Franklin Jones

Frank passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2009, peacefully at home surrounded by his family, after a courageous and dignified battle with cancer. He was 74.

Throughout his life, Frank always put his family first; his wife and children were his greatest source of love and joy. He enjoyed the Sierras, fly fishing, photography, and hiking. The family celebrations and dinner hour always included lively discussions about politics, history and current events, as well as good food and wine. He treasured his close personal friendships and enjoyed meeting new people and sharing experiences and perspectives. His quiet, analytical, and intellectual demeanor ideally suited his work as a Superior Court judge where he served from 1991 to 2006.

Frank was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 23, 1935 to Franklin and Thelma Jones. His childhood was spent between Mt. Lebanon, Pa. and Port Chester, New York. He spent four years at Princeton University, and received a degree in history in 1957. His passion for history and learning would continue throughout his life. After college, he served three years in the U.S. Navy on an escort destroyer; his home port was Pearl Harbor. He had three Far East cruises and loved his Navy days. He then received his law degree from University of California at Berkeley (Boalt Hall) and clerked for the Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit that took him between California and Arizona. While in Tucson, he met Nancy Alwine at a ski resort outside the city. Nancy and Frank married on February 12, 1966, and moved to Fresno, Ca., for its central location, access to wilderness areas and great fishing. They had four children, Caroline, David, Kendall and Sarah. Frank joined the law firm of Andrews, Andrews where he worked as a civil attorney for 26 years. His appointment to the Superior Court in 1991, and the years that he served on the bench were the pinnacle of his professional career.

He is preceded in death by his mother Thelma; father Franklin; and son David.

Frank is survived by his wife Nancy; his children, Caroline Jones, Sarah Jones; son, Kendall Jones; and daughter-in-law Jennifer; his grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Jones; his sister, Marjorie and brother-in-law, Carl Stenberg.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Monday, August 17, 2009, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on 1540 "M" Street.

Remembrances can be made to Hinds Hospice, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, or the Kings River Conservancy.

WHITEHURST Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home 1525 East Saginaw Way Fresno, Ca. (559)227-4048