John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at St. Lukes Hospital. A Celebration of Life gathering will be from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Bertram Town Hall. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

John was a gentle man with a steady heart - the kind of person who made others feel safe simply by being present. He had open arms, a calm steadiness, and a compassion that ran deep. John was a shelter in the storm for many, offering support quietly, without asking for recognition or praise. He put others before himself as a matter of course. Those close to him felt it every day; those who crossed his path felt it even if they couldn't quite name it.

Born in Englewood, Colorado, the son of Vivian Elwood and Margaret Almeda (Brown) Jones, John proudly volunteered for service, even lying about his age to enlist, in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served with courage and was wounded in Vietnam, earning the Purple Heart. In boot camp, despite being small in stature, he earned the nickname "Big John." It was a name that reflected his character more than anything else, a protector, someone who carried responsibility for others and absorbed hardship so others didn't have to. He rarely spoke of the war, but when he did, it was with humility and reflection. He spoke of the beauty of the land, of moonlight reflecting off rice paddies during night patrols, and of the endurance and brotherhood that defined those years.

Music was one of the ways John shared his heart. A gifted drummer, he played in bands throughout the region, including John Paul Jones and the Buccaneers and later with Stormwatch. Though private by nature, he loved being on stage, connecting with his bandmates and the audience. He continued playing drums in his home studio well into his final year, often with such joy and enthusiasm that the floor above would shake, a familiar and comforting reminder to those in the house that John was right where he loved to be.

John worked at Midland Forge for over 37 years, where he was respected for his work ethic, skill, and quiet reliability. That same care showed in the custom home he built in Bertram; not just a house, but a place of comfort and welcome. Each of his sons and their families lived with him at one time or another, a reflection of his constant, unconditional support. John's home was a place people could land when they needed rest, reassurance, or simply to be cared for.

He found joy in life's simple gifts: watching deer, turkeys, and birds from his yard, cheering on the Hawkeyes, and spending time on the Wapsipinicon River. The Wapsi was a place of gathering and belonging; tubing down the river, fishing from his john boat, playing horseshoes, and sharing long evenings around the campfire under the stars. A lifelong fisherman, John became a local legend after landing an 8-pound northern pike, only to release it back into the river; a small but perfect reflection of his gentle, compassionate spirit.

John is survived by his sons, Craig (Addie) Jones and Brian (Tatum) Jones; grandchildren Allison, Breanna (Izac), Madison, Anna (Jake), Vincent, and Lilly; great-granddaughters Ella and Carmen; and many friends and loved ones who were made better simply by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Jones (Brown), and his great-grandson, Marcel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Town of Bertram for tree restoration at Campbell Cemetery.

His life was a drumbeat of compassion and love - steady, strong, and full of soul. May his spirit now rest in perfect harmony.

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