Jerry D. Jones, 81, of Grand Island, died Monday, July 28, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jerrys wishes were to be cremated. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, 605 Arizona Av., Crete, NE. The Rev. Steve Major will officiate. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. More details will appear later. Jerry was born February 9, 1933, at Clay Center, Nebraska. He was the son of Raymond C. and Julia (Knutson) Jones Survivors of the immediate family include his wife of 60 years, Barb Jones of Grand Island, NE Four sons and two daughters-in-law, Dennis Jones of Steamboat Springs, CO Philip Jones of Shakopee, MN Dale and Debra Jones of Lincoln, NE Michael and Christine Jones of Lincoln, NE A daughter, Marci Hauck of Greenwood, NE Others left to cherish his memory include his nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and three nieces. Jerry grew up in Clay Center, graduating from Clay Center High School in 1951. He continued his education at Doane College. He married Barbara Culp on December 26, 1953, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Denton, NE. He entered the U. S. Army in 1953, serving in the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1955. Jerry finished his degree in 1959. He taught and served as an Administrator in several Nebraska communities before settling in Lincoln in 1973, at which time he joined the Nebraska State Education Association. He and Barb moved to Grand Island in 1992 and Jerry retired in 1997. He enjoyed his time spent with family and friends, fishing, camping, traveling and golf. He was a past member of the Elks and Moose Lodge, and a member of the American Legion. Memorials are suggested to St. Judes Children Research Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ron Jones and a sister, Wahnetta Amann. Online condolences may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Jerrys obituary.