AUGUSTA ? Samuel E. 'Skip' Jones Jr., 77, of Hallowell died Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. Sam was born in New York City, Dec. 1, 1924, the son of Samuel and Shirley (Hatch) Jones. Sam was raised in New Jersey and enjoyed summers vacationing with family in the region of Boothbay Harbor. He graduated from Summit High School in New Jersey in 1943, and then entered military service, operating with the Army Signal Corps in India during World War II. Upon his discharge, Sam was admitted to college, graduating from the University of Maine at Orono in 1949. He married June Hildreth in August that year. In 1950, he earned his master's degree in Education from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J. Sam's career as an educator spanned more than three decades, as he was a valued history instructor in the Westfield, N.J., school system. He retired to Maine in 1982, living first in Boothbay and then Hallowell. Sam is remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was also a devoted teacher and loyal friend. He enjoyed his family, friends and new acquaintances. He especially loved everything about the Maine lifestyle. His hobbies included amateur photography, music, Scouts, travel, sports and books. Sam is best known for his easy humor, congenial manner and joy in sharing everyone's family traditions. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, June Jones; two sons, Matthew and his wife, Mary Jones, of Danville, Calif., and David and his wife, Gail Jones, of Loomis, Calif.; two daughters, Stephanie and her husband, Peter O'Connell, of North Plainfield, N.J., and Kathy Ann and her husband, Joseph Shaw, of Augusta; three grandchildren, Michael O'Connell of Plainfield, Shannon Campbell of North Plainfield, N.J.,and Sarah Jones of Danville; one great-grandson, Owen Campbell of North Plainfield; three cousins, James Clark of Augusta, Arthur Clark of Belgrade Lakes and Frances Gowen of Augusta; as well as many more relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at St. Matthew's Church, 20 Union St., Hallowell. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hubbard Free Library,15 Second St., Hallowell 04347 or the University of Maine Alumni Association, Attn: Jeffrey Mills, c/o University of Maine, Crosman Ulumni Center, Orono 04469.