Michael Patrick Jones

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Michael Patrick Jones, known affectionately as "Jonesy.” Michael passed away in his home on August 29, 2026, due to complications from a stroke.

Born in Culver City, California on July 25, 1954, Michael was educated at Dunn School, where he played soccer and lacrosse and made life-long friends due to his wit and penchant for pranks.  From Dunn he went to the University of Pacific where he focused on International and Global Studies.  Constantly curious about international relations, Michael studied in France, Taiwan, Chengchi, and Hong Kong, before achieving a Masters of International Public Administration at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey.

A dedicated career-long humanitarian and diplomat of the United Nations, Michael's life was marked by a commitment to service and a love for people. Michael spent his career coordinating humanitarian responses to world crises, directing disaster relief and food programs across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, including Afghanistan, Ghana, Nepal, Pakistan, Sudan, Uganda, and Yugoslavia, among others. It was on one of his early trips to Thailand that he met his wife Jintana, to whom he was married for over 45 years.

Michael was far to humble to ever say such a thing, but his efforts likely impacted millions of people around the globe.

Even while handling such serious issues, Michael’s wit and humor were legendary, making even the most mundane of moments and meetings something to look forward to.

In his retirement, Michael found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Living in Bremerton, Washington, he spent his days with his family and also found time for fishing, kayaking, and gold-panning with friends but perhaps his most endearing hobby was feeding the raccoons and squirrels in his backyard. Whether it was the squirrels scampering around or the raccoons' midnight raids, Michael found these encounters humorous and heartwarming. His love for nature was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Michael's dedication to his family was unparalleled. He was a rock, a beacon of strength and love to his wife Jintana, his daughters Maggie and his son-in-law Paul, as well as his granddaughter Chloe.

Michael's legacy of love, humor, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Michael on his memorial page. Celebrate his life with us and keep his spirit alive by sharing the warmth and laughter he brought into our lives.

We plan to hold a celebration of life for Michael in Sonoma on October 10.  Knowing Michael, he would not want us to be sad, but rather to celebrate and take comfort in all the joy and memories he brought into our lives.

If we have your contact information, we will shortly be reaching out to provide further information on the service. You are also welcome to reach his daughter Maggie, at +1 (310) 903-2836 or madrianajones@gmail.com, if you would like to attend.