Stephen Michael Jones

March 31, 1963 - August 03, 2022

Stephen Michael Jones(formerly of Basking Ridge and Denville NJ) passed away in his sleep at home in Floyd VA on Wednesday August 3, 2022. He was 59. Stephen was born on March 31, 1963 in New Brunswick and raised by his parents Edward and Mary (Divito) Jones. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Jones and his sister, Geraldine A. Jones. Stephen was raised in Whippany NJ then Clarence NY, graduating from Clarence high school and completing a BS in psychology at SUNY-Buffalo. Later he went on to complete a Masters in industrial psychology from Montclair State University. His early career was in the hospitality industry at NJ’s premier French dining establishments (the Giraffe). These experiences combined with a deep family history of Italian home cooking was influential in his devotion to culinary arts in his own home. He entered the pharmaceutical industry at Berlex Pharmaceuticals in human resources but also worked in training, project management and ultimately consumer logistics, retiring to Virginia in 2016 having worked at Pfizer, BMS and Bayer during his career. He traveled extensively for work and was successful launching products in oncology, diabetes and consumer goods. His hobbies include international travel, rock climbing, woodworking, water sports and motorcycling. He was the proud owner of a Ducati 996 and traveled with friends throughout the country and abroad via motorcycle. An accomplished outdoorsman, he had solo camped in many national and state parks. Stephen was active in animal rescue in Basking Ridge, rebuilding Fox Hill Community Park and Troop 118 of Denville. Stephen was a lifelong and passionate Grateful Dead family member. He is survived by his father, Edward Jones (Mary Nell) of Augusta GA, his sister, Lori Jones (Dan Welden) of Newton, MA and former spouse, Kim Persson of Denville NJ. His niece and nephew, Isla and Hendrix Welden, his cousins, aunts and friends will miss him. Look up at the moon and know you are always under the same moon with the people that you love even if you are not together. A private service will be held at a later date.

Dance, ride, build and wonder my friend