Born and raised in West Caldwell, New Jersey, Garrett has been a longtime resident and professional in Caldwell.  Inspired by his parents, the late Roger and Dolores Jones, both of whom were immersed in the community as civic leaders and volunteers, Jones has dedicated his life to serving the community as a volunteer and professional. 

He is known in the community as a funeral director; church – youth advisor, confirmation teacher, and mentor; member, board member, and officer of local non-profit organizations in Essex and Morris Counties – including, Kiwanis Club of Caldwell / West Essex (Past President), Cedar Hill CDC Program in Boonton (board member), Vero Amici for Charity, Essex Lodge #7 Free & Accepted Masons, Chaplain of the American Legion James Caldwell Post #185 and a member of the Sons of the Legion, 2022 chair of the Rotary / Kiwanis Street Fair in Caldwell.  In addition, he has been honored by the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department, West Essex PBA Local 81 in 2017, Kiwanis International with the George F. Hixson Award and the Carrington Swain NJ District Award and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Montclair Chapter in 2022; honorary memberships include the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department (first citizen inductee), Chiefs of Police Association, and in May of 2023 Caldwell University conferred Mayor Jones with a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

You might also recognize Garrett as Santa around the holidays in Caldwell and West Caldwell riding atop a fire engine, lighting the town Christmas tree, and joining in some caroling and good cheer.  He has enjoyed the tradition of helping the local fire departments for the past 20 + years!

Garrett graduated from James Caldwell High School in 1983; undergraduate studies were focused on communications and religion with a minor in biology.  He graduated from Lynchburg College, Virginia in 1987; as a postgraduate he obtained his Funeral Service Certificate in Jersey from MCCC.  Jones is also a Certified Celebrant ® and participated in the first class offered by the NJ Funeral Directors Association, a life-changing opportunity for Jones.  He is currently serving his second term on the New Jersey Board of Mortuary Science. 

Mr. Jones has worked in many capacities at the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell, First Christian Church and Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church both in Lynchburg, VA, and Dancy Funeral Home in Caldwell.

His career in the funeral profession began in Caldwell in 1986 and in 2022 he is proud to have opened his own business, Garrett Jones Memorial Homes, located in Roseland and Cedar Grove.

When not working, volunteering, and governing he enjoys time in the outdoors as an avid sportsman boating, fishing, and hunting with family and friends throughout the year.