Mark Jones
1968 - 2024
On the evening of Saturday, June 15, 2024 Mark Daniel Jones of Coeur D’Alene, (previously of Vauxhall) passed away ten days shy of his 56th birthday.
Mark is survived by his partner Jannette Berger of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho and her children, daughter Lacie (Mark) McClure of Crystal River, Florida and their children Haley and Riley; daughter Resa (Chris) Tucker of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho and their children Connor, Remington and Jada; son Nik Berger of Montana; sister Debbie (Darcy) Virostek of Enchant and their children, son Mitchell Virostek and his children, Kayden, Kolter, Keeley and Kinslee; daughter Kelsey (Mitchael) Honess and their children Grayson, Peyton and Heston; sister Joanne McDonald and her children, son Tyler (Jenna) McDonald and their daughter Saylor; son Jason (Ashleigh) McDonald and their son Cruz, and numerous other loving relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his father Daniel Max Jones October 2, 2014, mother Antonia B. Jones March 3, 1998 and infant sister Pattie Marie Jones, and many other relatives and friends.
Mark was born in Lethbridge on June 25, 1968. He was raised in Vauxhall. Mark had a love for sports and while growing up he played hockey, baseball and many others; he was also in Boy Scouts.
He had a passion for baseball. Mark played it as a youth and then later turned to umpiring. During the spring and summer months you would find him at the ball diamond, often behind the plate. In 2002 he was given the prestigious opportunity to umpire at the 56th Annual Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
His other passion was for the sport of hockey, playing throughout his youth and adulthood. In 1989 he experienced a trip to Solihull, England to play hockey with his teammates. Around 2000 Mark relocated to United States, first in Spokane, Washington and then made Coeur D’Alene, Idaho his home to attend Lewis and Clark State College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. In 2018 he received an Outstanding Alumni Award for his commitment to LCSC and distinguished record of achievement and service presented by the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
It was during this time that he continued to pursue the passions of his youth while diligently networking to create opportunity for shared experiences, connection, and community along the way.
Mark was a man of many high fives and bringing people together was one of his countless talents- It was in 2003 when Mark became the first and only coordinator for the Post Falls School Districts Alternative to Suspension Program, that his legacy would begin to unfold. Rather than sitting at home, students would join Mark for a morning of community service before spending the afternoon completing their schoolwork. Mark and his always changing group of students were involved in so many areas of our community! From shoveling driveways in the winter, gathering food for the Back Pack Programs at the local schools, delivering Meals on Wheels or building park benches with the Boy Scouts and Park and Rec. You saw his program van everywhere and when you did, you knew that he and his students were off to do some good! In 2022 he received the Fernan Volunteer Award for his efforts in coordinating 288 students over the course of nine years to help design, clear and build the forty acres of land that is the Fernan Lake Natural Area trail system.
One of Mark’s favorite projects was the Post Falls Community Garden because it connected so many people. New Vision High School students planted seeds in their onsite green house then donated plants to the community garden, which was maintained by him, his students and volunteers. The harvest was then donated to the Senior Center and Post Falls Food Bank. They even had a booth at the Post Falls Farmers Market for a few hot summers. No matter what, rain or shine, he always enjoyed the smiles of accomplishment when his students saw the full circle of their efforts.
Not only was Mark a facilitator of assistance between our youth and senior communities, he also organized and co-coached an adult sled hockey team for the Inland Northwest Disabled Veterans Association, which included obtaining a federal Olympics grant to fund the equipment and ice time at Frontier Ice Arena. (Fun Fact, he and his students helped remove the old fencing and complete other projects at the old Go Kart Family Fun Center that was right next store).
Mark enjoyed an active lifestyle, so much that he completed eight Ironman competitions and rode his bicycle from Coeur d’ Alene over the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park and back. He was always eager to get others involved, so he partnered with the Post Falls Police Department to host Bike Rodeos and taught his students basic bike maintenance skills. Although sickness ravaged Mark’s body, his spirit remained strong and determined. Always wanting his life to be about who he was and not about his illness. His dear furry friend Oskar kept him active with five mile walks everyday, a feat many would not have obtained. Mark was a man who devoted his life to serving others and he will be missed beyond measure.
The family invites the community to share and remembrance of Mark by joining them for a memorial service and dessert potluck on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Real Life Ministries Building 2, 1860 North Cecil Road, Post Falls, ID.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Mark’s honor may be made directly to the Post Falls Senior Center and Food Bank, 1215 E - 3 Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho, U.S.A. 83854 (www.3rdavenuemarketplace.org).