Jeremy Jones

On March 12, 2023, Jeremy Jones of Saratoga Springs, NY and Naples, FL passed away peacefully at the age of 81. Jeremy was born on January 14, 1942 to Charlotte (Weaver) and John Haydn Jones and spent his childhood in Deerfield, MA, Riverdale, and Westport, NY. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1959 and was a member of the swim team earning All-American. He went on to Hamilton College where he continued on the swim team and joined Alpha Delta Phi, graduating with a B.S. in English in 1963. Professionally, Jeremy started as a pollster for Lou Harris in NYC and soon moved into philanthropy for education. His career path from Riverdale Country School, St. Christopher’s School, Mary Institute, and St. George’s School to The Culinary Institute of America and SUNY Empire State, evidenced his belief in teaching people philanthropy and the joy of thoughtful giving. Mentorship was a guiding principle throughout his life; he tried to emulate his own role models and took great pride in fostering the professional growth of scores of colleagues, friends and family. Jeremy co-founded the fundraising consulting firm The Franklin Group, and was a founding member of Lee Grant, a closely knit association of independent school professionals. He was an editor of A Development Handbook: Promoting Philanthropy at Independent Schools; and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education awarded him the Robert Bell Crow Memorial Award, recognizing his distinguished service to the school advancement profession. Generous with his volunteer time, Jeremy enjoyed his service to many organizations, including as Chair of the Board of Homemade Theater in Saratoga Springs, on the Board of the Depot Theatre in Westport, and in pro bono consulting for many non-profits including Pilobolus. Throughout his life he shared his love of the written word, his thirst for continuing knowledge, passion for swimming, bridge, dancing and golf, and penchant for challenging mind puzzles and games. Family meant the world to Jeremy and he was a steady rudder for them all. He supported many with a guiding hand and empowered people to make decisions and take responsibiliy. “Without failure, one will never know their full potential.” To the end of his days, he believed that life, with a sense of humor, is to be lived. And he would wager that life wasn’t worth living without excellent adventures. He is survived by the love of his life and wife, Tracy G. Savage; his children Deborah (Thomas) Pastore, David (Jodi) Jones and Susanne Jones; his grandchildren Justin (Angel) Jones, and Katharine and Samuel Pastore; his siblings John Christopher Jones, Charlotte (Jones) McCormick, Jennifer (Jones) Cavanaugh, and his “adopted” brother Moto Imai. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Peter Jeffrey Jones. In lieu of flowers, please honor Jeremy by feeling the joy of giving and making a special gift in his memory to Deerfield Academy or to an educational institution that holds special meaning for you, and be sure to have a “Foxy Taid-sized” bowl of ice cream and your own excellent adventure! A gathering of remembrance will be held this summer in NY. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Jeremy Jones

January 14, 1942 - March 12, 2023