More detail on this person: Obit sent to the
VHPA by Edward Canright of Traverse City, MI
Thompsonville - Derryl James Jones, 61, of
Thompsonville, died Sept 23, 2010, at his home. He
was born in Cadillac on Nov 14, 1948, the son of
James and Ardith Jones. After graduating from
Cadillac High School in 1966, Derryl entered into
the U.S. Army. After finishing basic training he
completed flight school and served three combat
tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot in the
1/9th Air Cavalry Division, B Troop. While serving
in Vietnam he received numerous commendations,
including three DFCs, 3 Bronze Stars, two Purple
Hearts and a Silver Star. Prior to his third
combat tour, he married his beloved wife of 39
years, Christine Trojanek. In 1977, he fulfilled
his lifelong dream of becoming a Michigan
Conservation Officer, serving in Monroe,
Roscommon and Benzie County. In 2003, Derryl
retired from the DNR after 26 years of service.
During his career, he distinguished himself in
many ways by serving as law division pilot for 10
years, playing a key role in the Mesabi Fur
Company sting operation and spearheading the
C.W. Bowman gill netting case. After retiring,
Derryl was able to rededicate himself to his
hobbies, which included fishing, duck hunting, Red
Wings hockey, monthly poker game, babysitting
his trout pond and gardening. He made annual
fishing trips to Lake Missinaibi, Ontario, Canada,
with family members and a core group of great
friends. He and Christine greatly enjoyed
traveling the country to visit family, friends and
interesting places. Derryl was a giving man who
was very dedicated to his family and friends. He
enjoyed family barbecues and fish fries, hunting
and fishing with his sons and grandchildren,
visiting friends, giving away the produce from his
garden, holidays with family members and spending
time with his two grandchildren, Liam and Mia. He
was greatly loved and respected by those who knew
him, and he will be sorely missed. He is survived
by his wife. //Extended family details not
recorded// A visitation will be today, Sept 26,
from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jowett
Family Funeral Homes in Benzonia. A funeral
service will be held Monday, Sept 27 at the First
Congregational Church in Benzonia. Burial will
take place at a later date in the Arlington
National Cemetery, in Washington D.C.
Contributions may be directed to Ducks Unlimited
or the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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