April 25, 2025, 71, Goldsboro —
Michael Morrie Jones, age 71 of Goldsboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday surrounded by loved ones after a life defined by wisdom, wit, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to justice—and, of course, Carolina athletics.
Born on November 22, 1953, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Patrick and Doris Jones, Mike’s early life took him across the country—from Missouri to Chicago to D.C.—before landing in Goldsboro, where his father ran the Jones Pontiac Cadillac dealership and where Mike would ultimately build a life and legacy of his own.
Mike graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1972, where he played varsity football, and went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both his undergraduate and law degrees. A proud Tar Heel for life, he could often be found cheering on UNC with the same enthusiasm he brought to every courtroom and racquetball match.
As managing partner at Dees, Smith, Powell, Jarrett, Dees & Jones, Mike practiced civil litigation for over four decades. He participated in nearly 200 trials and served as a certified Superior Court mediator, mediating more than 2,000 cases and arbitrating 75 more. He was respected across the legal community for his intellect, fairness, and steady hand—and admired by all who had the privilege of working with him for his kindness and character.
A lifelong learner and voracious reader, Mike could disappear for hours into a thick history novel, only to emerge with a fact or story that made you laugh, think, or both. He was active in his community, a longtime member and past president of the Goldsboro Jaycees, and found both spiritual fulfillment and service through his membership at First Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon.
Mike had a deep love for animals—especially the many cats who graced the family home over the years. He was the kind of man who left out an extra bowl of food to ensure no strays ever went hungry and always had a lap for them to curl up on.
But above all, Mike was devoted to his family. He is survived by his children, Justin Jones (fiancé Lauryn) and Caroline Jones. They will forever cherish his calm wisdom, quiet humor, and constant belief in them. Mike found incredible joy with the love of his life, his fiancé, Kay Ballance, whose presence lit up his world. He embraced Kay’s children—Lindsey (Scott) MacDougall, Dustin (Regina) Gurley, and Drake (Joanna) Gurley—and their children, Karis, Brannon, Hunter, Emmy Mae, Mary Mac, Greer, Annie, and Margot—with open arms, becoming a beloved “Pop” and mentor in their lives.
He was a Tar Heel, a counselor, a reader, a racquetball competitor, a devoted partner, and a beloved father and “pop.” He lived a life of quiet integrity and deep love. Though the world feels dimmer without his steady presence, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—with grace, humility, and a reminder to always take the high road.
We are deeply grateful for the staff at Kitty Askins for their care during his final days allowing him to leave this world with the same grace and dignity that defined his life.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro. A time of visitation will follow the service at the church. The family asks that members of the North Carolina Bar Association and Goldsboro High School Class of 1972 to plan on being seated together at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter, First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro, Kitty Askins Hospice Center or you can honor him by simply picking up a good book, advocating for what’s right, or loving your people well. Because that’s exactly what Mike would have wanted.
