David "Dave" Lee Jones, 44, succumbed to cancer on August 31, 2023. Dave was born to Anne (Thompson) and Donald Jones on October 18, 1978 in Perry County, Kentucky.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Dave earned his Bachelor's degree (English) and Masters degree (Creative Writing) from Morehead State University. He later received his Doctorate in English, Professional Writing from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Dave's work was published in dozens of publications and he presented at several conferences. Dave served as an English instructor at Old Dominion University, University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Owensboro Technical and Community College before he found his calling in user experience, where he worked for 11 years.

In September 2013, Dave met the love of his life, Kristy Swanson, and they married on January 19, 2019. He knew immediately that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Kristy and he kept that promise. Dave and Kristy enjoyed hiking, watching baseball, and spending time with family, friends, and their three cats; Callie, Oreo, Tiger.
Known to his closest friends as a "gentle giant," Dave had a good heart, and was a quiet genius. His true passion in life was music. Playing guitar and writing music brought Dave joy. In fact, he saw the world through music. In addition to music, Dave was passionate about justice, the environment, his wife, and their cats. Dave found solace being part of nature. He enjoyed camping and visiting National Parks (especially Glacier) and the Northshore of Minnesota was his happy place. Last year, Dave achieved a life goal of swimming with sharks while visiting the Galapagos Islands.
Dave was a great friend and a true Cubs fan. His knowledge, talent, and compassion will be missed.
Left to cherish Dave's love and light are his wife, Kristy Swanson; mother, Anne (Thompson) Jones; brothers, Donald Jones and Paul Runyon; sister, Marian (Larry Fields). Dave is also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Donald, and brother, Ronald Jones. A celebration of life is scheduled for October 14th, details TBD.

*Courtesy Obituary*