06/17/2026
In Loving Memory of Dan Jones
The Woodbury City Public Schools community mourns the loss of longtime teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, Dan Jones, whose impact on our district spans generations.
The Jones family's connection to Woodbury began before Dan was born. His father, Joseph Jones Jr., began teaching in Woodbury in 1963, establishing a legacy of service that would continue for decades. Dan's sister, Jennifer Jones, devoted her entire teaching career to Woodbury from 1995 until her passing in 2012. Her dedication is remembered through the annual scholarship established in her name. Dan's brother, Joseph Jones III, also taught in Woodbury before pursuing school administration and later returning to serve as Superintendent from 2005 until his retirement in 2016.
Dan began his own career in Woodbury in 1997 and faithfully served our students and community until his retirement in 2023. Throughout those 26 years, he was far more than a teacher and coach. He was a mentor, a role model, and a trusted presence whose influence extended well beyond the classroom and athletic fields.
In his retirement remarks, Dan reflected on the remarkable fact that a member of the Jones family had walked the halls of Woodbury City Public Schools continuously for 60 years—from his father's arrival in 1963 through Dan's retirement in 2023. That extraordinary legacy speaks to the family's unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and community of Woodbury.
Recently inducted into the South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame, Dan was a three-time state championship coach whose accomplishments earned him recognition throughout the region. Yet those who knew him best will remember him not for the victories, but for the lives he touched.
As Dan's longtime friend and colleague, Ari Ford, shared:
"Dan Jones was a South Jersey coaching legend whose impact reached far beyond the field. Recently inducted into the South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame and a three-time state champion with the Herd, Coach Jones built a legacy defined not only by wins, but by leadership, mentorship, and the relationships he formed along the way. To so many, he was more than a coach. He was a role model, a trusted voice, and a friend. His influence will continue to live on through the countless athletes, coaches, students, and community members whose lives he helped shape."
Dan's legacy will forever remain a part of Woodbury City Public Schools. We extend our deepest condolences to the Jones family, his friends, former students, athletes, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
His dedication, kindness, leadership, and love for Woodbury will never be forgotten.
Forever Herd. Forever Remembered. 🦬💙💛
