I remember when I went to the academy Mr. Jones always had a smile on his face, and always did everything to make sure every one of his students passed. <3

He was the best teacher, friend, and mentor. I will miss him dearly. I recently found out the house I'm currently living in it was mr. Jones's old house and my room is actually the room he stayed in. It really is a small world. I wish I would've known before so I could've told him before I'm sure he would have gotten a kick out of it. He's the one that convinced me to stay in school and graduate so I'm very grateful to him for that. And I know he will be smiling down when I walk across that stage.

It doesn't seem real. You were a wonderful teacher and person. You really cared about your students. R.I.P Mr.Jones

This man was AWESOME teacher. He CARED about his students. My child brittaney davis was one of his students. He spent time with her. Very sorry for your loss. He will be missed!!!!

This man was AWESOME teacher. He CARED about his students. My child brittaney davis was one of his students. He spent time with her. Very sorry for your loss. He will be missed!!!!

Dear Jones Family, You have our deepest sympathies and condolences on your loss. The FGCU doctoral class will not be the same without Mike; he will be greatly missed. Very sincerely, Chris Parfitt and Family

You were one of the best! You made class worth coming to. I can't explain how shocked I am reading this.I will say though, that life has so many corners and turns. You were key in teaching me not only math and science, but that no matter what is around life's corners, you don't want to miss it! I an so eternally to have met and known you. To have experienced what it means to not only , but to live! You were so much more than an educator. You enriched lives.....you enriched mine. Thank you for living. Crossing your path was one of my great opportunities in life. In your own words, "Today is a great day to learn something new! Thank you for showing up." Test in paradise Mr. Mike Jones.

You were one of the best! You made class worth coming to. I can't explain how shocked I am reading this.I will say though, that life has so many corners and turns. You were key in teaching me not only math and science, but that no matter what is around life's corners, you don't want to miss it! I an so eternally to have met and known you. To have experienced what it means to not only , but to live! You were so much more than an educator. You enriched lives.....you enriched mine. Thank you for living. Crossing your path was one of my great opportunities in life. In your own words, "Today is a great day to learn something new! Thank you for showing up." Test in paradise Mr. Mike Jones.

Mr. Jones you will be missed.. You helped me so much through the years.. I remember calling you from SC and asked you for help and you helped me.. I came back and started and you still helped.. You knew all my secrets and still never judged me.. I WILL MISSS YOU VERY MUCH MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!!!

It's so sad to hear one of your most favorite teachers from high school died. He hasn't just our teacher, he was a friend when we needed it and an ear when we needed to get something off our chest!! R.I.P Mike Jones a.k.a Dilbert, you touched so many lives and were the best part of The Academy! My time in the Bus Class and Scuba Club was amazing! You will be missed very much!! Lots of love and thoughts to your family and close friends! *Fab 4*

May our Lord comfort and provide grace to your family at this profoundly sad hour. Lifting your family up in prayer. God knows the depths of your love and only He can bring the comfort your heart needs. I pray that our Lord shall give all of you peace and strength as you all process this time of shock and profound grief. Extending heart-felt condolences, I shall remain, Always - Yours in Christ, Paul Edward Anarumo

I'll never forget being your TA for my first semester at the Academy. We helped people in the GED prep class work on their reading comprehension skills and I organized that chaotic desk you had (It took me forever to find that stapler!). You always had a smile on your face and I used to look forward coming in to your third period because being your TA, you always had an inspirational word for me that kept me focused and let me know that I wasn't a loser like they had told me at NPHS. It's so unfair that you're gone, I was looking forward to showing you my Associate's degree once I got it this summer. It's ok though, I know I'll see you again someday. "1Good people die, and no one understands or even cares. But when they die, no calamity can hurt them. 2Those who live good lives find peace and rest in death" --Isaiah 57:1-2

I remember I was telling you I was starting school and that I'm gonna need your help in math because I know it's gonna be hard and you said yeah Josh of course I'll help you and then you told me how your wife graduated college andshe only had her ged and I'll always remember that because that's motivation I'll use to get through school. You were a great man and teacher and I will miss you very much RIP Mr Jones.

