Music educator Jimmy Jones retires after 39 years of teaching students about the rich history of music and the joy of performing classic masterpieces.

During his recent tenure at College Hill Elementary School, Jones taught students to play stringed instruments including the cello and violin, among others.

Beloved by his students, he leaves behind a legacy of musicians who truly appreciated all that he taught them. “He was awesome enough to teach me how to play the viola,” said Esperanza Hurley, 11.

When Hurley first became his pupil less than a year ago, she had never touched a viola before. “He taught the class the way we could benefit the most,” Hurley says. Under Jones’ tutelage, she quickly advanced and eventually even moved to first chair.

Now as Jones begins the next chapter of his life, students like Hurley will miss him as Mr. Armstrong steps into his shoes. “Our new teacher is very good, but Mr. Jones is the best,” Hurley says.

We at Townsquare Media want to thank Mr. Jones for all his contributions toward education and for inspiring so many of Texarkana’s youth with his infectious passion for music.

Happy retirement, Mr. Jones!

 

More From Kicker 102.5