Obituary of Ernest James Jones

Jones, Ernest “Ernie” J.

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, He was 95 years old. Ernest James Jones was born on January 28, 1928 in Mt. Morris, Michigan to the late Robert and Alice (Newland) Jones. He married Nicholina DeAgostino on June 26, 1954 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Flint, Michigan. After graduating from Mt. Morris High School in 1946, Ernie enlisted into the United States Navy and served stateside. In 1948, upon honorable discharge, he joined the US Navy Reserve and attended Michigan State College on the GI Bill. He was recalled to Military Active Duty in 1951 and proudly served his country as a Navy corpsman with the US Marines during the Korean War.

Ernie moved his young family to Saginaw, transferred as the manager of a Robert Hall Clothes Store in 1959.  He was later employed by GM Saginaw Steering Gear, retiring in 1992 after 30 years in the world of Labor Relations. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church since 1960.  He was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 251. 

Ernie loved to laugh with his friends and family. He also enjoyed sailing for many summers with his family on Lake Huron and played golf into his 80’s. He ran 5K Races for about 20 years from age 50 and started downhill skiing at 62 years old so he could ski with his grandchildren in Colorado. But, what Ernie really loved most was being with his beloved wife, his children and especially, his grandchildren, of whom he was the most proud. He and his wife traveled multiple times a year to the west and east coasts, and to Colorado to celebrate their grandchildren while they were growing up.

Surviving are three daughters and two sons: Mary Lee Jones of Ann Arbor, Vince Jones of Thomas Township, Linda Jones Silberberg of Boston, MA, Andy (Jennifer) Jones of Saginaw Township, and Julie (Tom) Wight of Holland, MI; five grandchildren: Elizabeth (Ben) Burnett of Sausilito, CA, Jonathan Silberberg of Boston, MA, Kate Silberberg of Boston, MA, Lauren Wight of Chicago, IL and Matthew Wight of Grand Rapids; three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law: Harry Streeter of Flint, Carmela Sleva of Flint, Tom (Barbara) DeAgostino of Midland, and Gene (Pat) DeAgostino of Troy.  Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Nicholina and an infant daughter, Amy Beth Jones; his brother, sister-in-law and nephew: Bob (Phyllis) and Tom Jones; his sister: Alice Streeter; and brother-in-law: Steve Sleva.

MEMORIAL MASS: A Memorial Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St., Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Richard Bokinskie will officiate. Entombment will take place at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan with Military Honors.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A vigil service will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.