Terry Jones

Terry Jones died Friday, April 28, 2023, aged 42, at U.T. Hospital, after a brief illness. The family and friends gathered to support him knew Terry as one of life’s enthusiasts, always so busy living that surviving was a side note. Having twice dodged lymphoma and dealt with various health issues, he was so stubborn and tenacious that the Grim Reaper had previously moved on to easier targets. To call him a 20-year cancer survivor tells an outcome, while missing the things that those close to him loved about Terry. 

Terry had a witty, irreverent sense of humor. He enjoyed bass fishing, Tennessee football, golf, time with friends, and long conversations with people he just met. He made “Dad jokes,” mocked politicians with whom he disagreed, and was the self-proclaimed favorite child and grandchild. He also enjoyed giving total strangers unsolicited criticism of their tobacco habits, being the very best toddler and cat nap spot, rescuing small animals, savoring dark chocolate, classic cars, music, singing terrible karaoke, and hiking. In recent years, annual trips to Disney World with his uncle and aunts, Rob and Tina Keener and Cheri Jones, and a crew of cousins, provided an outlet for his love of all things Star Wars. He entertained his friends and family with quips and an encyclopedic ability to quote comedy films. His family and all who resisted an occasional urge to strangle him were blessed with so much laughter.

Terry was bright and curious, an avid science fiction reader.  He loved learning DIY skills: auto mechanics, home remodeling, home inspection. He could fix anything. His passion for nature led him to earn a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Tennessee.

His sense of adventure led the way to a job climbing smokestacks to perform EPA air quality tests and to   a love of travel. Favorite adventures included backpacking through Europe, learning pasta-making near Naples, exploring Riviera Maya, and hiking near Vancouver. He enjoyed telling the story of proposing to his wife in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Terry said that his proudest moment was when he became a father. He was enthusiastic about building with Legos, goofy pretend play, ridiculous rhymes, and sharing his love of science.

A native of Strawberry Plains, Terry attended Jefferson County schools and graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1999. He is survived by his wife Katie Tolliver Jones and son Harrison Jones; parents Rose and Jimmy Stipes and Terry and Pauline Jones; siblings Brenda Cooper, Linda Sugioka, Billy Cooper, Ben Stipes, and LeighAnna Jones; and in-laws Greg, Glenda, and Abigail Tolliver. He was recently preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Lucy Jones; aunt Gloria Jones; aunt Patsy Hixson; and nephew Aiden Cooper.

Family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 S. Northshore Dr., in the outdoor pavilion. A family Celebration of Life gathering is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Livestrong.org or Conservationfisheries.org