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In lieu of flowers, please make contribution to Beaufort County Community College Department of Education in memory of John W. and Peggy M. Jones. Mr. John Wesley Jones was born on November 5, 1936 to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Richard Jones in Carteret County town of Beaufort, North Carolina. John graduated from the former Queen Street High School in Beaufort, North Carolina. After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army where he held the position of an Expert Demolition Specialist and served during the Korean Conflict. After his tenure in the military, John received a scholarship to attend Elizabeth City State University where he played football and served as captain. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and took post graduate courses from East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C. John was employed with the Naval Ship Yard in Newport News, VA where he held the position of a certified welder. His professional career began in Perquimans County Schools as an Elementary Teacher. He then relocated to Belhaven, N.C., and taught at Beaufort County Jr. High and Beaufort County High School in Pantego, NC. He then transitioned to John A. Wilkinson High School in Belhaven and taught health, science, and physical education. As the head football coach, the team was undefeated, won the Eastern State Championship, and was State runner-up champions during his tenure in Belhaven. John was elected coach of the year by fellow coaches and elected coach of the year by the Washington Daily News sports writers. John was the Assistant Principal at Northside High School and Beaufort County Elementary School both schools are located in Beaufort County, North Carolina. John married the former Peggy McMillian Jones in April of 1961; she predeceased him in 2008. They were blessed with one daughter, Ms. Sonya Yvonne Jones of the home. Also preceding him in death were three sisters, Lillian Savage, Eva Lewis, and Joycelyn Winfield. John Wesley Jones was a respected teacher and football coach, he believed that the greatest lessons were not only taught in the classroom or on the field, but through integrity, discipline, perseverance and compassion. He had a love for people, a genuine care for every student and athlete who crossed his path. To many, he was more than a coach—a mentor, role model, and trusted friend whose encouragement inspired generations to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. John attended St. Reddick Missionary Baptist Church where he was a faithful member and served on the Board of Trustees from 1976 until 2020 and held the position of Board Chairman for twenty years. He was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated—the Nu Alpha Chapter. John was a member of Beaufort County Community College Foundation Board from 2003-2017, awarded director emeritus status until his passing and was a member of the Board of Trustee at Pungo District Hospital for seven years and served as a member/chairman of the Belhaven Planning Board of Adjustments for seventeen years. John’s loving memory is cherished by his daughter, Sonya Jones of Washington, NC; one brother, James Hilton Jones of Morehead City, NC (Fannie); a sister-in-law Margaret Blackman of Trevose, PA; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

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Mr. John Wesley Jones

November 5, 1936 - July 26, 2026