Judson Rory Jones III unexpectedly departed this life on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Trinity Health-St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Rory was the first child born to his loving parents, Judson Jones and Lucinda R. Jones on April 1,1968. He was 57 years old.
Rory was educated in the Grand Rapids public school system. He began his secondary education at Ottawa Hills High School located in Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from Lowell High School in Lowell, MI in 1986. Rory attended college at NC A&T State University (AGGIE Pride!) located in Greensboro, NC where he majored in Political Science and History. He also attended Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University.
Rory was no stranger to hard work. Growing up, Rory and the family were always working on some project whether inside or outside the house. Rory and the family also enjoyed spending time at the lake. He always spoke of these moments with great fondness which helped cultivate his work ethic. As an adult, Rory worked the vast majority of his career in car sales. He worked at several car dealerships throughout the US, specifically in North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Texas, and Michigan. Rory often stated that he got into car sales by chance. He truly enjoyed it. He stated that he enjoyed helping people in that capacity and took pride in making sure his customers were satisfied. Most recently, Rory made a slight career shift and began selling firearms.
Rory was a spiritual and Christian man who honored God and was very family oriented. His interests and hobbies included fishing, listening to music of all genres (his favorites were old school R&B, rap, and rock), watching tv and movies (Sci-Fi, DC and Marvel were his favorites), playing video games, traveling with his wife, and collecting comic books. He enjoyed comics so much that he often expressed interest in wanting to create his own comic. Rory also enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, family, and friends.
Rory was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother and grandfather, Lillie F. Rodgers and Gaither Rodgers, Sr., paternal grandmother, Eunice Jones, beloved aunts and uncles: Earline Brown, Frances Hightower, Walter Hightower, Freeman Rodgers, and George Nettles.
Rory leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Dr. LeShell P. Jones; parents, Judson Jones and Lucinda Jones; brother, Kurt T. Jones; mother-in-law, Shelley Lewis; aunts, Dr. Martha (Arnold) R. Graf, Beverly M. Rodgers (husband Freeman Rodgers deceased), and Gloria Turner; uncle, Gaither “Joe” Rodgers, Jr.; best friends, Kevin Herron (Monica) and Leonard Walker (Katrina); and a host of relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 4-6pm at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331. Funeral service will be 10:30am Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with visitation at 10:00am at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home. Interment South Boston Cemetery.
13 Responses
Dearest LeShell
I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and give you strength and peace during this difficult time.
God Bless You
Jeannetta Greer
To LeShell and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. It was a pleasure getting to know Rory. Praying for you and your family, peace and comfort during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Brandy Rutledge
To LeShell and Family,
My prayers are with you and your family as you travel through this difficult time. I am Leonard Walker’s mother and J have fond memories of Rory.
Cousin LeShell,
This really hits us hard. Rory was such a special addition to our family. We will honor his life remembering the good laughs we shared when we were in each other’s presence. Continue to hold on to God’s Unchanging hands. We love you!
Your Cousins
Chandra (Shawn), Jeff, Lil Jeff, Jermaine and Nia
LeShell, I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I have known Judson Rory Jones since high school. Which will be 40 years in 2026. My heart is heavy and he will be missed. Keeping his wife and family in prayer during this difficult time. Take Care!
Hello LeShell
I am Rukiya’s mom. It has been sometime since I last saw you. I have not forgotten you. I am sad that it is to offer my sincere condolences in the passing of your husband. I pray you have peace and family and friends to love on you, comfort you and give you moments to smile, memories to fill your with blessings and strength to get through. I wish you all of that. Cry if you must, but seek that place and time when you can be comforted by all that he earthly gave and what his spirit will give to make each memory lift you up, fill you with what you need in that moment. God bless you as lean on him and his promises.
I am sorry for your loss. Rory was a great person. I will miss him.
I am deeply sorry to read this. Sending condolences and prayers. I graduated with Rory from Lowell High School.
Lucinda A Cornell (Cindy)
Rory was more than friend, he was a brother. Even though I’ll miss our conversations and visits, I’m forever grateful and fortunate to have had him in my life for the past 30 years. I’m a better person for having known him. Rest easy, brother. Til we meet again.
To LaShell, Uncle Judson, Aunt Lucinda, and Kurt
Sending our heart felt condolences to you all. We will remember Rory over the years we’ve spent visiting you in Michigan which was always a fun time. Take care and God Bless you.
Hugs,
Donald, Ruth, Shani, Aaron, and Marcus Moore
My Dearest LeShell/The Jones Family,
We send our deepest condolences to all of you on the loss of Rory. LeShell, Thank you for bringing Rory into our lives as Kevin and I enjoyed getting to know him. He brought such joy to you and I loved the smile that he put on your face. We will definitely miss him. I guess you can tell him I still have not learned “The Tamia”. We had the best times when you guys visited and always looked forward to them. I still remember the first visit and the look on his face was pure “excitement”…….the joy he was looking forward to and had after he met you. I remember looking at you all during your reception and saying look at my baby sis, she is so happy. I was just glad that you found someone who loved, adored and supported you the way you deserve….his loss his devastating but he gets to experience the everlasting love that we all hope to be blessed with when our time comes. He was definitely needed……much love to you and your family. We Love You! The Lee-Hall Family
I’m so sorry for your parents’ loss. It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, but I remember growing up at the lake and you being a big part of that.