Charles Ison

Charles Robert Ison, Jr.

September 16, 1946 – November 23, 2025

Charles (Chuck) Robert Ison, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at his home on East Squash Blossom Lane in Tucson, Arizona, on November 23, 2025. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 16, 1946, Charles lived a full and remarkable life defined by curiosity, discipline, humor, and a deep love for his family.

He was the son of the late Charles Robert Ison, Sr., and Elisabeth Riley Ison. Charles graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a minor in Philosophy. A dedicated athlete, he played four years of college basketball and carried his passion for sports throughout his life.

Charles began his career with the Ford Motor Company in 1968 and remained a loyal member of the organization until his retirement in 2000. Never one to live life halfway, he became a certified PADI Divemaster in 1993 and explored some of the world's most stunning dive locations, including the Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Honduras, St. Kitts, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and Fiji.

His interests were as wide-ranging as they were sincere. Charles loved the American Southwest, Hawaii, the wild west, classic movies, exercising, sports, music, history, and the arts. He had a sharp mind, an organized spirit, and the discipline to pursue whatever caught his attention. Those who knew him remember a hardworking, funny, devoted father and grandfather whose intellect was matched only by his capacity for affection.

Charles is survived by his children: Jolie Golinveaux (Michael), Jeremy Ison (Melissa), Fawn Ison Espada (Jose), and Charles Ison III; his grandchildren: Kyle, Jordan, Cassidy, Jessie, Gabrielle, Trent, Colton, Keira, and Joseph; and his great-grandchildren: Selila, Mikey, Jamie, Oakley, Kane, Charlie, Luken, Connor, and Brooklyn. He is also survived by his brother, Dale Ison (Sharon); nephews Samuel and the late Benjamin; and by his beloved partner and best friend, Ruijing Halloran Ison, along with her family.

Beyond his accomplishments, Charles will be remembered for the warmth of his personality and the small joys he shared with those around him. He had a gift for words and could invent nicknames on the spot. To him, carpet fuzz was "woo-woos," and whenever life demanded resilience, he'd say he just needed to "get back in the saddle." He would make goofy faces and when he felt he was being lectured, he'd curl his lip over his teeth, and it would make you laugh and forget what you were talking to him about. He talked through movies, commercials, and TV shows-not to distract, but because he was endlessly interested in the world. Above all, he was immensely proud of his beautiful, growing family.

Charles lived with intention, humor, and heart. His legacy lives on in every story told, every shared memory, and every life he touched.

Click this link to view additional details about Charles' Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/charles-ison