Michael David Jones, 63, died on February 22, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was born on April 27, 1962, in Billings, Montana, to Bob and Margaret Jones.

Michael was the youngest of three children. The family lived in Bridger Montana until Michael was 8.  Then the family moved to Santa Rosa, New Mexico. There, his family embraced the community, and the community embraced them in return.  Michael grew up enjoying small town life alongside his siblings, Rob and Kathleen, building friendships and memories that stayed with him throughout his life.

Much of Michael's childhood was shaped by the family running the nine-hole Tres Lagunas golf course, where he developed a lifelong love of golf and of the work that went into caring for a golf course. Some of his favorite memories came from working and playing there alongside his parents. He loved not only the game, but also the way a golf course could bring people together.

Michael's third through eighth grade was at St Rose School, and then he graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1980, where he enjoyed being part of the Lion community. He later earned a degree in horticulture from New Mexico State University. While at NMSU, he met and fell for Vicki Reames. They married in 1985 and built a life together, raising their two children, Joshua and Anika.

Over the years, Michael combined his gift of working with the land and his love of golf, serving as superintendent at Picacho Hills Country Club, NMMI Golf Course, and New Mexico Tech Golf Course. Few people would understand the love connection he had for a golf course. He took pride in the work and cared deeply about the courses and the communities connected to them.

Those who knew Michael best will remember much more than his work. He was a kid at heart, joking around and telling stories and playing games with his kids, friends, nieces, and nephews. He loved conversation and could talk with anyone. He had a natural way of connecting with people and made others feel comfortable and welcome. His warmth, humor, and easygoing spirit brought joy to all who knew him.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He treasured time with his children and delighted in being "Uncle Mikey." His favorite holidays were the Fourth of July and Halloween, and he enjoyed cooking and hosting Thanksgiving dinner. He also loved sharing stories, music, NPR, reading, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In later years, he and Vicki enjoyed traveling together, whether it was for a Steelers game, a concert, watching high school sports, or to visit family.

One of the joys of his last year was becoming a grandfather to Ozia Jones Schoenbaum on October 6, 2024. On the first day he met her, he walked around holding her and introducing her to his stories.

Michael left us far too soon. He will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, humor, and the joy he brought to family, friends, and all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Jones, and son, Joshua Jones, of Las Cruces; his daughter, Anika and her husband Brian Schoenbaum, and granddaughter Ozia of Santa Fe; his mother, Margaret Jones of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; his sister, Kathleen and her husband Alex Baca of Vista, California; his sisters-in-law Sandra Jennings of Oklahoma City, Margaret Jones of Front Royal,   and Donna Light of Las Cruces, brother- in- law Jimmy Light and his wife Virginia of Lubbock ; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Jones; his brother, Rob Jones; his in-laws, Walter and Mary Light; and his brother-in-law Forrest Reames.

There will be a vigil service at Baca's Funeral Home of Las Cruces on Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 pm.  Visitation begins at 5:00 pm. The address is 300 E. Boutz Rd. Las Cruces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 29, at 10:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The address is 1327 N. Miranda St in Las Cruces. Inurnment will follow at the columbarium at Holy Cross Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to NPR or Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.

We love you, Michael.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com