George Miles Jones, Iii

George Miles Jones III, son of George Miles Jones Jr. and Eleanor Miniger Jones, a member of one of Toledo’s founding families, has passed. George died of natural causes on February 15, 2023. He was enjoying his favorite town, Telluride, CO, where he built his first home in 1974. He was on a trip with his beloved wife Kathy Jones.

George’s parents and grandparents taught him the importance of investing his time and resources in his community and because of this, he devoted his life to philanthropy. His understated observation of an organization or community’s strengths was his entry point to know where his time and financial support would be most useful. His lifelong commitment to making NW Ohio a better place to live is evident in his ongoing support of the area’s cherished jewels including the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo, Fort Meigs, and the Boys & Girls Clubs, to name just a few. George was particularly fond of history, which drew his attention and support outside of his local community to places such as Fort Ticonderoga and the Ohio Historical Society.

George served on several boards throughout his life including: Clement O. Miniger Memorial Foundation, National Museum of the Great Lakes, Trust Company of Toledo, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Meigs, Toledo Museum of Art, Woodlawn Historic Cemetery, Lucas County/Maumee Valley Historical Society, Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Smithsonian Museum of Financial History, Ohio Historical Society, and WGTE Public Broadcasting. Through his community involvement, his friendship circle grew around the country.

His curious mind and passion for knowledge made George a fascinating conversationalist. He had insights and opinions on a plethora of subjects and appreciated any opportunity to engage with those around him. Katherine (Kathy), his wife, and George had a common love of learning which was the driving force behind most of their activities. Whether it was involvement on advisory boards, planning a trip, or doing household projects, they looked at the world through a wide lens of learning.

He married Katherine Jones in 1987 and built an incredible life with her and her two children, Sara Donley Bowen and Jordan Donley Beach. While managing the Manhattan Building Company and later KWIK Parking, George made it a priority to travel with his family to his favorite spots including Scottsdale, AZ, Fort Ticonderoga, and Telluride, CO. Education was always important to George, and he supported his family by ensuring they had the ability to get the best education.

George was the most amazing grandfather. When his grandchildren were born, he took to grandparenting like everything else he did in his life – all in! He learned all about child-rearing, the importance of schedules, and the nuances of feeding. It was amazing to see him adapt and embrace the chaos of babies, and then grow with his grandkids as they are now all teenagers. His grandchildren will miss him fiercely.

In addition to supporting his family and the community, George and Kathy held incredible relations with their personal staff. George lived out his appreciation for people in many ways, including how he valued his team. He and Kathy did not just hire individuals, but rather, they added friends to their network that supported them in their philanthropic efforts and pursuits.

At the Manhattan Building Group and KWIK Parking, he was in his element as a strategic and brilliant businessman. Founded by his parents, in 1924, George took the helm of the business in 1980. Having grown in the business, his friendships with his coworkers and employees ran deep. He had fun with his team, while also providing employment for hundreds of Toledoans through the years. Notably, his most recent venture with Top Hat Valet, a local valet service, employed many young professionals in their first job.

In George’s later years, his two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Katie, and Charlie were an important part of his life. He was committed to their daily walks, and they enjoyed lots of love from a man who had so much love to share.

George will want to be remembered for the community he has supported, the family he has left behind, and his steadfast commitment to living and leaving a legacy of honorable action.

Survived by his wife, Katherine Jones; his stepchildren, Sara (Robert Smith) Donley Bowen and Jordan Donley Beach; his step-grandchildren, Anna Bowen, Zoe Smith, Benjamin Bowen, and Samantha Smith; and his closest companions, Charlie and Katie, his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. His love for his family and his leadership in the community will be greatly missed.

The family will have a private service to honor his memory.

If you would like to make a donation in George’s memory, please select your preferred charity that contributes to the betterment of the Toledo area.