George T. (PeeWee) Jones, Jr.

Herkimer - George T. (Pee Wee) Jones, Jr., 81, a longtime Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023, at FoltsBrook Center with his devoted daughters by his side.

He was born on April 3, 1942, in Ilion, NY the son of the late George T. and Flora (Durse) Jones, Sr. Pee Wee was a graduate of Ilion High School, class of 1960 and furthered his education at Utica College and college in Tennessee.

Pee Wee was last employed as a truck driver for Utica Plumbing in Utica. For many years, he was employed at the former Valley Beer Distributers in Herkimer and in the 1970's he owned his own swimming pool business.

While a student at Ilion High School, Pee Wee captured three Section III Championships for Wrestling in 1958, 1959 and 1960. He held a record of 51-2. In 2005, he was inducted into the Section III Wresting Hall of Fame. Since 1969, Pee Wee has given back to high school athletes as a referee in wrestling and football. He has officiated at league, section and state levels in both sports. Coaches and athletes who have competed in Section III all know Pee Wee. He was widely recognized as an outstanding official with a great sense of humor. Despite his stature, he would not back down from anyone. For the qualities and his competence as an official, Pee Wee has gained the respect and admiration of all who have come in contact with him.  He also coached Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball.

Pee Wee was also a member of the Ilion Elks and the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum.

Survivors include his wife, Donna (Ward) Jones of Herkimer; his daughters, Simone Jones of East Herkimer, Bridget (Jones) Crossett and husband Kris of East Herkimer, and Cindy (Jones) Hailston and companion Craig of Mohawk; two grandchildren, Christopher Carney and Tyler Hailston; a great granddaughter, Adrianna Carney, sister-in-law, Winnie Jones of Oneida, and many nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his daughter, Bobbi Jo Jones in 1978, sister, Noreen Jones, and brothers, Morgan and Brian Jones.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 5 - 7 pm at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. A prayer service will follow at 7:00 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial at Calvary Cemetery will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers please make all memorial contributions to the Herkimer Humane Society, 514 State Route 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the third floor of FoltsBrook Center for the care shown to Pee Wee during his stay. Also, a special thanks to Leigh, Tony and Bob for their special friendship.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.