Richard Graham Jones, Jr.

Richard Graham Jones Jr., “Rick,” of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, October 24th. Throughout his life, Rick exemplified a selfless spirit and possessed a remarkable ability to connect with anyone in the room. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many friends and family members who will miss him dearly.

Rick is survived by his children, Sam and Sarah, whom he cherished every moment with, his sister Caroline, brother Danny, and numerous nieces and nephews who will hold fond memories of their “Uncle Rick.” He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Suzy Jones.

Rick’s journey began in Sarasota, Florida. Born into an Army family, he lived in many places throughout his childhood including Florida, Germany, Kentucky, Georgia, Colorado, Tennessee, and Alaska. In May of 1981, Rick graduated as salutatorian and class president from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. He was also one of two students from Alaska to attend the Boys Nation conference in Washington, D.C. that year. Rick was also a proud Eagle Scout.

His journey continued in August of 1981 as he found himself in front of Dupont Hall on the campus of William and Mary. He frequently told the story of standing in the 95-degree Williamsburg humidity, just minutes into his first day on campus, wondering what he had gotten himself into. By chance, a freshman football player, who would become a lifelong friend, gave a hand with his luggage and invited him out that evening. The rest is history as Rick went on to join Kappa Sigma fraternity where he forged a unique bond with a group of friends that has remained tight knit for over four decades.

After graduating from William and Mary with a degree in business, Rick worked in Williamsburg for A.L. Williams and as a sales associate at Ford’s Colony before embarking on a career as a sales consultant in November of 1992. Rick had found a home in Williamsburg and was a proud member of the community for over 42 years.

To Rick, his children Sam and Sarah were his crown jewels, and he never missed an opportunity to express how proud he was of them. He found no greater joy than being their dad, and he was an exceptional one to say the least. The special love shared between Rick and his children has left a lasting impact on their hearts, and his spirit will be carried with them as they continue on their own life journeys.

Rick found great joy in the little things: morning drives along the Colonial Parkway, writing down a good quote, wrestling with his dog Stryker, discussing world events, grilling a medium rare steak, playing a frustrating round of golf, sharing music, fishing, playing the guitar, coaching youth sports, and telling a great story.

An optimist at heart, Rick never complained or gave up in the face of adversity in recent years. Rick wished to be remembered as a kind person who loved his kids, family, and friends. He will be missed by many and left the world a better place than he found it.

If you would like to donate on Rick’s behalf, please consider St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Walsingham Academy, or the Avalon Center.

A memorial service will be held on December 9, 2023, at 1 PM at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Williamsburg. Following the service, a celebration of life will take place in the Person room of William and Mary’s Kaplan Arena from 3 PM to 5 PM.