry Semonian, Jack Doyle, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, music, and humor. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Frederick S. "Ted" and Doris Jones, as well as his dear friend and bandmate, John Sterchak. A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 30th at the Red Door Presbyterian Church, in Oneonta. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Mid York Concert Band Scholarship Fund, 112 Carter Lane, Norwich, NY 13815, in Mike's memory -Music was his life not his livelihood.