Michael D. Jones

Michael Dean Jones, affectionately known as “Big Mike” or his childhood name, “Pee Michael”, was called home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2024 at the age of 57. He was born on August 24, 1967 in Akron, Ohio to the late Betty J. Johnson and Eddie Shinholster, Sr. He was raised by his step-father, the late Johnnie Johnson, Sr. He attended the Akron Public and Houston Independent Schools during his youth, but lived the majority of his life in Akron. In his younger years, he primarily worked in sales at a local shoe store. After relocating back to Akron, he worked in the food industry until he retired due to a disability. He will be remembered as a fun, loving person who enjoyed a good laugh. Because of his sense of humor, Michael loved joking around which left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He always had something funny to say. He was also known for speaking his mind. Michael loved his wife, siblings and extended family tremendously. He enjoyed spending time with them, especially his nieces and nephews whom he and his wife babysat quite often. You could always find Michael during the summer fishing with one of his beloved cousins, Loroletha Riley or grilling while sitting in a chair. Shopping and playing the penny slots at the casino was his pastime hobby he enjoyed with his wife, Gina. While bargain hunting, if he knew what size shoe or dress you wore, he bought it, plus extra clothing for “whomever.” He shopped on Temu like it was his “job.” Michael found joy in collecting items which ranged from race track cars, m & m candy dispensers to old Coca-Cola miniature bottles. The kids that came by knew not to touch them; he had other toys for them to enjoy. If a family member needed food, no problem; Michael was very generous in offering food from his freezer. He also shared a close bond with his baby brother, Johnboy, often exchanging one or two word text messages just to check in. He would ask his older sister, Evelyn to help out at his home as he was good at directing his chores. He often said “between his Wife (Gina) and sister (Janet), he could get through anything.” Later in life, he learned to put his trust in God. He thanked God for protecting him all his life and he trusted God to get him through EVERYTHING!

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, brothers Lawrence Cook, Anthony and Eddie Jones and sister Elizabeth (AKA Penny) Price Jemirson. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his sweet wife, Regina Riggins Jones, sisters Evelyn Sadiku and Janet Asi and brother Johnnie (Tequilla) Johnson, Jr; devoted friends Richard Skipper, William “Heath” Janecka, Warren “Mark” Franks and James Herrada and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 27th from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron) where services will be held at 12:00pm with Minister Cook officiating. 

Interment will be held at Glendale Cemetery.

To share a memory of Michael or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.