08/20/2026
From the staff of VCE Prince William.
Dear Master Gardener Family,
It is with heavy hearts that I share the passing of our beloved friend and fellow Prince William Master Gardener, Jimmie Jones.
Jimmie became a Master Gardener in 2017 and wasted no time giving back to his community. A Navy veteran and a farmer at heart, Jimmie had a deep passion for learning, growing, and, most of all, educating others. He took great pride in sharing his knowledge and finding ways to make gardening accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful to those around him.
Throughout his years with our program, Jimmie gave so much of himself to our organization and the community we serve. He served as Education Chair and then President of our partner association, The Master Gardeners of Prince William. He mentored new trainees, led lectures, served as a Co-Lead at the Dale City Farmers Market, and volunteered countless hours at festivals, fairs, and other community events.
Since joining the program in 2017, Jimmie contributed nearly 2,000 hours of volunteer service to the Prince William Master Gardener program. And even that number doesn't tell the whole story. Many may not realize that Jimmie frequently went above and beyond, volunteering his time with other local partners, like our local Boys & Girls Club and Virginia Women and Family Support Center, because he believed so strongly in their missions and wanted to help them succeed as well.
I will always remember Jimmie for his can-do spirit and unwaveringly positive attitude. Whenever someone asked him how he was doing, his response was almost always the same: “If I was any better, I'd be twins.” That was Jimmie—optimistic, quick with a smile, and always ready to tackle the next challenge.
He was constantly thinking of ways to improve our organization, better serve our community, and come up with fun and creative ways to educate others. He didn't simply participate; he invested himself in the people and programs around him. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his willingness to help made a lasting difference.
Jimmie's absence will leave a tremendous hole in our Master Gardener family. We will miss his humor, his generosity, his ideas, his stories, and, most of all, the genuine care he showed for those around him.
While we grieve the loss of our friend, I hope we can also celebrate the incredible legacy Jimmie leaves behind. Nearly 2,000 hours of service is an impressive number, but the true measure of his impact is found in the countless people he taught, mentored, encouraged, and helped along the way.
