Dr. John Hodge Jones, age 89, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. He was born
John was a devoted father, grandfather, educator, and servant of his community. He loved his family deeply, cherished
the family farm, and poured his heart and soul into a lifelong career dedicated to education and service.
He is survived by his children, Lemuel Gregory (Cynthia) Jones and Bonnie Martha-Rae (Brian) Jones, both of
Murfreesboro; stepsons Mark Barnes and Michael Willers of Boston, Massachusetts; and stepdaughter Mary Katherine
Hall of Rockvale.
In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren: Shannon Jones, Shane (Samantha) Jones, Wesley (Anna) Jones, Rachel
eight step grandchildren and eight step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, McKinley and Martha Jones; his beloved wife, Elaine Robinson Jones; his son,
Wesley Yearwood Jones, his son, Johnathan Hobart “Bart” (Karen) Jones; his daughter, Tammy Kay Jones; his stepson,
Joe Dean Bell; and his siblings, Charlie Mack Jones, Mildred Jones Hargis, Gertrude Jones Frost, and Wendell T. Jones.
John was a faithful member of the Crescent Church of Christ. In his younger years, he preached at Salem Church of Christ
was also a 50-year member of Mars Hill Lodge No. 129 F. & A.M.
Dr. Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts from David Lipscomb College, a Master of Arts from Middle Tennessee State College,
and a Ph.D. from George Peabody College for Teachers.
His career in education spanned nearly four decades (1958–1997) in Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City Schools.
During that time, he served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, school board member, Deputy
Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Education, and ultimately Superintendent of Murfreesboro City Schools
for 15 years. A visionary leader, Dr. Jones implemented the Extended School Program (ESP) in Murfreesboro when after-
school educational care was still uncommon. During his tenure, Cason Lane Academy was opened as a prototype school
that attracted visits from educators around the world.
Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Jones served as Chair of the National Education Commission on Time and
Learning, was named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year, and was one of four finalists for National Superintendent of
the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. He also served as a respondent at the White House
Conference on Child Care and participated in the National Education Satellite Town Meeting. He was recognized by the
100th Tennessee General Assembly, which passed a Joint Resolution honoring his exceptional service to education and
his role in bringing national recognition to the Murfreesboro City School System.
Throughout his life, John treasured the memories of growing up and working on the family farm. The land where he
once pastured sheep as a boy later became a beef cattle operation in his adult years. One of his favorite activities at the
end of the day was sitting on the back porch watching the sunset over the fields. He often quoted the words from the
poem “Sunrise, Sunset” as a reminder to cherish life’s fleeting moments: “Sunrise, sunset, Swiftly flow the years. One
season following another, Laden with happiness and tears.”
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 12-2 pm at Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro. Funeral
service at 2:00 pm will follow the visitation with Darryl Lewis officiating. After the service, he will be laid to rest at
Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Tammy Jones scholarship fund at MTSU- mail to MTSU
Foundation, MTSU Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, or online at www.mtsu.edu/give. Please note “in Memory of
Tammy Jones Memorial Scholarship” or the Crescent Church of Christ building fund- go online to
www.crescentchurch.com to the Give Crescent section. Please note “in Memory of John H Jones.”
An online guestbook is available for the Jones family at www.woodfinchapel.com.
