Obituary of Mark B. Jones

Mark Jones, 58, Robinson, also endearingly known to friends and family as "Sparky" was a good man. He was a hard worker and provider. Everything he did was out of love for his family. He was a fair minded and righteous person. He was dedicated to his way of life and beliefs. Mark was a man of truth and justice, who saw no moral gray. He was Roman Catholic by faith and a member of St, Mary's Catholic Church, Bolivar and sang with the church choir until its closure. He believed in getting right with God, and knowing that someday we all must answer to a power higher than ourselves. Mark was a beloved father, spouse, sibling, son, relative and friend of many. He wanted the best for his family, he was a constant eye - a caring and vigilant person. He was always prepared and thinking a season ahead. He was a capable individual and believed that others were too, always teaching, sharing his knowledge and life lessons. He was known to say, "Anything can happen at any time", and coached his family on the 3 P's - practice, patience, and perseverance. If he worked on a project, he always wanted it to be done right, "By the book, every bolt torqued to exact specifications". In a world where things are disposable, Spark believed in fixing them. As a young man, Mark was involved in the Youth Corps program, worked at Dietrich's, then went on to work as a coal miner for 14 years at Florence Mine. Afterwards, he took a job at JOY Global, builder of coal mining equipment, where he worked for 26 years with an impeccable attendance record. He served on the Safety committee at JOY for many years. His career and penchant for preparedness led him to be a current certified electrician, welder, and mechanic with current state inspection license. Mark was a member of the U.M.W.A. Local 1257, the Legion Home Association of Bolivar, PA - Post #0128, Home Association to Duane Boring Post No. 9310, President and member of the Robinson Rod, Gun, and Archery Club (During his frequent clay pigeon shooting days, he could shoot a perfect score). Mark enjoyed hunting, watching shows about Alaska and survival ("winter's coming"), working in the garage, pheasantry, watching boxing with his son, and working on his home and lawn. He did a stint as a race car driver, and was an avid bowler at his sister's bowling alley, where he helped lay the lanes. He was a member of the Odd Couples league with his wife, as well as the Super Six bowling team at Bolivar Lanes. Mark enjoyed being involved with many projects and activities with his family over the course of his life. Mark was a generous man, who supported all of the local fundraisers. He was always compelled by his heart to practice random acts of kindness towards friends, family, and strangers alike. He was proud of his family and their achievements, intelligence, and dedication. He cherished spending time with them, visiting with his children, and grand-daughter. Mark was also very close with his mother and siblings, checking in with them every day. He listened and gave advice. He was a great story teller, making the mundane into entertainment and adventure. He had a wonderful ability to create songs on the spot, though he never would have considered himself a singer/songwriter, it was a talent enjoyed by many. He also knew how to cut a rug, becoming the life of the party at many celebrations. He didn't always have the opportunity to dance, but when he did, he embraced it. On Thursday nights, you could find him at "Party Night" having pizza with his family at his Mom's, a meeting place for all sorts and generations. Mark believed in choice (that everyone should be able to have a Pepsi). He was a connoisseur of suspenders. He was self-reliant, intelligent, and kind, but he wouldn't tell you about those things, because they didn't cross his mind. He passed away on July 20th, 2015, of complications due to a work related injury sustained on May 20th, 2015, and neglect of the entire medical system. Mark was preceded in death by: his father, William L Jones (1979); brother, Adrian W. Jones (1987); father-in-law, Leslie L. Foust (1980); brother-in-law Patrick Werhel (2009) brother-in-law Joseph J. Sisitki (2010); niece, Sharon McClellan (1987); canine friends Chip & Emma. Survived by: his wife, Barbara R. (Foust) Jones; daughter, Jennifer Palmer and son in law, Ken Palmer , fur-granddaughter Annabelle; son, Jesse Jones and daughter in law, Brittany Jones; daughter, Andria Zutich, son in law, Stephen Zutich, granddaughter Addelyn Mae Zutich, and expected grandson. Mother, Valeria Jean Jones; sister, Cecilia Sisitki; sister, Kathleen McClellan, brother-in-law Jim McClellan; brother, Thaddeus Lang Jones; sister, Theresa (Jones- Werhel) Mihok and brother-in-law Robert Mihok; brother Geoffrey Brown; mother-in-Law Sally A. Foust; brother-in-law Jeff Foust; brother-in-law Alvin Foust; sister-in-law Mitzi (Foust) Sorbin and brother in law Kevin Sorbin. Nephews, Nieces, and great nieces and nephews including: Michael Sisitki (Brooke Benedict) & Carter; Susann Colona, Abby & Anthony; Bethany Dohrman (John) Catherine, Austin, and Gianna; Erin (Michael) Boring, Seth, Wyatt, Madelyn, Ryan David McClellan (Billie Jo Sherba) Cassidy, David Jr., Jacob; Laura McClellan & Tom Kelly Patrick Werhel; Tyler Werhel; Dustin Foust; Dana Foust. And very many more beloved friends, neighbors, and extended family members. Friends received 6-8 pm Wednesday and 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday and 8:30-9:30 am Friday at Kenneth A. Stuart Funeral Home, New Florence. Mass of Christian burial 10 am Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 Bridge St., Seward. Rev. Robert Washko officiating, Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we appreciate your thoughts, prayers, positive vibes, and we ask that you please pass on an act of kindness in Mark's honor.