We are Justin and Shelli Jones, JHS class of 1996.

We met in the 7th grade at the old Jenks Central Middle School and have been married 19 years. We have one daughter named Miriam (a Jenks East Special Education 4th grader), and one silly dog named BeBe.

The full story…
In 1990/1991, I (Shelli) was a new 7th grade student to Jenks. One particular day, I was feeling a bit down-in-the-dumps and overwhelmed at the Central middle school library. Justin’s Mom (the late beloved Susan Jones*) worked in that library. She helped and comforted me. Susan also said I needed to meet her son, Justin, because “he’s a nice boy and would be your friend”. And she was right! He was, and is, very nice and we became fast friends.

Justin and I began to “like” each other in high school during Doc Simmons writing class. (Doc was famously known for playing Jimmy Buffet tunes while his students worked and handed out “dum dum” lollipops to students that answered questions out loud in class.) Justin and I went on a few dates, including the JHS Prom, and were a natural fit…but, alas, I was shy around boys. So it took a bit longer for our love to blossom and grow.

We kept in close touch after high school and didn’t become an official couple until I graduated from Northeastern State University in 2001. We married in Tulsa on the first day of Spring, 2004.

Our life together has been an adventure which includes serving 5 years in Asia with a faith based nonprofit, adopting our daughter Miriam from the country of Bulgaria, and serving in full time ministry.

Justin graduated with a degree in communications from the University of Arkansas, worked in video production many years, then went on for a Masters in Nonprofit management. He currently serves with a faith based nonprofit and is in Seminary.

I have a degree from NSU in Vocal Music Performance, have sung with the Tulsa Oratorio Choir, and find joy in helping lead worship at our church.

We now see Jenks Public Schools thru a different perspective. Our daughter, Miriam, is greatly blessed every day by the Jenks Special Education department. We LOVE that Miriam is at Jenks East. We’re Trojans for life!!


*Susan Jones (Justin and Jason Jones’ Mom) worked at Jenks Central and then later at the High School. She loved the Trojans and was always cheering them on at many sporting events along with Justin and Jason’s Dad, Tommy. She passed from cancer in September 2003 soon after our engagement and is sorely missed to this day. Many of Susan’s dearest friendships were those made thru her boys and her time as Jenks Public Schools staff.