Forest "Dan" Daniel Jones

Forest Daniel Jones became an ancestor as he passed from this world on January 10, 2025. Dan was born on June 25, 1947 in Highland Park, Michigan, the second child of Charles Perry Jones Jr. and Betty Jeanne (Stewart) Jones. He is preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Sandra. He is survived by his wife, Marda, daughter, Lisa (Mark Franklin), son, Scott, brother, Perry (Harriet Jones), grandchildren, Emily and August Franklin, cousin, James Lanham, mother-in-law, June Higdon, sister-in-law, Donna (Mike Dodson), nieces, nephew, grandnieces and grandnephews. At Dearborn Edsel Ford High School, Dan was an accomplished member of the Varsity swim team as well as a baritone in the school choir. A scrupulously honest and loyal person, he loved his Alma mater, the University of Michigan. After graduating, he served in the Army National Guard. At 22, he (raised Protestant) married Sandra Miesczur in her family’s Roman Catholic Church over the objections of their parish priest (who was rumored to acquiesce only after being threatened by Sandra’s 4’11” 105 lb mother). Together they raised two children, Lisa and Scott. It was always obvious in conversation just how proud he was of both. He was a good provider for his family and took pride in that role. He served as what (a different) parish priest referred to as the heathen member of his family’s Catholic church’s parish council. After Sandra’s death in 1998, he married Marda Higdon of Summit, New Jersey, during the summer of 2001 with their pastor’s joyful support. He was a devoted, loving husband and father. Dan and Marda moved from New Jersey to Old Mission Peninsula into a lovely home overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Later, they would move into a perfectly located condo at the foot of that bay in downtown Traverse City. Dan was a fine woodworker and craftsman, having made many of the pieces of furniture in his home. He was good at math and was a highly successful businessman whose career took him all over the world. Dan was always generous and gracious with friends and family; a gentleman and wise counselor. He was a man who took ballroom dancing lessons with Marda so they could attend the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey’s Viennese Ball and he also served on the orchestra’s board of trustees. He occasionally wore a tux and often enjoyed a good meal with fine wine. He liked to travel and wore out many shoes walking all over Traverse City. Dan was larger than life and embraced it completely even if he always complained about his golf game. He had a very quick wit and a delightful sense of humor. He will be missed forever by those who knew and loved him. His spirit will live on in his family and with his friends. In life and after passing Dan supported Alzheimer’s research, including participating in several studies. In lieu of flowers, his family requests a donation to the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (https://medresearch.umich.edu/labs-departments/centers/madc/giving) in Dan’s name to allow his commitment and impact to continue, or a donation to Hospice of Michigan (https://www.hom.org/donate/) to further their service to those in need. A Memorial Service will be held in Dan’s honor at 3pm on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation to greet his family starting at 2pm. Those not able to attend can watch his service live at rjfh.tv. A gathering will be announced following the service to raise a toast to the wonderful man Dan was.

Forest "Dan" Daniel Jones

June 25, 1947 - January 10, 2025