Timothy Steven Jones, 62, of Goshen, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at Elkhart General Hospital on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 at 7:29 am following a brief but fierce battle with Covid-19. Tim was born on November 25, 1958 in Jasper, Indiana to the late Ezra and Maridean (Kraft) Jones. He married Michelle Martin on September 2, 1997. She survives him at home.

Also surviving are his children Steven (Tina) Jones of Goshen, Timothy Jones and Bria Jones, whom reside at home; brother Jeff Jones (Tom Nelson) of Palm Springs, California; sisters Carol (Andy) Darznicks of Houston, Texas and Terri Dinehart of Spring, Texas, also brother-in-laws Phil Randall and Roger Guard. Grandchildren include Keagan, Hunter and Addison Jones, with yet another grandbaby on the way. He is also survived by a host of loving extended family, friends and colleagues. He is preceded in death by brothers Rick and Rodney Warthan, sisters Shelly Guard and Dawn Randall and brother-in-law Jim Zimmerman.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are honored to host Tim's celebration of life services beginning Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. The funeral service will follow on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10 am. Family friend and Pastor Dave Rowland of Crystal Valley Missionary Church will officiate and burial will follow at the Rice Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum in Elkhart. Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honor Guard and the Elkhart USMC League.

Tim was a special education high school teacher for the Elkhart Community School System for 20 years, most recently teaching at the Freshman Division housed at Elkhart Central. Talented, attentive and friendly, Tim tried to speak to each student regularly, if not daily. He thought giving his students self-worth and recognition was as important as any transfer of knowledge. He was also a Driver's Education teacher for over 10 years, which would account for the majority of his gray hair. He had acquired a Master's degree in special education from Indiana University, and had received several undergraduate degrees from Goshen College.

Tim was also an honorably discharged sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a machine gunner with the First Marine Corps Division, Second Battalion from July 1983 to January 1991.  He also spent time with the Fleet Marines, visiting 36 different foreign countries and completed three world cruises, crossing the equator and earning him the coveted Shellback designation. Tim was a true Marine and patriot; he loved his country and what she stood for. He was very proud of his ability to serve his country. He also spent time in Japan, Kuwait, Diego Garcia and Subic Bay, Philippines.

When he wasn't teaching or attending USMC functions, Tim liked to relax by woodworking. He was quite accomplished at building things for his home such as shelving and cabinetry.  He also liked to work in his yard and garden or relax with a good Clive Cussler book. He enjoyed following high school football and attending his children's sports functions.  He was very proud of his son, Steven, completing training to become a police officer.  Tim's family meant everything to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Op1 Vet, Goshen. Helping fellow veterans was a priority for Tim.  Friends and relatives are encouraged to read the entire obit and leave condolences, memories and/or pictures of Tim by clicking Tribute Wall on his obituary page on the funeral home's website and then following the prompts.