R.I.P.,Mike,You left us way to soon.This Buds for you.Bro.

Mike, the words seen here from your students both past and present are a testament to your character. I enjoyed the short time I knew you and considered you a friend. Godspeed Brother.

R.I.P. ...... Return If Possible

Wish you would have stayed

Words cant explain how unreal this feeling is .. You would think that someone so perfect so cheerful and always looking at the better picture of hard situations would be the one granted from god many more joyful loving years to spread the humble and loving soul he was to people in emotional needs.They always say the good always leave young . . . Mr.Jones you were the most amazing - funniest - caring - easy going - laid back - LOVING father . Teacher . Friend . And mentor i have ever encountered ... and you were so patient with me with my mood swings or frustrations with math which u loved .. you left a big mark in my life from the day I walked in your classroom ready to learn to the day I said "thank you for all your hard work with me . Because of you I'm walking across that stage as a graduate " and the last time I seen you .. I didn't say goodbye .. but " ill see you next time ill visit you" .. and I never went back .. I regret it .. I really wish i had one last chance to tell u how much i really appreciated you & your helpful guidance in my road to success when i was in line to graduate .. to the troubled personal situations id thought no one would ever understand ..but somehow you always did. You always knew the right things to say to comfort someone , you never singled anyone out over there appearance, or their social status.He treated everyone the same but with a fatherly love . wish i would have had more then just 2 years with you- you were my homie .. but yet I think .. its never a goodbye its an ill see you later .. fly high you are missed & loved I miss & love you - we ALL do <3 R.I.P. Mike Jones Thoughts & Prayers go out to his close friends & family ..

Mike was more than a teacher. He was a godsend. As a former student and friend, i can vouch for that. The man would give the shirt off his back. He had so much wisdom and knowledge to share. This is such a tragedy

Mike Jones has had a huge impact on my life. He gave me an award last year for most likely to be a math teacher his exact quote was "she taught more kids about the quadratic formula then I have". He always had a smile on his face and taught me that hard work and dedications are the keys to life. He was always a great teacher and friend to me. He always gushed about his children and always told us about his family. He will be forever in my heart . Prayers to the Jones family god bless you all.

I cant believe that your gone...he was an amazing math teacher and had the best personality...always loved to laugh...my favorite part of my day was when i knew i was heading to mister.mike jones class and i hated math but he had such a great way of teaching that made in fun and worth learning...i'd walk into the room shouting "mike jones who" mike jone "!! And it put a smile on his face...i would love to give my prayers and condolences to his whole family in this time of grievance...he will be dearly missed he has a place in my heart..and we will all have our wonderful memories of him !

I cant believe that your gone...he was an amazing math teacher and had the best personality...always loved to laugh...my favorite part of my day was when i knew i was heading to mister.mike jones class and i hated math but he had such a great way of teaching that made in fun and worth learning...i'd walk into the room shouting "mike jones who" mike jone "!! And it put a smile on his face...i would love to give my prayers and condolences to his whole family in this time of grievance...he will be dearly missed he has a place in my heart..and we will all have our wonderful memories of him !

You were a great teacher, always eager to help. I didn't have you as a teacher for long but while I did I wouldn't have chose any other. You helped us and at the same time made work fun. Many students wouldn't have graduated if it wasn't for you. Thank you for everything. You will be missed greatly.

Jones was an amazing person and teacher and i thank god i ever knew him take care beloved friend

He was a great teacher. He actually cared about students' education. He will be missed.

I will always remember how concerned you were when you came out to my house every week to give Cassidy her lessons after her horseback riding accident. And also for pushing Randi Lee so she would graduate. May God bless your soul. RIP Mike Jones. You will be missed by many.

I don't have one single bad memory of Mr. Jones. He was an amazing teacher, and he pushed all of his students for success. He went above and beyond to help his students graduate, and in general. I have never had such an amazing teacher till I went to the academy for my last two years of High School and met Mr. Jones. I was in many classes with him, and also participated in the yearbook with him. I just saw him last Wednesday, and he was just as sweet, and awesome as he always was. I'm just glad that I was able to see him before he passed, and give him a hug goodbye that day. He will be forever missed by students past and present. My heart goes out to his wife, and children in this tough time. My thoughts are with them, and I will be saying many prayers for you.

