Steven P. Jones, age 68, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Ruthven, IA, completed his earthly journey on September 8, 2026, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.  To honor Steven’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in  Ruthven, IA, at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Steven’s family.

Steven was born on August 3, 1958, in Des Moines, IA, a son to Jack Jones and Sylvia (Deuben) Hutchinson.  He went on to live a full life sharing his gifts wherever he could.  Steven was the lead janitor in the Ankeny School District and also spent over 10 years as a state trooper in Maryland where he was a personal driver for the governors when those opportunities arose, but for those who knew him best; Steven was a swimmer at heart.

His passion for open water and pool swimming began as a young child at Lost Island Lake.  He and his best friend, John (Mary) Faulstich, discovered swimming together and continued throughout the rest of their lives.  Steven had recorded over 10,000 miles, but his family was keenly aware that it was likely over a million overall.  He began swimming competitively with the Des Moines Lincoln High School Swim Team which lead to the Catonsville Community College Swim Team and eventually the Severna Park YMCA in Maryland.  Steven participated in regular triathlons with Steiny, and his son, Daniel, earning many victories along the way.

Steven eventually began coaching and found great joy in teaching the next generation the values of hard work, teamwork and always giving your all.  He also enjoyed water skiing, body surfing and boogie boarding, especially when the big waves at beaches in Delaware and Ocean City, MD, were able to bring those to the next level for him.

When he wasn’t in the water himself, enjoying the abundant and delicious seafood it offered was also a love in his life.  Any day, even the less than stellar one’s could easily be turned around with the simple addition of a true Maryland crab cake on his plate.  Steven found great satisfaction in all aspects of the water around us, whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean.

He was also a devoted Baltimore Raven fan and if you were nearby during the season, you could be sure to hear Steven coaching from his favorite recliner as each play was called.  Coaching was in his blood and just because they were on the television screen didn’t mean they were immune to his insights and wisdom.

And finally, Steven enjoyed traveling with family when possible.  Many trips were memorialized without hesitation from his trusty wind-up camera and the hundreds of printed photos which remain to this day.

A full life indeed was offered to Steven and he did his best not to miss a beat.  Whether surrounded by family and friends, sharing his time and talents with others, or simply Steven being Steven when necessary; it was undeniable that we only get to walk on this earth for a limited number of days before eternity arrives and not taking the chances to make the most of each one would be an unnecessary sacrifice with no dividends.

Thank you, Steven, for all of the memories which remain now that you’ve left us and may the lessons, legacy and love you leave behind help to comfort our broken hearts as we face the new reality without your physical presence in our days.  May the Lord be gracious with His love and mercies and hold you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.    

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Steven include,

his three children,
Ashley Jones, Arnold, MD,
Daniel (Robyn) Jones, Harrisonburg, VA,
and Jessica (Joshua) Hartley, Dover, PA;

his five grandchildren,
Raegan Jones, Brooks Jones, Uriah Hartley, Brinley Hartley and Cora Hartley;

his two brothers,
Paul (Mary) Jones, Des Moines, IA,
and Ralph Hutchinson, Des Moines, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Jack Jones; and his mother, Sylvia (Warren) Hutchinson.

Steven’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Steven’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com