Obituary of Brian David Jones

Brian David Jones passed away suddenly at his home in Brighton, CO on December 24, 2021 with his family by his side. Born in Niskayuna, New York on May 10, 1975, he is the son of Robert Michael, and Susan Ann (Ravaioli) Jones. He is survived by Nicole, his wife and best friend of 20 years; his daughter Kelcey Jones of Fort Collins, CO; his son Bryce Jones of Brighton, CO; sister Lisa Jones Wolf (Evan) of Burnt Hills, NY; brother Stephen Jones (Christine) of Glenville, NY; in-laws Allen and Louise Henry of Plattsburgh, NY, and lots of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his devoted canine sidekick, Jackson.  Brian is predeceased by his Uncles Robert Coager and Mario Ravaioli Jr, his maternal grandparents, Mario and Helen Ravaioli, and paternal grandparents, Robert and Stella Jones.

A 1993 graduate of Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School, Brian was co-captain of the Spartan football team during his senior year.  He attended Hudson Valley Community College for one year before transferring to SUNY-Cortland, where he went on to earn a BS degree in Physical Education with a concentration in coaching, graduating in 1999 with his brother Steve. Brian participated in Cortland’s intercollegiate football program playing offense and defense for the Red Dragons, and he continued to love and carry the Red Dragon spirit throughout his life.

Following graduation, he accepted a position as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director at Agate School District #300 in Agate, CO, where he served for 2 years. In 2003 he became a Physical Education teacher at Belle Creek Charter School in Henderson, Colorado, where he assumed the role of Athletic Director in 2004. He held both of these positions at Belle Creek for 19 years. During his tenure at Belle Creek, he wore many hats: coach, educator, colleague, mentor, and above all, he instilled in his students a dedication and work ethic and helped them to see their potential to become the best versions of themselves.

During the span of his amazing 28-year coaching career (1993-2021) Brian coached a multitude of sports: football (his primary passion), softball, basketball, track, soccer, and volleyball. His coaching accomplishments are numerous and were a testament to his love of sport and his athletes. 

Coaching Career:

1993 - Asst. Coach for Burnt Hills Ballston Spa H.S. Football (NY).

1999-2007 - Coached Kelcey with Nicole in recreation softball (NY & CO).

2001-2003 - Head Coach of 6 Man football at Agate, and Girls Volleyball (CO).

2003-2021 - Coached at Belle Creek, Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls and Boys Soccer, Girls and Boys Track and Girls Volleyball, winning several Championships in ALL sports.  He coached both Kelcey and Bryce in Track and Basketball throughout their middle school career (CO).

2004-2006 - Offense Line Coach at Adams City (CO).

2007 - Offensive Line for Jefferson High School (CO).

2013-2015 Coached Bryce with his wife in recreation basketball (CO).

2013-2015 - Head Coach for the Brighton Youth Athletic Football League coaching Bryce with Nicole as manager (CO).

2008-2010 - Varsity Offensive Line Coach for Brighton H.S. BULLDOGS! (CO)

2011 – Varsity Offensive Line Coach for Standley Lake (CO).

2016-2017 - Coached Bryce as a Freshman & J.V. Offensive Line Coach and was assistant to the varsity Team Coaching Staff for Brighton H.S. BULLDOGS!

His love of sport extended to his personal hobbies and interests.  Brian first and foremost was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, through thick and thin.  He also loved watching and playing golf, especially with his wife Nicole, and he liked rooting for the Tennessee Volunteers (especially Football and Softball with his son and daughter), New York Yankees and the New Jersey Devils.  He loved to cook, which was part of a passion he enjoyed with his family and friends. Some of his favorite things were grilling and smoking meat on Sundays and holidays, and cooking with his wife and family. He had an insatiable love for fishing, which spanned his entire life. In his youth he enjoyed fishing on his grandfather’s boat with his dad and brother on the Sacandaga Reservoir near his home, and also on Mississippi Lake in Ontario, Canada.  In the spaces between his work and home life he was always trying to find time to fish. His rod and reel were a permanent staple in the back of his truck, and he would fish for any amount of time no matter the weather: rain, sleet, or snow. He loved sharing his fishing passion with his family, in particular with his nieces and nephews on Lake Champlain.

His personal characteristics were that of a superhero on Earth. He would help others without hesitation.  Brian never needed to know the why, just who it was and where he needed to go.  His love and devotion to his family and friends were his first priority always, followed by a close second to his commitment and dedication to his students and athletes.  His children (Kelcey and Bryce) were his world.  Whether he was coaching them on the field, hanging around with them throwing the softball or football in his backyard, driving hours to show up as “Dad”, or just goofing around and making them smile. He loved them with an immeasurable fierceness.  Brian was always the life of the party.  His smile, twinkle in his eye, and sense of humor were infectious, and we always felt lighter and special just being around him, surrounded by his big hearty laugh and his bear hugs.  He was an explorer and adventurer and didn’t overthink things.  He had a vivacious spirit, lived boldly and loved big, and truly embodied the sentiment, “Carpe Diem”, “Seize the Day”. He will be missed and loved forever.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Brian on Monday January 10th at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Saratoga Rd., Glenville. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Sunday from 4 PM to 7 PM at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Scotia-Glenville. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations to the Coach Jones Memorial Fund for Belle Creek Athletics Program can be made by clicking the donations button on this website or clicking this website: https://bellecreek.revtrak.net/coach-jones-memorial-athletic-department-donations/