Emory Jones Obituary

Emory E. Jones II ("Punch") passed away on December 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born on February 17, 1941, in Mount Hope, West Virginia, to Dr. Emory E. Jones Jr. and Iola Jones. Emory was educated at Greenbrier Military School and later graduated from the University of Virginia.

Emory devoted much of his life to teaching as a high school chemistry instructor at Blue Ridge School and Charlottesville High School. He was deeply respected and loved by students and colleagues, known not only for his command of the subject but for the lasting influence he had on the lives of those he taught. He challenged students to think critically, encouraged curiosity, and inspired confidence - an impact many carried with them long after leaving his classroom. Beyond academics, Emory believed in experiential learning. He was instrumental in establishing high school soccer and lacrosse programs and created an outdoor adventure program that taught students leadership, resilience, and teamwork through hands-on experiences.

After retiring from teaching, Emory worked at his son's business, Outdoor Adventures. He later moved to Solomons Island, Maryland, where he spent the next 20 years living aboard his sailboat, accompanied, as always, by a loyal canine companion.

Emory's passion for adventure and the outdoors was central to who he was and was generously shared with his sons through camping, backpacking, whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking, and sailing. His devotion to his family was unwavering. From little league soccer to life's greatest joys and hardest moments, he was always present, supportive, and deeply loving. Throughout his life, Emory was rarely without a canine companion by his side.

Emory is survived by his sons, Emory E. Jones III ("Thom") and Benjamin Andrew Jones; his grandchildren Jacob, Andrew, Abigail, Annalise, William, and Addison; and his former wife, Sandra Cox Jones. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Bozarth, and her husband, Scot.

A celebration of Emory's life will be held in the summer of 2026 at Safe Harbor Zahnisers in Solomons Island, Maryland.