Dr. Charles “Charlie” Jones, PharmD, 29, died Monday December 9, 2019 at his home in Derry, NH. Charlie was born at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA on January 17, 1990, son of Jeffrey W. and Mary B. (Presswood) Jones. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2006 as a member of Troop 405, and graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, Class of 2008.
Captain Charles Jones was an Officer in the Vermont National Guard and began his National Guard Career when he enlisted into the Vermont Army National Guard in January of 2009. A Norwich Cadet at the time, he completed Basic Combat Training and was awarded a full Norwich Army ROTC Cadet Scholarship. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Norwich University and commissioned as an Armor Officer in May of 2012. Shortly after graduation, he attended and graduated from Armor Officer School and the Army Mountain Warfare School becoming a Military Mountaineer.
He served as a Reconnaissance Platoon Leader in Blackjack Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain) from 2012-2016 and Executive Officer and Plans Officer in Hatchet Troop from 2016-2018. He was a member of the Order of the Spur, earning his Silver Spurs in 2013.
He finished his service as an Operations Officer assigned to Headquarters, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain).
His awards and decorations consist of the Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3) w/ Bronze Hourglass, NationalDefense Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Vermont National Guard Good ConductRibbon, Vermont National Guard Duty Ribbon (3), Vermont National Guard Service Ribbon, Vermont National Guard Professional Development Ribbon (2), Vermont National Guard Active Duty Training Ribbon, Vermont National Guard Career Service Ribbon (10-Years), and the Army Mountain Warfare Ram's Head.
While actively leading and inspiring his troops as an Officer in the National Guard, Charlie enrolled in Post Graduate Pharmacy School and spent four additional grueling years of study. In 2018, Charlie graduated from the University of New England School of Pharmacy earning his degree as a Doctor of Pharmacology.
Charlie was exceptional as a Combat Arms officer at every echelon, including Platoon, Troop, Squadron, and Brigade. His tireless work ethic, calm demeanor under pressure, and commitment to mentorship of his subordinates set him apart as a leader. He stood amongst the very best examples of a true citizen-soldier, with commendable contributions to the military and society as a whole.
In addition to his parents of Derry, he is survived by his brother, Robert L. Jones and his significant other Juliann Losciuto of E. Bridgewater, MA, his sister, Kathryn M. Jones and her fiancé Megan Perkins of Fitzwilliam, NH, his paternal grandparents, Robert and Lili Jones of Venice, FL, aunts and uncles; Teresa Presswood and Rodney Ramsey, Karen and John Johnson, Keith and Denise Presswood, and Lloyd and Lynn Presswood, as well as many close cousins and relatives.
With Stetson dawned, spurs attached and saber by his side, we have no doubt Charlie is on his way to Fiddlers' Green.
Calling hours were held on Sunday December 15, 2019 from 2 – 6 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday at 10:00am in Holy Cross Church, 187 Hampstead Rd., Derry. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Fisher House of Boston in memory of Charles M. Jones either on-line at www.fisherhouseboston.org or mailed to the following address: P.O. Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071.