Marshall Jones

Marshall Curtis Jones, 89, of Seattle WA, passed away peacefully at his home on January 23, 2025.

Marshall was born December 19, 1935, in Magnolia Mississippi and was raised in Hammond Louisiana, by his father Nathaniel Jones. Growing up, he helped his father manage a tavern, and experience that inspired his decision to move to Seattle, Washington with a dream of starting his own business.

After relocating, Marshall worked at the Seattle Curtain Company while attending a local barber school. Eventually securing a position at Boeing as an inspector, it was in Seattle that he met his musician wife Gracie Young, and together they built a lasting legacy by founding the Jones Clavier Academy of Music. The music school first operated out of their Mount Baker home, where their eldest child, Curtis, took his first lesson. As their family grew, so did their dream, and in 1972, with the arrival of their second child, Micaela, they expanded their academy--transforming a house on Rainier Avenue into a thriving music school, store, and studio. With the birth of their third child, Rosita, the Jones family continued operating for more than 30 years, fostering a love of music in their community.

Marshall retired from the Boeing Company in 1996, but he remained deeply involved in managing the music school. Beyond his work, he found joy in swimming, bowling, and long walks. He was also a pianist, playing the piano gracefully in his Mount Baker home. He also was a church soloist at Light House Temple Church of God and Christ.

It was Marshall's love of swimming and physical activity that led him into the next chapter of his life where he met his second wife, Catherine Riley. They were married on November 26, 2006.

Marshall and Catherine swam three days a week, and took long walks throughout the neighborhood, and sometimes walking as far as downtown Seattle.

Catherine's three children, Derrick, Nicole and Katie loved him as a stepfather, their relationship was strong, oftentimes chatting on the telephone, and spending time in person.

Katie, being the youngest and still in the home affectionately called him "Marshmallow", with his approval.

His love for mental and physical activity expanded to dancing and biking Lake Washington, where he and Catherine would ride to have picnics. He loved the sun, and summertime was his favorite time of the year. He loved just lying on the grass to soak up the heat.

Marshall also loved to dance, moving his body to the tunes of Reggae and Whitney Houston songs.

Marshall and Catherine spent many happy and healthy years together. He will be remembered as the "best husband a woman can have, on this side of earth". Marshall was a great husband, father, friend and life partner. His love was so beautiful. He was kind and fierce at times, fighting for what he wanted. I, his wife Catherine, will always call him my "Mar- Mar".

Marshall is survived by his wife Catherine Jones, his three children, Curtis Jones, Micalea Pitre, Rosita Jones-Smith, and step-children Derrick Labat, Nicole Labat and Katherine Riley. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Nathaniel and Emma Jones, six brothers, Alford, Willy, Robert, Nathaniel and Moses Jones and one grandson Marshall Jones 3rd, lovely known as Trio.

He also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren. Marshall's legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, and dedication to family and music will continue to live on in the lives he touched.