Preston Eugene Jones, Sr., 88, of Pennsville, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 22, 2025. Born on May 9, 1937, in Pulaski, Virginia, to Eldridge and Rosie Mae (Faeris) Jones, Preston's life was marked by devoted service to his country, deep commitment to his family, and a generous spirit that touched all who knew him.

When Preston was still a young boy, his father took a job at DuPont Chambers Works, a life-changing opportunity that brought the family hundreds of miles from Virginia to Salem County, where they made their new home. As a teenager, Preston worked as a ride attendant at Riverview Beach Park. An excellent skater, he was also a rink attendant at the park's roller-skating rink. In 1954, at just seventeen and a half years old, he followed the example of his older brothers and, along with his best friend George Banger, enlisted in the United States Navy, going on to serve with honor for thirty-three years.

After leaving the Navy, Preston worked for many years as a painter, much of that time as a shop steward at the Salem Nuclear Generating Station, before retiring as a proud member of Painter's Local 1331.

Preston was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Catherine Dolores (Zitkevitz) Jones; his son, Michael; daughters, Denise and Kelly; grandson, David Jones; and his five brothers: Joe, Doug, Woody, Charlie, and Bobby.

He is survived by his children: Sherry, Preston Jr. (Dawn), Deborah Hiner-Deichelbor (Michael), and Steven; grandchildren: Joey, Preston, Catherine, Kimberly, Michael, Dougie, Devin, Bobbi Jean, Ryan, Ashley (Anthony), Angela, Amanda, Logan, Mason and Roman; great-granddaughters, Makenzie Walker, Hailey Jones, Abigail Weatherby, Logan Dolbow, Cadence Dolbow, Daniel Castro, Ryan Cassidy and Avah Bowers; and great-great-grandson, Amari Williams, all of whom brought him immense joy in his later years. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Thomas Zitkevitz (Carol), brother-in-law Charles "Butch" Zitkevitz, sister-in-law Donna Zitkevitz and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A man of simple pleasures and steadfast loyalty, Preston was a devoted Philadelphia sports fan, passionately rooting for the Phillies and the Eagles. He enjoyed classic western films and television shows, loved country music, and cherished time spent boating and fishing.

Preston and Catherine were well known for their hospitality and love of entertaining. Their home was elaborately decorated inside and out for every holiday—especially Halloween and Christmas. Family and friends still fondly recall their annual Fourth of July extravaganzas and the epic horseshoe tournaments that ensued.

Above all, he found his greatest joy in the company of family, regaling them with stories of his youth, travels, and time in the Navy.

Preston's life exemplified the values of service, family, and community. His stories, wisdom, and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday October 1st at the Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville, NJ where friends may call from 10:00 to 12:00 PM prior to the service. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Lawnside Cemetery, Woodstown, NJ

www.laughreyfuneralhome.com