Henry "Harry" M. Jones

Henry M. Jones (Harry), 88, formerly of Kirkwood, NY passed away peacefully on August 12, 2021 with his family by his side.

Henry is survived by his wife, Ruth.   He married his high school sweetheart and they have been together for 73 years.   Survived by his three children Brenda Van Putten (Brad), Deborah Tokos (Anthony), and Eric Jones (Michele).  He is survived by two brothers William Jones (Lucille) and Douglas Jones (Barbara).  He is predeceased by two siblings Evelyn Lloyd (Russell) and Mary O’Brien (Joseph).  He is survived by five loving grandchildren Alison and Emily Jones, Claire and Sarah Van Putten, and Michael Tokos.

Henry was an accomplished tradesman working as a Sheet Metal Mechanic for 40 plus years following his father’s footsteps at Binghamton Slag Roofing/Weathermaster Roofing Company.  He was a member of the Local 112 Sheet Metal and Pipefitters Union (65 plus years).  His craftsmanship can be seen throughout the Southern Tier particularly on the churches throughout Broome County.  He spent many years working on the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame buildings and the Otesaga Resort Hotel.

Henry served four years in the Navy during the Korean War on the USS Battleship New Jersey along with an additional four years in the reserves. Through that experience he traveled to many countries including Korea, Japan, England, Italy, France and Spain.  During retirement, he and Ruth enjoyed traveling to many parts of the country for the yearly Naval Reunions reconnecting with Naval buddies and their wives creating life-long friendships.  Serving his country was one of Henry’s proudest achievements in life and sharing stories of the same made for many wonderful reflective conversations.  Henry had a lifelong commitment to his community: Kirkwood Lions Club (40 year Charter member), Binghamton Elks Club (30 years), Town of Kirkwood Planning Board (40 years).

After coming home from work, and during his retirement years you could always find Henry outside maintaining his lawn, vegetable, flower gardens and the home he and Ruth built together.  He was the primary contractor hired pro bono for all of his children’s homes.  Truly a jack of all trades starting with the home he built and lived in for 63 years and replacing his home’s roof at the age of 75.

Pride of workmanship, hard work, honesty, a commitment to family, and a love for his country are traits which Henry lived by, may his soul rest in peace.

Funeral services will be private.

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