Ronald Lee Jones

Ronald Lee Jones On the morning of August 27, 2014, long-time resident of Shelter Cove, Ron Jones, passed away at Renaissance of Timber Ridge in McKinleyville, CA. Ron was 84 years old. Ron was born in Rochester, MN on July 16, 1930. He was the second of two sons of Gertrude Hannah Christiansen and Harlow Owen Jones. Ron moved from Rochester to Chicago, IL during his high school years. To help support the family, Ron got a job selling tickets for a movie theater that was located across the street from a restaurant owned by the well-known gangster Capone family. Ron made a bit of money on the side running errands for the Capones, and would get a kick out of telling some of the stories that arose from that arrangement. He also played pool at the local pool hall near the family's apartment and enjoyed the game his whole life. Ron attended college at a branch of the University of Illinois, but decided to quit in order to enlist in the Air Force because an Army draft notice appeared in his mail box -- Ron thought the Air Force would be a better choice. Ron served our country as a US Air Force fighter pilot, serving a tour in Korea and two tours in Viet Nam. Ron distinguished himself by meritorious service as an "A" flight commander while assigned to the 4533rd Tactical Training Squadron (Test) and the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, FL from 1969 to 1971. Prior to 1969 while Ron was in the Reserves, he was a small business owner of a local bar in Wabash, Indiana, and a commercial pilot for Air America, Air Asia Company, and Southern Air Transport. During that time, he was a member of the Far East Pilots Association. He served in the US Air Force (excluding Reserves) over 24 years until his retirement as Major on October 1, 1975. After retiring from the US Air Force, Ron built a home in Shelter Cove, CA where he spent happy retirement years fishing, playing golf, and serving the local community by mowing the golf course. He loved sitting on his deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean enjoying a cigar and "practicing doing nothing." Ron was preceded in death by his parents Gertrude and Harlow Jones, and his Aunt Grace Christiansen. Ron is survived by his brother Richard Owen Jones and wife Luci of Trinidad, CA; son Don Sisk and wife Dareena, grand-children Sheena, Brittney and Kaden Sisk, great-grandchildren Raelyn, Kamea, Tyson and Alexandra Sisk, all of Garberville, CA; niece Cheryl Ann Thomas and husband Michael of McKinleyville, CA; great-niece Jennifer Lee Field and husband Shawn of La Honda, CA; and great-nephew Brian Thomas of Roseville, CA. Ron was surrounded by his family members at the time of his death. A memorial service will be held in Shelter Cove, CA at a date to be announced later. During his last days, Ron was given compassionate care by Hospice, both while in Shelter Cove and during his brief stay at Timber Ridge. Memorial donations can be made to either Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice at 464 Maple Lane, Garberville, CA 95542, 707-923-7276; or to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA 95501, 707-445-8443. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.