Derek Ryan Jones “D” or “DJ” of Westfield, Indiana passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2025 at the young age of 45 years old. Derek was surrounded by family in his last earthly hours and closed his eyes one final time to be met by the Lord and taken to his eternal, restored home. Derek recently read the book “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn and often spoke of Heaven and all that it would entail.
Derek was born Oct. 25, 1979, to parents Carol (Jack) Foos and David Jones. Derek was a graduate of Crawfordsville High School in 1998 and Wabash College in 2002. He went on to attend Anderson University for his MBA in 2006. Derek was most recently employed by STAR Bank and spent much of his career as a Vice President Commercial Banker. Derek married Kari Jones on Oct. 15, 2005. Their three children were the absolute light of his life: Olivia (15), Isaac (13) and Ava (12) Jones.
Derek is survived by his parents, Carol (Jack) Foos and David Jones; his only sibling, Travis (Deana) Jones; nephew Andrew (Adaline) Jones; in-laws Thomas and Kimberly Smith; brother-in-law Tyler (Katelyn) Smith; nieces, Addison and Elliette Smith; his wife, Kari and their three children.
Derek was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019 and fought a courageous six year battle. Throughout his battle, Derek was continually humbled by the love and support shown by so many. In his time of need, others poured into his family. That was his greatest request. Derek was brought to tears on numerous occasions by the love of others and their witness in being the hands and feet of Jesus.
He would want to be remembered by who he was without cancer: a dad who was active, intentional and fun. A dad who enjoyed watching his kids play sports, where he became fast friends with parents on the sidelines. A dad who always put his kids’ needs above his own, who expected greatness and loved unconditionally. A man who didn’t need much to be happy — his kids, a good football game, a crisp fall day and maybe some no bake cookies that he whipped up all on his own.
Derek attended Northview Church where he served as a Life Group leader and most enthusiastic vacation planner for 16 amazing years. He attended and led Northview’s Men’s Discipleship Walks with the goal of leading others to Christ. He sat on the board for two not-for-profits: Habitat for Humanity and Parker’s Place Foundation. Derek was a man of few words, a man of extraordinary faith and a man who kept his family laughing. He loved deeply, he loved sacrificially and he wasn’t afraid to face his earthly demise — professing his unwavering faith despite his circumstances.
Derek’s most treasured gifts were his three children. His legacy most certainly lives on through them, and Derek had no doubt he would be looking after them from afar — praying alongside our Lord and Savior on their behalf.
Derek said this in one of his final journal entries, “The idea is simple. We are accustomed to realizing that God can and will use our circumstances, experiences, hardships, etc. to teach us, correct us, ultimately grow and mature us here on earth. To prepare us to handle future experiences, to take on more, to better equip others. The punchline is this ... He is quite possibly preparing us for our roles in Heaven. This is such a powerful and bigger way to view our hardships in life. Then I wonder, how many more things should I be thinking of more eternally or spiritually.”
A visitation will be held at Northview Church-Westfield Campus, 1191 W. 186th St., Westfield, IN 46074 on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to directly follow at 6 p.m. His ashes will be scattered at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Go Fund Me in honor of Derek’s life to support his kids in their future college endeavors: https://gofund.me/762cbe52
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com.
