Obituary of Douglas Robert Jones

Douglas R Jones (Doug) 72, of Punta Gorda, Fl passed suddenly on December 21, 2020 at Tampa General Hospital. He was born in Rome, NY on May 13, 1948. He attended Rome Free Academy and received his advanced degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh (BA) and SUNY Albany (MS). He is survived by his wife, Patricia M. Jones of 47 years married Jan 13, 1973, his mother Lucille Throop (101), his sisters Carol J Baker (Bob), Marilyn J Dare (Jed) and nieces and nephew. His father, William R Jones predeceased him. Doug was a Professor at Columbia Greene Community College, Hudson, NY for 30 years teaching computer science, web design, math, pilot instruction, and scuba instruction until his retirement in 2008. Teaching was his life. He loved to teach anything. He raced cars (#13) with the Sports Car Club of America becoming 3rd in the Northeast and 4th in the Nation. He became a private pilot, and then a Certified Flight instructor. As a scuba diver he became an instructor and later an instructor trainer traveling to many exotic dive locations with Pat. With his Coast Guard Master license he drove tour boats on the Hudson River, delivered boats to Florida and he gave sailing and docking lessons to those that needed it. When not racing or sailing his big boat he was an avid RC sailor having multiple boats and always willing to help others. Doug used his computer skills to create webpages for Punta Gorda Isles Civic Assoc. and many others. Doug always had a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone with anything at any time. There will be no funeral at this time but there will be a Celebration of Life on May 13th at the Punta Gorda Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, Fl. In lieu of flowers, Doug has requested I start a scholarship fund at Columbia-Greene Community College in his name. Donations can be sent to: CGCC Foundation, Doug Jones Scholarship, 4400 Route 23, Hudson, NY, 12534. Please add Doug Jones Scholarship in the memo area. Thanks for donating to the Career he loved so much. fund.