George W. And Judith H. Jones

George W. and Judith H. Jones, most recently of Springfield, MA and longtime residents of Wilbraham, MA.
It is with a heavy heart, that the family of George and Judy share that the year 2024 claimed the lives of both of these wonderful people. Judy passed away on August 10th at Reeds Landing after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease with George by her side. George passed away on December 30th, also at Reeds after a very short battle with cancer. He missed Judy terribly and they are now together again. George and Judy met at Hanover High School where their first date was her Freshman Dance, she was 14, he was 16 and the rest is history. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in May 2024. The impact they had on the lives of those who were their loved ones, and their friends will never be forgotten. They will be greatly missed by their friends at Reeds Landing, within the Fair industry and at the Ambassador Condos in Bonita Beach, Fl.
Born in Providence, RI in May 1933, George spent his early years in Hanover, MA. He was the son of Leon and Marion Jones. George contracted polio when he was less than a year old, which affected his right leg. Despite the weakness in his leg, he learned to ice skate on the cranberry bogs near his home in southeastern Massachusetts. He shared his love of skating and hockey with his two sons, Eric and Kurt.
George graduated UMASS Amherst and began his connection with agriculture with a ten-year career in 4-H. Its teachings, wonderful experiences and contacts lead him to the Eastern States Exposition. His career at the Exposition continued until his retirement in 1991 as President and CEO. After his retirement, he continued to consult with many state fairs and continues to be well respected in the industry.
George donated 173 pints of blood during his life, mostly to the Masonic program. He was proud to be a Mason and tried to follow their teachings to be a better person. He was honored to have been Master of the Hanover Masonic Lodge which he joined with his father. He was pre-deceased by his parents and brothers Richard and Clifton Mudge.
Born in Quincy, MA in December 1935, Judy grew up in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Hanover High School and Somerville Hospital School of Nursing. Judy began her career in nursing by caring for her grandmother who lived with the family for many years while Judy was growing up. She also helped raise her brother Jay who arrived when she was 16. Judy was extremely proud of being a Registered Nurse working in many settings from maternity to elder care in the Boston and Springfield area. She was recognized as a caring professional with wonderful bedside manners. After her retirement, Judy enjoyed traveling with George, spending time with her grandchildren, the lights of her life and working in her flower garden. The beauty of the flowers provided her great happiness and were also enjoyed by her neighbors in Wilbraham and Springfield as they walked by. Judy was predeceased by her parents Robert and Serapha (Pope) Porter.
George and Judy are survived by Judy’s brother Jay of Oregon, her sons, Retired Army CPT. Eric (Kathy) of Brockville, Ontario, and Kurt of Acton, MA, their daughter in love, Kimberly Neelans of Elgin, SC, and their loving grandchildren, Kamryn, Alexis, Kelsey and Christopher and multiple nieces and nephews in South Carolina.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Reeds Landing who cared for Mom and Dad for the last 10 years. At George and Judy’s request, all services will be private. Wilbraham Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of donations or flowers, we ask that you take a moment and contact someone who may be ill, lonely or who may just need to hear a cheery voice.
In closing, we would like to add a note that George shared “I have had a wonderful life, both personal and professional and there are so many who helped along the way. Thank you seems trite, but it’s the best I have. Believe me, it’s most sincere. Now it’s time for the phrase used by fair exhibitors and concessionaires as they move from fair to fair, they rarely say goodbye. They use the term “I will see you down the road.” Now it’s time for me for the last time to say, “I will see you down the road.”