He was the only math teacher I've had since primary school who would take the time to help me understand the math rather than just telling me the operation and playing bicycle at his desk. Any other math class I had, I would disappear to the bathroom before they got started but I was actually excited to go to Mr. Jones' class. He was one of those teachers who didn't act like an authority figure but more like a friend and I can't be thankful to him enough. If it weren't for him I'd surely still be in high school. I'm beyond lucky to have had the opportunity to be his student.

I know I posted once already. But I had another memory I thought id share. When I was in the academy they used to hand out awards at the end of the year. Best attendence, most improved, etc. I remember receiving an award, specifically from Mike for "over attendence" from all the times we would have lunch together and talk after class and after school. This man is an unsung hero and is my hero. Not because hes dead either. Ive always looked up to him since I met him. If I can be 10% of the man he is, ill feel accomplished in life. Mike was most likely not perfect, but he was damn sure close. He is truly an inspiration to not only me, but to many as you all can read here. Im honored to say that I was a part of your life, and so grateful that you helped shape me into the man I am today. Rest in peace big guy.

Mike Jones changed my life. My name is now Jenelle Sprague but in high school my name was Jenelle Berden. In 2007 at my high school graduation from the Academy in Port Charlotte Fl I was able to thank Mr. Jones during my graduation speech which got two standing ovations (For Mr. Jones). My speech was about how all my life teachers told me that I couldn't learn mathematics and that I was learning disabled. But when I met Mr. Jones all that changed. The word can't was not in his vocabulary and after pushing me for two years he brought me from a 4th grade math level to a 12th grade math level. He not only showed me that I can comprehend math but he showed me that with a bit of effort and confidence I can do anything I set my mind to. After I explained all of this in my graduation speech Mr. Jones told me that I had had given him yet another reason to keep teaching and that he would tell my story to inspire others. But Mr. Jones did not know it but I too told this story again and again to inspire others but from a different angle, my story of Mr. Jones was not all about a struggling student but about a teacher who cared. This man changed my life in so many ways he gave me the life skills and confidence in my self that has led me to a Bachelors degree in Communications ( I maintained a 4.0 to a 3.8 GPA including math all through to graduation), a career as a writer, and a wonderful family that I can share these life long lessons with. I feel that I owe so many of the success in my life to Mr. Jones. I have one regret in this life so far and that is not to have visited him one last time to tell him how his influence stayed with me. You will be missed Mike Jones, the world has lost a mentor and a wonderful person but heaven has gained an angel. May God hold you and keep you. Your most grateful Student, Jenelle

After reading all these memorials, I realize I really didn't know you like the people you were in contact with every day. I was in your wedding to Dawn, and I just remember your beautiful vows and the tears you had in your eyes. I just knew that you really loved her and I fully approved. During the years, we only saw each other at birthdays, breakfasts out, and Lukas' baptism. I knew you were a nice guy, but I never realized how special you were to so many, and I wish I could have. I am truly very sad for your family and especially your children. They will grieve for a long time but the older ones will never forget you. They will carry a piece of you with them forever. I hope that your little ones will know who you were and that you loved them. For everyone who loved you, I pray for God's peace that is never ending to be with them during this time of great loss and always.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family and friends.

I only knew him for a month, but he was very persistent in getting my class to actually do work. My thoughts go out to his family and I am very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a a wonderful man. He touched a lot of lives and will be truly missed. RIP mike. God bless.

Mrs.Jones~I am so sorry for your loss. Mr.Jones was a great teacher. So hard to hear that he is gone way too young.

While I am so sorry for your loss, I'm hoping you find comfort in knowing how blessed we all were to have known Mike and to see him become the kind, compasionate, caring, incredible person he was. For me, I will always think of him with that wonderful infectious smile he had! Will continue praying for you all during this very difficult time.

