Dennis Keith Jones

Dennis Keith Jones

March 14, 1952 – October 30, 2025

Dennis Keith Jones, of Nampa, Idaho passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, ushering him into the arms of Jesus.

Dennis was born on March 14, 1952 in Alexandria, VA. He grew up in Arlington, Va and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1970. His strong work ethic followed him in a variety of career paths, including owning his own business before moving to Idaho.

Dennis loved logic problems, playing with numbers, and was especially fond of the quadratic formula: (-b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / (2a)

Order, logic, symmetry — he loved it all. And yet, he balanced that precision with irreverence, mischief, and perfectly timed terrible jokes. He took dad jokes to the next level.

Music was part of his language and he taught himself how to play guitar in his teens. He loved the fearless genius of Frank Zappa. He enjoyed the bold fun of “Hoist the Colors.” He respected the depth of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” And there was something about “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes that simply felt right.

He treasured his guitars — especially his Fender American Professional Stratocaster and his Gibson SG Standard in cherry red and white — instruments that reflected both craftsmanship and attitude.

Dennis delighted in simple pleasures done well: German chocolate cake, Payday candy bars, pralines and cream ice cream, and a laugh shared at just the right moment. His dogs, Duke and Braxton, affectionately called “Da Boyz”, were among his favorite companions.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alon Jones of Richmond, Va, and his mother, June Helen Hamaty Jones of Arlington, Va.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana M. Jones of Denver, Colorado; his granddaughter, Kaylin M. Bright (Wade) of Greeley, Colorado; and his great-grandchildren, Rainbow, River, and Canyon, also of Greeley.

One of his joys was sharing a birthday with his granddaughter. Both born on March 14, they proudly called themselves “Pi babies.” That shared day — equal parts math joke and family bond — was something he cherished.

There will be no formal service. Instead, those who wish to honor Dennis are encouraged to celebrate him in true Dennis fashion and by his request:

Play the music.

Turn up “Hoist the Colors.”

Let “Amazing Grace” rise on the bagpipes.

Cue the Cantina song.

Stand in a circle.

Dance around.

Pretend to play instruments.

Laugh loudly.

His favorite quote:

“Do what you wanna, do what you will,

just don’t mess up your neighbor’s thrill.” Zappa

What he wanted to say from beyond, with one more nod to his interesting sense of humor: “It’s awfully dark in here”.

Dennis’s ashes will be spread at beautiful Lake Cascade in the Boise National Forest. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.