The document is a heartfelt tribute to David Jones, who was a beloved friend and guardian for over 30 years. David, known for his humor, musical talent, and love for family and friends, faced significant challenges due to schizophrenia but remained a joyful presence in the lives of those around him. The author reflects on their cherished memories and expresses the hope that David has found peace and happiness after his struggles.

1. My Tribute to David Jones
•
With Special thanks to Beth Edmonds and the Woodlea Home
I met David 32 years ago, I was teaching at
the Muskegon Regional Center. David lived
at the Center for several years. In his
younger years, David was a student at
Wesley School. I met David when he was
12 years old and we became fast friends.
My classroom was across from the
barbershop in the activities building and
David would frequently come down and
visit, I subsequently became David’s
special friend and then his guardian. David
became part of our family and spent
holidays with us until a few years ago when
his schizophrenia made traveling extremely
difficult. With the closing of the regional
center, David and his brothers returned to
the county of their birth and became

2. residents of group homes in Allegan County
and students at Allegan Developmental
Center. We have remained friends with
David; and he has been a part of our family
for over thirty years. David was known for
his sense of humor and love of music.
David’s laugh was infectious and he loved
to kid around with others. He also was a
great singer. He loved R&B and popular
music and once he heard a song he would
remember it. David always enjoyed playing
his guitar. One of my favorite memories of
David will be the times we got to play
guitars and sing together. David also loved
animals, cooking, bowling, dancing, Special
Olympics, and spending time with his
family and friends. David was continually
active in his church, appreciated gospel
music, always knew the words, and was
usually the one singing the loudest. David
always gave more than her took
He enjoyed being with others so much.
David liked to go out to eat but he would
never tell us where he wanted to go.

3. We would ask him and he would say “ It
doesn’t matter to me or it up to you guys?
At the holidays, would ask him what he
wanted for a gift? It” doesn’t matter it is
up to you guys? He was one of those
people who got more excited about giving
a gift than he did receiving one. We still
have a painting that David gave us hanging
on our wall. It shows a summer day with
birds flying, the sun shining, and not a
cloud in the sky. I don’t pretend to
understand the fears that David faced or
why someone with such a kind heart would
have to face them, I once heard a person
say to him to stop being afraid like it was a
choice that David had made... What struck
me was that there is no doubt in my mind
that David would have always chosen
laughter over fear, freedom or darkness.
David needed more courage than most of is
have to face every day.
I will never forget David’s laugh or his
smile.

4. My prayer is that he knows how much we
loved him and that we will never forget
him.
My prayer is that he is running free,
dancing singing, filled with happiness
David was one of those people who lifted
those around him and made them better.
We will never forget David’s friendship, the
times he spent with our family, and the
positive impact he had on our children, We
pray that his demons are gone, that he is
no longer afraid, and that he has found the
happiness that he so richly deserved.
Our family will miss David but his spirit will
always be with us.
Steven Vitto