April 15, 2014

Terry D. Jones

Terry D. Jones, 47, Dickinson, died Friday, April 4, 2014 surrounded by his family at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dickinson, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A funeral service for Terry was held Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Queen of Peace Church in Dickinson. Fr. Todd Kreitinger officiated.  
Terry was born March 15, 1967, in Watford City, the son of David and Iva Jones. He attended grade school at Johnson’s Corner. While in high school, Terry competed in basketball and football, graduating from Watford City High School in 1985. He cherished his time with his family while growing up in rural North Dakota.  The benefits of family and the values learned from his mother and father, became the living graces in the lives of his wife and children.  He attended school in Rapid City and transferred to Moorhead State, graduating in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business finance and political finance.
Terry met the love of his life, Anne Klinnert, at a preschool where Anne was working and thus began a beautiful relationship. Anne and Terry were united in marriage on July 17, 1992 at St. James Church at Maine-Underwood, Minn.  Through the years, Terry and Anne made their home in Richardton and Dickinson.  Terry’s greatest joy was his family. He and Anne were blessed with five children; Ryan, Lucas, Kendall, Abby, and Colton.  His family was his pride and joy.  Terry’s love and belief in his children and his wife, was evident in the manner in which he shared his life values and cherished moments with them.  Though a quiet man by nature, Terry was a strong foundation in whom many placed their trust and hope.  He was most respected for his balance in life.  While living in Richardton, he was often observed taking the youngest children (triplets) and Colton for a walk in a four-quad stroller around town.
Before being hired in 2002 by TMI, Terry worked for Combined Insurance and then Richardton Manufacturing. He applied at TMI for an Administrative Assistant position and Human Resources was quick to inform the Estimating Department that Terry’s capabilities would better fit the demands of that position.  His peers called him “The Sponge” because of his ability to absorb things quickly.  His area of expertise was in large, very complicated, healthcare market projects, and meeting deadlines was never an issue.  He was very thorough and customers appreciated his communicative skills. Rarely was there a difference in Terry’s quality work on a project for his customers.  One of his customers was a large French Canadian dealer and Terry could interpret their drawings and language with ease.  His children teased him that he colored drawings for a living. Terry would respond by saying that he did not “color outside of the lines.” He worked as much as his health would permit over the last two years and his dedication was truly admirable.
Terry’s family was more important to him than anything that the world could offer.  He was a well-respected TMI employee. His dedication towards his children was noted when he would leave home early in the morning for work in order to take time off from TMI in the afternoon to coach or attend his children’s games.  He followed his children in their sporting activities and felt it was important to be present at most of their events.
Faith was very important to him and he had a deep appreciation for life and all he was given. We have been truly blessed for having shared in the life of our husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend.  Terry was a man of quiet strength, dependent upon his faith and filled with hope.  Terry will be missed and he leaves an empty place in each of our hearts.  We will never stop thanking God for the life of Terry Jones.
Terry’s hobbies and interests were the bright lights that gave meaning and purpose to his life.  The given names of the bright lights are: Anne, Ryan, Lucas, Kendall, Abby, and Colton.
Terry was preceded in death by his grandparents and infant sister, Sandra.
Terry is survived by his loving wife, Anne; his beloved children, Ryan, Lucas, Kendall, Abby, and Colton; parents, David and Iva Jones, Keene, N.D.;  Valorie (Mike) Uhlir and Adam and Megan, Thompson, N.D.;  Larry, Keene, N.D.; Wendy (Mike) Tyrer and Jenny, Beloit, Wisc.; in-laws, Ambrose and Joan Klinnert, Dent, Minn.; sister-in-law, Katy (John) Ellison and Maddie, Milwaukee, Wisc.; brother-in-law, Tom (Rachel) Klinnert, Eugene, Ore.; and special family friend, Tyler Schmidkunz.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER