Michael Jay Jones, aged 79, ascended to the Kingdom of God on September 13, 2026.

Michael was born December 20, 1946, in Amarillo, Texas, to Cecille Trent Cooper and Allen Alfay Cooper. He was later adopted by his stepfather, Jay L. Jones III, and changed his name from Kirk Alan Cooper to Michael Jay Jones.

Although born in Texas, Michael held a special love for New Mexico and its Native American art, particularly Pueblo pottery. He spent many years working in advertising in New Mexico, writing commercials and lending his distinctive voice to voiceovers. In 1993 he moved to Waco, Texas, to work as a writer and producer of student-recruitment and college-marketing videos and to develop interactive/multimedia educational curricula for Texas State Technical College Waco. He worked for Texas State Technical College until he retired.

Michael was a talented and creative artist who enjoyed painting with acrylics and drawing with pencil. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of New Mexico. Michael wrote several plays, with the most notable being Brother of Dragons, Companion of Owls, which was performed at the University of Albuquerque in the 1970s.

Michael was a devoted member of the Bahá’í Faith in Waco and served for many years on the Local Spiritual Assembly. He also shared his love of his Faith and its teachings through monthly articles published in the Anchor News. His faith was an important part of his life and of the friendships he formed within the Waco community.

Michael was funny, talented, kind, and a true friend. His unique spirit, creativity, humor, and friendship touched the lives of many. He will be remembered with great affection and missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Michael is survived by a half-brother, Ron Henderson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Michael’s life will be remembered at a graveside service on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas.

May his soul rest in the eternal presence of God and may the light of his life continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.