Few among us have the power to influence and change lives the way Mike did. I was always in awe of his ability to mentor and bring out the best in young people. For many of his students, he was THAT teacher, the one who is cited when asked who has made the most profound impact on them. God Bless. My heartfelt sympathies go to all who loved him and were loved by him.

You will be missed, Mike!

What a loss! I can't believe Mike is gone! I remember when he first learned to walk. He would run, full tilt, not looking where he was going, with a big smile on his face, fall down, pick himself up and start again. Always that infectious smile! He helped so many...one of the "good guys" in life. The world was a better place because he was in it. We will miss you, Mike!

Mike Jones was my math teacher at The Academy. He was an AMAZING teacher and a great friend. He was always there to help me with my assignments and helped me to understand math more, as well as my attitude and outlook on life. He got me out of trouble a lot too! He was and is a great man, and will be truly missed!! I send my condolences to the family!

Its crazy that it has already been one year since mr.jones has been gone .....my prayers to the family

I was always very good at math and never needed help, but knew nothing of chemistry. And I found out he had been a chemistry teacher before mathematics. So I asked him to teach me a new thing ever few days or so. And he did. I learned something new and I was glad.

All the great times, playing new games at Christmas- we were always the ones to try it out first or assemble the new game- like Mousetrap! spending days in the woods of Maine, card games, playing the organ at Grandmommy's and Granddaddy's house, and just talking with the family. Your big smile and even bigger laugh! Thanks for sharing wonderful childhood with me - I'm glad you were able to share your joy with so many students, and wish for your children to be able to remember your happiness always. Your cousin, Becky

My greatest memory of Mr.Jones is when I wrote a poem about my daughter who had recently passed away I turned it in as a assignment and the next day he pulled me in his office and said Sarah u made me cry That was the most beautiful poem. If you need anything let me know . Mr.Jones was the most compassionate,caring and funny teacher. He will truly be missed and my prayers are with his family. May he rest in eternal peace.

Words can not express the loss the world will feel without Mike in it. So many times Mike was the rock that kept us going at The Academy. There were so many fun times, trials and tribulations that we experienced together. Please know that I am truly sadded by his early departure from this world and pray that he has found peace and tranquility in his afterlife. God bless his children, his family and his wife Dawn. My heart goes out to you and may you find peace in knowing that Mike truly touched and changed lives forever on his short time with us on this earth.

Such a wonderful, caring, loving man gone, you will be forever loved and missed. I will never forget all the advice you gave me and the endless laughters. RIP Mr Jones, I know I speak for all of us that you saw walk the graduation stage when I say that you truly left a huge mark on everyone's heart.

Im so sorry one of my favorite teachers, I will miss him.

I can't even begin to explain how good of a person Mr. Jones was. Such a kind soul, and always willing to help someone with anything. He and I talked a lot about life, and they were some of the best conversations I've ever had. He never talked down to anybody, or acted as if he were superior. He was very genuine and down to Earth. He definitely made an impact on me. I think about him everyday since I found out he passed. I do feel regret for not staying in contact more after I left the Academy. I can't change that. I just hope that wherever hel is, that he is happy and safe. Rest in peace, Mr. Michael A. Jones.

Stephen and Linda, We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts.

You was one of the best teachers I have ever had and with me now having a career and kids of my own and can only hope u knew how much of a positive influence you had on each and every one of your students. I wish the jones family nothing but peace during this hard time...

Mr. Jones was an amazing person inside and out. He was a very good teacher and had a great connection with me and all of his students. I never once heard him yell at a single person, he was always in just such a positive mood. I am deeply sorry for the Jones family, for enduring such a tragedy. Just remember he helped me and so many other kids graduate that never thought they could. Mr. Jones you were a great man and will be missed dearly, gone but never forgotten.

I will remember you as a peacful, kind soul. It was a pleasure to work as your colleague and know you as the father of Katie and Michael who attend the Pumpkin Patch Preschool many years ago. Hope you have found peace next phase of exisitence.

Mr.Jones was my favorite math teacher throughout high school. When i was going through the grief of loosing my sister he always tried to cheer me up and always told me he was there for me if i needed to talk to him. Mr.Jones will be missed so dearly by all of his past and present students. He was such a great guy!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.