Preston Michael "Mike" Jones

IN MEMORY OF: Preston Michael “Mike” Jones Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive (Old Route 13), Murphysboro, Illinois Preston Michael Jones, 78, of Murphysboro, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. Mike was born to Preston F. and Henrietta V. Jones in Murphysboro on January 9, 1945, and resided in his beloved hometown all his life. He graduated from Murphysboro Township High School in 1963 and from Southern Illinois University in 1967 with a B.S. degree in History Education. In 1968 he married Sharon Ward, and they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. In 1968 he began teaching sixth grade for Murphysboro Unit District 186 and remained in that position for 33 years. He influenced hundreds of students and instilled in them a love of history. He really enjoyed this age group because in a way, he was big 12 year-old kid. Due to Mike’s deep love and knowledge of history, over the years he became known as the “go-to-guy” in Murphysboro for any question one might need answered about local history. He became immersed in the history of General John A. Logan, and with the help of many good friends Mike founded the General John A. Logan Museum in 1989. Due to his hard work and diligence the museum continues to expand and is becoming an exemplary regional Civil War museum. His greatest achievements and love came with the birth of his two daughters, Robin and Holly. They have been a source of great pride. This love was magnified with the birth of his 3 grandchildren, Preston, Fiona, and Samuel whom he doted on. Mike was involved in and supported many civic organizations. He served on the Murphysboro Planning and Zoning board, the Murphysboro Park District board for over 20 years, Historic Preservation board, the Chamber of Commerce board, and the Murphysboro Tourism Commission. He was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and served as the church historian. He was a man of faith and tried every day to follow the 3 tenets of Methodism: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. Mike received numerous awards throughout his life. To name a few: the Lifetime Achievement award from the Illinois State Historical Society, Studs Terkel Humanities award for the Illinois Humanities Council, the Delta Award from the Friends of Morris Library, The Founders Medal from the DAR, Outstanding History Teacher in Southern Illinois from the SIUC History Department, the Distinguished Achievement Award from Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, Historian of the Year from the Jackson County Historical Society, the Southern Illinoisan Leaders Among Us Award, and served as Grand Marshall of the Apple Festival Parade. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jamie. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Robin Sievert (Todd) of St. Louis and Holly Fletcher (Chad) of Herrin; 3 grandchildren Preston and Fiona of Herrin and Samuel of St. Louis. He also leaves behind his best friend of 61 years Richard Green of Murphysboro. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. The visitation will resume Friday, at Murphysboro United Methodist Church at 9:00 a.m. until the service begins at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Michelle Parker-Clark will be officiating. Burial will follow at Murphysboro City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has designated memorial donations may be given to the Murphysboro United Methodist Church and the General John A. Logan Museum. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Preston Michael "Mike" Jones

January 9, 1945 - October 15, 2023