Michael was born on October 5, 1952, in the Bronx, New York, to Robert Jones, who was from Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Gwendolyn Hubertina Casey Jones Bowery, who was from Dominica.

He attended school in New York and later continued his education through the University of Maryland.

Michael proudly served in the United States Air Force from August 1976 to January 1993, retiring as a Technical Sergeant after 20 years of service. During his time as a recruiter, he was recognized as the top recruiter in the nation. His military service took him to assignments in Germany, California, and Colorado.

Following his service, Michael worked in telecommunications with MCI and later in healthcare with Anthem.

He was also involved in ministry, serving at New Hope Baptist Church and True Light Baptist Church, where he spent much of his time working with youth.

Michael married Yvette Marie Jones in 1973 in Brooklyn, New York.

Michael had a deep love for music and singing. He sang often in church alongside his wife, Yvette, who served as pianist and choir director. He also loved to travel and take road trips, was a devoted sports fan, and closely followed football, basketball, boxing, and whatever sport his children or grandchildren were playing. He was an especially loyal fan of the Denver Broncos, the New York Knicks, and the Denver Nuggets.

He loved to cook and was very good at it, though family knew that if Michael was cooking, the meat was covered and the sides were likely up to someone else. He also had a creative side and a love for photography, which he shared with his children. Michael never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. His warmth, charisma, and easy way with people left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Michael Robert Jones,  passed away peacefully and entered into eternal rest on April 21, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendolyn Hubertina Casey Jones Bowery; his father, Robert Jones; and his stepfather, Arthur Bowery.

He is survived by his wife, Yvette Marie Jones; his children, Michelle Denise Betts and Jason Russell Jones; and his grandchildren, Camryn Jones, Kendall Jones, Kyle Jones, Lauren Betts, Sienna Betts, and Dylan Betts. He is also survived by his siblings, Anthony Jones, Yvette Bowery, and Lisa Jones; his stepmother, Margaret Jones; and extended family including Sheila Davis, Lisa Rice, John Rice, Terrie Rice-Rodriguez, and Richard Armstrong. He also had a brother, Stephen Jones.

He will be remembered for his dedication to service, family, faith, and the communities he was part of.