Richard F. Jones

1954 - 2014

Richard F. Jones

Richard F. "Dick: Jones, age 60, died peacefully at his home on Lamma Island, Hong Kong shortly before Thanksgiving.

He was born on October 20, 1954, in Chicago, to John W. and Nancy B. Jones, the third of five children. His early years were spent in Wayne and then St. Charles. Dick was a 1972 graduate of St. Charles High School, and a graduate of Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

His entrepreneurial spirit surfaced while still a student. With business partner, Chris Rompel, Dick Jones created RoJo's Ice Cream, which eventually grew into local lunchtime powerhouse, RoJo's restaurant in St. Charles.

While pursuing a career in photojournalism, Dick traveled the world extensively. Upon visiting and falling in love with Hong Kong, he trained to teach English as a second (or third) language in order to earn permanent resident status there. He then returned to photojournalism, freelancing for many of the major international news organizations, to pursue breaking stories all over Asia. He was a member of the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club.

Dick's work was perfect for him, providing the opportunity for much travel and adventure. However, he enjoyed returning to the Fox Valley periodically to visit his family and many friends here. Another "home away from home" was Washington State and the Pacific Northwest where he also enjoyed a large circle of close friends.

At home on Lamma Island, Dick began a tradition 20 years ago that continues to this day. What started as his self-created 40th birthday party, grew into an annual music festival named "Dickstock". Each year it is one of the largest social gatherings on the island, often featuring up to five bands, headlined by local favorites, The Bastards, with occasional appearances by the Yung Shue Wan Wankers.

Dick was predeceased by his parents; as well as his beloved sister, Laurie.

He is survived by brother, Doug (Mary) Jones; sisters, Susan Jones and Emily Jones (Andrew) McMillin; nieces, Melisa Jones (Tony) Coletto and Kate McMillin; nephews, Brian Jones, Drew and Robbie McMillin; and great-nephews, Max and Alex Coletto.

At 1:00 p.m., on Saturday December 20th, a memorial service will be held at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main Street, St. Charles. Immediately following will be a reception at The Office, 201 E. Main Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Charles Episcopal Church, 994 N. 5th Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174 630-584-2596.

To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral home's obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com.

For more information please call Yurs Funeral Home at 630-584-0060 or visit their Facebook page.