Arthur Edward Jones, II

With gratitude for the gift of his life, we announce the passing of Arthur Edward Jones, II, on March 30, 2024. To have loved Art was to be blessed with incredible wisdom and insight from a man who deeply listened, deeply cared, and was dedicated to empowering others.

 

Born on October 1, 1942, in Wheeling, WV, Arthur was the only son of the late Mary Betty and Arthur Jones. Art followed his parents into education after graduating from Marshall University. In 1969 he met Sally, and it was love at first sight. Soon after marrying, they started their great life adventure, moving to Chicago to pursue his doctorate with dreams of a bigger life and family.

 

Dr. Jones became the youngest superintendent of schools in Illinois history when at 29 he started with the Forest Park Public School district. For 20 years Art brought his transformative leadership to three large Chicago school districts, winning numerous accolades before taking early retirement to return home and help run Forest Park National Bank. There he was instrumental in securing the Main Street Redevelopment grant and forming partnerships with area businesses to transform the downtown and brighten the community. In Forest Park, Art found his truest friends. He mentored many younger people into public service. He was a strong advocate for his community and was beloved by many.

 

Art’s passion was people and especially children. In 1991 he was part of the founding board of the Children’s Place Association, which at the time was the first home for children with AIDS in the Chicago area. Over the 13 years that he was involved there, he engaged numerous business leaders who valued his integrity and commitment, so much so, that in 1999 when a large donation was being made to build the Early Childhood Center, the only stipulation in giving was that it was named after Art. Now 30 years later the Arthur E. Jones Early Childhood Center at the Children Place continues to serve many children and families facing health issues and extreme poverty in Chicago.

 

But Art’s true north and anchor in his life was his family. In Sally, Art found a partner who worked hard alongside him to give their very best to their children. They planned and were able to move to their dream destination on the islands of South Carolina, securing meaningful memories for generations to come. Art was extremely proud to be a father. He delighted in all the joys of parenthood, often journaling about the great meaning it brought to his life. Art showed up, and he showed up for his grandchildren who he absolutely adored. Nothing made grandpa happier than a day watching his grandchildren ride bikes, fly kites and play in the tidal pools at sunset alongside his family.

 

Art is survived by his wife, Sarah (Sally) Jones; daughter, Kathleen Donovan (Mark); son, Christopher Jones; grandchildren: Luke Donovan, Maeve Donovan, and Alexandra Jones. He also will be missed by countless friends and colleagues who have expressed the incredible impact he had on their lives.

 

Rest in peace Grandpa. Your huge love carries us forward, inspiring us to rise in kindness and commitment to others as you modeled your entire life.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 11:00am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island, SC 29455 with a Reception to follow at the Seabrook Island Club, 3772 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island, SC 29455.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur E. Jones Early Childhood Care and Learning Center: https://www.childrens-place.org/arthur-e-jones/

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.