David Charles Jones

JACKMAN – David Charles Jones, 74 of Jackman, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday Dec. 26, 2025.

He was born in Gardiner on Nov. 29, 1951, the son of James Paul Jones and Geneva Helen Sargent.

David attended Gardner Area High School and graduated class of 1970. He married his high school sweetheart, Doreen Poulin on Jan. 23, 1971 and they resided in Gardiner. They started their family with the birth of their daughter, Donna Lynn on June 28, 1971 and their son, Travis Paul on Feb. 22, 1975.

In 1970 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany from 1971-’73. He always said that was the only lottery he had ever won.

On his return to Maine, he was employed by Maine Drilling and Blasting in Gardner and later at BIW in Bath. He then moved his family to Jackman in 1983 where they established DJ’s Variety. He then purchased Smith Hardware Store, in 1986, selling Yamaha, Ski-doo and Polaris snowmobiles and ATVs and purchased Stewart’s Cabins in Dennistown.

In 1998, he built Jackman Powersports on Main Street where it remains today. He was a local business owner for over 40 years, he was a former MSA Dealer of the year, President of the Jackman Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, and he was the Border Riders Club Trail Master for over 30 years. He was always an integral part in the relationships with landowners and the businesses to develop strategies to endorse tourism from the forestry industry. He was a strong advocate for all to enjoy the outdoors in Jackman Moose River Valley.

When time permitted, David enjoyed buying, building and collecting antique vehicles. He enjoyed fly fishing in his early years and inshore fishing on his boat in Florida, in his later years, with his children, grandchildren and close friends. He also, enjoyed mowing his lawns and maintaining his property.

David enjoyed the daily conversations he had with his customers at the shop and other business owners within the power sports industry. He shared his knowledge and experiences with everyone that walked through the doors.

He was predeceased by his father, James and mother, Geneva; and brother, James.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doreen Jones; his daughter, Donna Jones of West Gardiner and his son, Travis Jones and Stephanie of Jackman; his three grandchildren, Brandon Caron and wife Andrea of Methuen Mass., Alyssa Jones and finance Collin of Plaistow, N.H. and Trevor Pierce of West Gardiner.

Celebration of Life will be from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Border Riders Sportsman Club, 852 U.S. 201, Dennistown, ME 04945. All are welcome.

A private family gathering will be held at a later time in 2026.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Border Riders Sportsman Club in David’s memory.