Michael K. Jones, born to Willard and Wilma, in Oakdale, California on July 24, 1962, peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on June 4, 2025. His family lived in Campbell, California, until they bought their almond ranch in Ceres, California. While Mike and his brother, Brian, were growing up the family could be found working on the ranch or in the shop together, or camping and dirt biking.

Mike graduated from Don Pedro Elementary, Mae Hensley Middle, and Ceres High Schools. He studied at Cal State Stanislaus, until he began working as a land surveyor. While working full time, he attended and graduated from Humphrey’s School of Law with a Juris Doctor.

While at Stan State, Mikie met Tara Nobles, the love of his life. They were married in Turlock, June 7, 1986, and made their home in Waterford. After the births of their sons, Thomas and Keven, they moved to Escalon, where Mike resided until his passing.

Michael was intelligent, active, hard-working, ambitious, and pretty darn ornery, with a keen sense of humor. There was not a challenge or job he feared to tackle. Mike began his career as a Land Surveyor at Thompson Hysell Engineers, worked for O’Dell Engineering, co-founded Northstar Engineering, and worked for Modesto Irrigation District, as head of the survey department. He retired in October of 2024, after well over 39 years of civil engineering work.

Mikie was a lifelong learner, who believed in a rounded education, hard work, and living up to your potential. He was a true mentor, tutoring other students and volunteering as a Big Brother or “Big” in the Big Brother Big Sister program. Mr. Jones took Taekwondo lessons with his wife and sons, earning his black belt and volunteering to coach fellow students. Mike was a constant inspiration and help to friends, co-workers, and employees. Through his encouragement, advice, example, and generosity others were able to flourish in their lives and careers.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Willard. He is survived by his mother, Wilma; his brother, Brian; his forever wife, Tara Jones; his sons, Thomas and Keven; his beloved nephews, adored nieces; and many other relatives and friends, who will all miss him dearly. While he will be greatly missed, we know that he was welcomed back to his Heavenly home with open arms, and his family and friends are eternally grateful for the blessings of having known and loved him.

A graveside service was held at Lakewood Memorial Park on the morning of Saturday, June 14, 2025.

In his memory, please consider donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters at bigs.org

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

July 2, 2025