YCON Story – Wes Jones

As shared by his wife, Lynn Jones

Some people support the YMCA. Others live it. Wes Jones was one of those people.

Wes first became connected to the Washington County Family YMCA around 2004, when the building was constructed just across the street from where he and Lynn lived. From the very beginning, he saw the YMCA as something special for the community and was drawn to it immediately.

In 2013, Wes took his involvement a step further by joining the YMCA Board of Directors, where he served faithfully until 2019. But his impact went far beyond board meetings and decisions. Wes was known for showing up whenever and wherever he was needed.

“If something needed fixed, Wes was there,” Lynn shared. “Whether it was a toilet or a mower, he just jumped in to help.”

Wes had a personality that naturally fit the YMCA. He loved people. He loved competition. And more than anything, he loved bringing those two things together.

“He would talk to anyone and everyone,” Lynn said. “The Y was a place where he could connect with others and enjoy a little friendly competition. It was the perfect fit for him.”

That love of connection and competition helped spark something new at the Y. Alongside fellow board member Cindy Winkler, Wes helped introduce pickleball to the YMCA by setting up the very first games in the group exercise room.

What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something much bigger. In 2021, the YMCA built exterior pickleball and basketball courts, and in honor of Wes’s impact and legacy, the pickleball courts were named after him following his passing in 2019. Today, those courts continue to bring people together in the same spirit Wes loved so much.

To Wes, the YMCA was more than a building. It was a place that strengthened people in every way.

“He believed the Y helped people physically, socially, and spiritually,” Lynn said. “And that it was always welcoming to everyone.”

During his time on the board, Wes witnessed many milestones, but one stood out above the rest. After attending a YMCA conference in Indianapolis, he came home with a strong conviction.

“I don’t intend to embarrass Kristy,” Lynn laughed, “but Wes would say the biggest accomplishment was hiring Kristy Purlee as CEO. He came back from that conference and said, ‘We have got to get Kristy as our CEO.’ He was so proud of the work she did.”

Wes passed away in 2019, but his legacy continues to be felt throughout the YMCA in the friendships formed, the programs supported, and the countless ways he gave of his time and talents.

If Wes were here today, Lynn knows exactly what he would say.

“He would be so excited about the new capital project. And he’d tell everyone, ‘Come visit the Y. There is something for everyone.’”

That simple invitation reflects everything Wes believed in. A place where everyone belongs, everyone is welcome, and everyone has the opportunity to grow.

Because of people like Wes, there truly is no place like this place.