Douglas Henry "Sporty" Jones Jr.

Douglas Henry Jones, Jr. of Barberton, Ohio beloved Father, Brother, Uncle and Grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024. He was 86 years old and preceded in death by his wife Bobbye Dolores Jones (Williams) and his parents Douglas Jones, Sr and Estelle Jones (Henson).

“Sporty” as he was affectionately known, was born in Baltimore and raised in Indian Head, Maryland. After serving his country in the US Army, Sporty settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife and small children. He went on to live the majority of his adult life in Pittsburgh, raising, mentoring and inspiring scores of children and young adults. Sporty was well known for his kind heart, generosity, infectious laughter and unwavering commitment to his family and friends. He touched the lives of so many people with his genuine compassion, He was quick to lend a hand to those in need and would offer a few words of wisdom for those seeking advice.

Sporty was an avid sportsman who loved to fish. His love for fishing, hunting and gardening spoke to his belief that being self-sufficient is a priority, not an option. Outside of his passion for fishing, Sporty cherished spending time with his family, whether it was hosting house parties, backyard barbecues or simply sitting on the front porch sharing stories and singing doo-wop songs, he was the life of the party.

Sporty will be fondly remembered by all that had the privilege of knowing him. His presence lit up every room he entered and his legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

Sporty is survived by his six children: Mark Douglas Jones, Sr. of North Carolina, Marjorie Estelle Howard of Maryland, Kevin Conrad Jones of Ohio, Kenneth Christopher Jones of Alabama, Nicole Victoria Bennett of Maryland and Caren Jamilla Jones of Texas. Son-In-Law Kevin Howard, Sr. (Marjorie) and Daughters-In-Law Tabatha Jones (Kenneth) and Deborah Jones (Kevin) and Eveda Jones (Mark). Sporty is also survived by four siblings: Charles “Duty” Jones, James “Mancie” Jones, Dola Duplessis and Mary “Brenda” Richardson. Sporty has 19 Grandchildren, 47 Great-Grandchildren, 13 Great-Great Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Sporty’s life will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home on June 14, 2024 with visitation beginning at 11:00 am and the service to follow at noon. Interment will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery following the service at 2:15 PM.

Funeral service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Please click here to view.