Michael James Jones

Marion- Michael James Jones, age 71, of Marion, passed away at 3:56pm on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Michael was born in King City, California on November 7, 1946, the son of James David and Mabel Margaret (Robinson) Jones. Michael married the love of his life, Sandra K. Drake, on September 7, 1973 in DeSoto. Together they were married 44 years, until her passing on January 25, 2018. Their lives were enjoyed in Miami, Florida and Albuquerque, New Mexico until retiring to Southern Illinois to be closer to family. Mr. Jones was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marion. He was a proud United States Air Force veteran, having served in Vietnam.  Michael was also a member of the Sandoval Masonic Lodge No. 76 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. He retired from Federal Air Traffic Control System where he had worked as an airway transportation system specialist. Brother – Randall P. Jones (Allison) Brother-in-law– Mark Drake (Judith) Sister-in-law – Rhonda L. Vickers (Dal) Nieces and nephews – Kimberly Boaz (Wayne), Jamie Drake, Sara Droke (Geoff), Jeff Drake, Kevin Drake (Lynette), Eric Drake (Leslie), Jason Vickers, Angela K. Joseph, Brent David Jones, Ryan Paul Jones, Mariah Jones, Abbie Jones, Kimberleigh Duffey, and Jessica Duffey Numerous cousins He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and special cousin and close friend- Joe David Upchurch. Memorial services will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. John Hackmann officiating. Following services, military honors will be provided by Marion’s VFW, American Legion Posts, and the United States Air Force ritual teams. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Mr. Jones will be interred alongside his wife at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.