On Monday, September 13, 2021, Gary Jones, loving husband of Marsha, beloved stepfather of her three children (and their spouses), and grandfather to six, passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side. Born on January 17, 1943, Gary was raised by his devout grandparents in Middleboro, MA. Although, brought up in the Roman Catholic Church, Gary was curious about all religions, traditions, and cultures, which led him to become an enthusiastic reader in childhood. His curiosity extended to many topics, from engaging with local Native American Tribe members who guided him as a boy in discovering his totem animal, to the workings of the stock market, which he began "dabbling" in before he was old enough to drive (which he also did before he was of age). After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1961, Gary went on to receive his bachelor's degree in finance at the University of Notre Dame. Upon graduating in 1965, rather than become a stockbroker like most graduates of his program, Gary's first jobs out of college were teaching in inner city elementary schools, first in Hawaii, then California and lastly in the Boston public schools, a path driven by his desire to help people. Although Gary loved the sunshine and the relaxed pace of life on the Big Island and Southern California, when he real-ized that his grandmother could no longer live independently, it was no surprise to those close to him that he returned East. Because, truly, he was devoted to both the state of Massachusetts and his adoring grandmother. Always interested in the mechanisms of politics, and with a deep belief that government could help people, in 1974 Gary ran for and was elected to the State Legislature as a Representative from the 11th district of Plymouth. After his term in office, Gary took a job in the State House as Researcher for the House of Representatives where he worked until he retired in 2003. On September 27, 1980, Gary married Marsha (Schaffer) after being set up on a blind date by their dear friend, Jo-anne Blumsack. Together, they travelled the world by plane, train, ships and cars to China, Jamaica, France and throughout the States, always returning with stories and pictures to 70 Francis Street in Brookline where he, Marsha, and their assortment of very large dogs, lived for 40 years. A lifelong learner, Gary earned two ALM degrees from Harvard Extension School, one in government and one in cre-ative writing. A history buff and passionate reader of literature written by and about Indigenous Peoples here in Massachusetts, Gary was captured by the story of Deborah Sampson. In the 1760's, Deborah Samson posed as a man so she could fight in the revolutionary war. Despite the fact that Gary was not a musician, he was working on a musical about Deborah's story, never letting any obstacle keep him from pursuing his passion. Gary was a phenomenal grandfather, husband, and loyal friend to many. He had a dry sense of humor, a hearty laugh, boundless compassion, an uncanny ability to make a person slow down whatever they were doing, and a deep knowledge of the world. Mostly, though, he was known for his emotional generosity and desire to help those less fortunate than himself. Gary dedicated much of his time to the effort of improving Brookline and its institutions to welcome and accommodate all people, regardless of social, racial, or economic standing. He volunteered in many capacities as a Big Brother, an ESL tutor in Boston's Chinatown, and served as both an elected Trustee of the Brookline Public Library and a Town Meeting Member for many years. Gary is survived by his wife, Marsha, sons Tod Schaffer (and his wife Sara Nelson) and Zak Schaffer (and his wife, Abbie Dotson), daughter Jennifer Davis (and her husband, Lou Davis), and his grandchildren, Asher and Izzy Davis, Pascal and Phoebe Schaffer, Ruby Condon, and Blake and Zoe Nelson. He was a truly spiritual man who will be missed and remembered dearly by all who knew and loved him. Visiting hours will be held in the Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home, 376 Washington St., Brookline on Wednesday Sept. 22nd from 4:00 - 7:00. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday morning Sept. 23rd in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 15 St. Paul St., Brookline at 11:00. (Use of facial coverings and social distancing will be maintained in the church) Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in memory Gary may be made to the Brookline Public Library, 361 Washington St., Brookline, MA. 02445.