Obituary of Daniel J. Jones

Daniel “Danny” J. Jones, 83, of Denville, New Jersey, passed away at his home on June 11, 2021. Danny was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to New Jersey with his wife to raise their family. He has lived in Denville for the past four years. Danny proudly served his country in the Army as a First Lieutenant during the Cuban Crisis in 1962. Before Danny’s retirement in 1993, he was a Manager of Systems Services for McDonnell Douglas Automation in Florham Park for 23 years. After Danny retired, he worked for many years as a Bus Driver for Sussex County. He loved driving the kids and was loved by all. He loved spending his days in the Adirondacks with his family, going on boat rides, watching the sunsets, playing poker and riding his scooter to visit his neighbors on the road, and just enjoying the outdoors. Danny was a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, formerly known as North America Riding for the Handicapped, from 1970-Present. He cherished his family above all! He was Pop Pop to many, from the kids on his bus route, the kids at his daughter’s daycare and to the friends of his grandchildren. His grandchildren were his pride and joy! He loved doing anything and everything with them. Danny never missed a chance to tell anyone that would listen how special they were and how lucky he was. Danny loved animals! His pets were part of his family and you would be hard-pressed to find him without a treat for a dog or a carrot for a horse! After 83 years of life, he was a man with many stories. You never got the same one twice unless you requested it, and somehow you got the sense a small mischievous part was left out. His patience, love and loyalty were evident to all that crossed his path. He was always there to help or listen and offer some positive words of encouragement. He will be deeply missed. Danny is survived by his devoted daughter, Donna Southard and her husband, Peter, adoring grandchildren, Matt Southard and his wife, Cate Girone, and Samantha Southard and her boyfriend, Thomas Gavaghan. Danny is predeceased by his beloved wife, Kathleen A. Jones (2011) and his son, Mark Jones. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 2 to 4 pm with a Service from 4 to 5 pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. In lieu of flowers, donations in Danny’s memory may be made to Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 Route 10 West, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936 or online at www.https://njshelter.org/