Michael Berg Jones, 87, of Shelbyville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 16, 2023. He was the third of four children born to the late Lillian “Skip” (Leonard) Jones and Norman Berg Jones in Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, New York on June 9, 1936.
Mike’s early childhood on the shores of Ballston Lake, NY provided many outlets for an active and intelligent young man. He was an avid Boy Scout, photographer, and Soap Box Derby competitor. His early education in upstate New York was followed by Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Indiana University.
The son of an engineer, he was known for his exceptional engineering and creative talents in his personal and professional lives. After a successful career at General Electric in Liverpool, NY then RCA/Thomson in Indianapolis, he retired to multiple hobbies including Ham Radio, woodworking, painting, photography, home remodeling, and travel.He alsoserved two terms on the board of the Shelby County Historical Society.
Mike married Elizabeth “Betty” Hasey on November 27, 1959 in Fargo, ND. Together, they were the proud parents of three and grandparents of six.
Hewas a life-long Catholic, faithful follower of Christ, and 48-year member of St. Joseph’s Church since moving to Shelbyville in 1975. He always had a smile and a kind word to share. Known for his wit, he was perpetually “Triple Terrific” and loved telling Dad jokes and Shaggy Dog stories. Above all, he was a role model of integrity in every respect.
He is survived by Betty, his beautiful bride of 63 years, sons David (wife Debbie) of Johnson City, TN and Christopher of Speedway, IN, daughter Katherine (husband David Vigil) of St. John’s Florida, brother Martin “Marty” Jones of Austin, TX, sister Katherine “Kitty” Shanahan Poettgen of Vallejo, CA, six beloved grandchildren: Elizabeth, Lilliann, Ava, Christopher, Susan, and Julian, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger sister, Judy M. Jones.
The rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at Murphy-Parks Funeral Services, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN, visitation will follow from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Reverend Mike Keucher officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you donate in his honor to St. Joseph's Church Shelbyville Capital Campaign, 125 E. Broadway St., Shelbyville, IN 46176.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
