Christopher Paul "Chris" Jones, 41, of Apopka, FL passed away December 16, 2016. Mr. Jones was born December 23, 1974 in Madrid, Spain.
Chris Jones… A name almost anyone in Apopka Florida would instantly recognize. For some, the phrases “Yea boy” “Yes sir” or “Slacker” would bring a laugh and quickly make them think of Chris, and once they did their mind would be flooded with memories. Memories of a man who loved his children and grandson more than life itself. Tyson, Lexi, Rylee, and Chloe were all blessed with having the best Daddy a family could ever ask for. And Chris was so proud to be baby Eli’s Granddad “Pop Pop” and to teach him the lessons of family he learned from his parents Cathy and Steve of unbreakable love, through thick and thin, good and bad, family is a bond that cannot be broken. Others would remember the impact he had on their child on and off the baseball field. They would remember the inspiration, guidance, and feeling of confidence he put into the hearts of all the kids he took under his wing over his 15 years of coaching the Apopka little league baseball team with his best friend Cory Rice. He also shared the passion for the game with his son Tyson, and started him in the league at the age of 4 where he played with his father beside him for 12 years. Chris, was truly loved and appreciated by all of the parents and kids he coached. Chris was also known for his love for his job. He was inside sales for a fastener distribution company for over 20 years. Chris had an amazing relationship with all of his customers, and their trust in him inspired a loyalty that no one could teach in school or write in a manual. They were a customer of Chris as much as they were a customer of the product. The place that everyone knew was Chris’s escape to paradise and the place he loved sharing with all of his friends and family was the beach. Monday through Friday Chris was all about his job and taking care of his responsibilities, but as soon as the whistle blew on Friday afternoon he was looking for any or no reason at all to head towards the water. Whether it was just him, a salt life t-shirt, and his kids on the shore or fishing with his friends on the pier or 20 miles off the coast Chris just needed to be near the ocean.
Chris’s charismatic personality, contagious smirk of a smile, and his trademark laugh could lift up anyone’s spirit on even their darkest of days. He was a man that lived life to its absolute fullest, loved his family without waver, and cherished his friendships both long and short. The day that Chris left us was also a day that he was hardened within us. His memories, his actions, his laughter and his love will be forever tattooed on our hearts and he will never be replaced or forgotten. Until we meet again, we love you Chris.