Michael Antoine Richard Jones

Michael (Mike) Antoine Richard Jones passed away on Friday, May 2nd, surrounded by his family, friends, and dogs, after a determined battle with kidney cancer. He is survived by his loving mother, Henny; his devoted brothers, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law, Rob, Erik, Suzanne, and Brent; Tracy, who was like a sister to him, and her partner, Ron; his cherished nieces and nephew, Breda, Jordan, and Colin; and his loyal dogs, Cody and Cloudy. He is also survived by a loving and supportive family in the Netherlands, who were an important part of his life. Mike was predeceased by his father, Richard, and his loyal canine companion, Max. Mike will be remembered for his kindness, determination, and deep commitment to his family, friends, and the causes he held dear. A steadfast believer in liberty and justice for all, he lived with conviction, eschewing modern conveniences like mobile phones and microwaves, much preferring human connections and shared meals. Mike served as the Director of the Language Center, Media Center, and Makerspace at Swarthmore College, beginning just before the Language Center's creation in 1996. He played a pivotal role in shaping dynamic spaces across campus—designing environments that met classroom needs while fostering student creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Mike was well known for his ingenuity and resourcefulness, he had an exceptional ability to bring ideas to life and make things happen. A homeowner and tireless advocate for Powelton Village in West Philadelphia, Mike’s dedication to, and impact on, the neighborhood was profound. Over more than twenty-five years, he served multiple tenures as President of the Powelton Village Community Association, worked as its Archivist, and was a longstanding member of the Zoning Committee. He loved Powelton Village and the City of Philadelphia, and his unwavering commitment touched countless lives and shaped the community in meaningful and lasting ways. He equally cherished the tranquility and solitude of his house in Gilbertsville, NY, where he retreated to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge. He made a mission out of battling flash flood erosion with nature, planting hundreds of saplings and plants into the rocky creek bed, using his love of the land to cultivate resilience. His love for food was legendary, and he was renowned as an extraordinary cook and host, crafting dishes with a magical touch that defied replication. His passion for travel was reflected in his home, where unique relics and artifacts from his off-the-beaten-path adventures told the stories of his journeys. His creativity and artistic vision were remarkable, finding beauty in what others might discard and adding subtle touches to brighten up spaces. Mike possessed superior intelligence and could engage in insightful conversations on nearly any topic. His passions were vast and encompassed textiles, art, theater, opera, music, languages, reading, travel, playing bridge, watching soccer and tennis, cooking, gardening, his dogs, his family, and his country retreat. A risk-taker and an optimist, his passing leaves an immense void in the lives of many—his community, his workplace, and all who loved him. Yet, his presence, strength, and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace Mike, you are dearly missed and always remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions in Mike’s name to causes that were deeply important to him: the American Civil Liberties Union, the Powelton Village Civic Association, the Kidney Cancer Association, and your local public radio station. Or honor his spirit in your own way—adopt a dog, share a meal or travel down that unbeaten path.

Michael Antoine Richard Jones

May 2, 2025

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Michael Antoine Richard Jones

May 2, 2025

About Us

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Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

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