Andy Jones

James Andrew "Andy" Jones of Bogata, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his residence. Born on November 22, 1955, in Opelika, Alabama, he was the cherished son of Jack Gardner and Jimmie Louise (Smith) Jones.

Andy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bogata, Texas. He attended Bogata/Rivercrest Schools all twelve years, graduating in 1974. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics and math, and was a member of the social, professional, and agricultural fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho, at East Texas State University.

Andy devoted his career to education and athletics, influencing countless lives through his roles as a dedicated math and physics teacher and basketball coach at Rivercrest, and also taught in Mount Vernon, Roxton, Palestine, Sulphur Bluff, and Cayuga schools. His coaching prowess culminated in a notable achievement when he was part of the coaching team that led the Rivercrest Rebels to secure the 2006 state championship in basketball.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Jack and Jimmie Louise Jones, stepdad, George Pope; grandparents, Jim and Marie Smith, Jack and Josephine Jones, and Estelle Pope; and stepbrother, Ralph Pope. Andy is survived by his beloved sister, Cathy Jones; his brother, Frank and Susan Pope; and his niece, Jessica Pope. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and the many students and athletes whose lives he enriched

A service honoring Andy's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Bogata, followed by interment at Bogata Cemetery. There will be a Visitation for family and friends from 6:00 Pm to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in the Wood-Haggard Chapel. Funeral arrangements are under the thoughtful care of Wood-Haggard Funeral Home of Bogata.

Andy Jones leaves behind a legacy of passion for learning, commitment to excellence, and deep love for his community and sport. His influence will continue to resonate through the lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.

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