NORMAL - Charles L. Jones, 85, of Normal, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. He had a long, well-lived, and fulfilling life. At his request, a private family burial will be held at a later date at Funks Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of the donor's choice.

Charles (also known as Chuck or Charlie) was the son of Ardith and Ruth Jones. He graduated from Normal Community High School in 1957 and Illinois Wesleyan University in 1961. Charles served in both the Army National Guard from 1961 to 1964 and the Army Reserve from 1964 to 1967.

He was employed by Country Financial for 41 years from 1962 to 2003 and served in a number of Senior Management positions, including Vice President of Information Systems, General Manager of Property Casualty Companies, and Chief Financial Officer. He had a strong sense of humor and was known as a humorous public speaker. He tried to treat everyone with fairness and respect. Although responsible for hundreds of people, he never thought that anyone worked for him, but instead they just worked with him. He always displayed honesty and a strong sense of integrity. Charles had an incredible memory.

Charles married Carol Orrick in 1963 and enjoyed a long, wonderful marriage which was easily the highlight of his life. They were privileged to be married for 61 years. Carol taught First Grade at Sugar Creek Elementary School for 30 years. Charles and Carol loved to travel together and visited over 100 countries around the world - Ranging from African safaris to Antarctic expeditions. Together they saw most of the things in the world that you might want to see as well as some things you might want to miss. However, they were all interesting.

He is survived by his wife, Carol and two sons: Charles Jones, Jr., Chicago, and Scott (Mary) Jones, Kokomo, IN. Also, he is survived by two grandchildren: Kyle Jones and Megan (Joseph) Gerardot. His children and grandchildren were a source of great joy and pride to him. Charles was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed attending games with his son Scott and grandson. He also is survived by a sister, Judy (Dennis) Rollins and a brother, Jim (Bev) Jones. Charles was preceded in death by his parents.

Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Sep. 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Jones

Sponsored by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel.

14 Entries

Sonya Mau

October 10, 2024

Chuck Jones believed in team work and in people. It was my honor to work with him at COUNTRY. He was a great role model for all who worked with him.
My deepest sympathies to Carol and the family.

Carol & Art Owles

October 1, 2024

It is with much sadness that Carol and I have learned of the death of Chuck. We extend our deepest sympathies to your family. May your many memories of Chuck give you joy and support for the many years ahead.

I worked with Chuck for eight years at Country Life from 1970 to 1978. I owe him much for his mentorship and the opportunities that he presented to me. He accepted this raw math instructor from Illinois State University and helped me expand my knowledge base, perspective, experiences, and insights. He guided me along the path to becoming a professional business analyst. Plus, he was a good friend. His humor influenced mine. We frequently talked about Carol and their travel adventures, which I believe strongly motivated my later career choice to travel worldwide professionally and our personal travel.

He exposed me to the breadth and depth of business considerations when seeking understanding and identifying real needs and envisioning a solution that meets them. Chuck strongly influenced and affected my subsequent career. When I left Country Life to return to ISU to teach in Applied Computer Science, these valuable experiences and insights greatly informed my teaching. Students truly benefited from what Chuck taught me and allowed me to experience. Returning four years later to the commercial world as a practitioner, these same lessons were intricate to my success as a worldwide business applications consultant for a software company. My gratitude to Chuck is boundless. My only regret is that I didn´t get to tell him directly the impact that his kindness and taking me under his wing has had. May he rest in peace. He was lost way too soon.

Art Owles
& Carol

Stacey Thomas

September 23, 2024

My sincerest condolences on the passing of Charles. I'm glad Charles lived a good, long and fulfilling life. I work with Scott and he has alot of the qualities that were stated about Charles. I hope you are able to find comfort in the memories you have with your husband, dad and grandfather.

Joe Gibson

September 20, 2024

Greatest leader I've ever had - greatest leader Country has ever had. Rest in peace, Mr. Jones.

Linda Waldron

September 18, 2024

I reported to Chuck for several years in the 90's. He was a great boss and a great human being. I'm sorry for your loss. Linda Hutchins Waldron

Donna Scioscia

September 18, 2024

I worked with Chuck for many years at Country Life Insurance. Chuck was smart, funny, kind, and always had a great story to tell. A few years after I left Country Life, the company I was working for announced it was closing its office in Bloomington. Chuck called me out of the blue and said he had heard about the closing, and that if I needed a job in order to stay in Bloomington, to call him directly so that he could help with that. I chose to transfer, but I have never forgotten that act of kindness in a time of great uncertainty. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

RICHARD BENINATI

September 17, 2024

Those of us who had the privilege of working with Chuck will forever feel blessed. He was so down to earth, knowledgeable beyond belief and had character combined with humor! Cathy and I offer our condolences to the Jones family. RIP Chuck.

Terie Gleason

September 17, 2024

I just heard about your husband. I am truly sorry for your loss. Two of my daughters had you at sugar creek Kaylee and Hollie Gleason. You were always our favorite . Charles must have been one special man and Grandpa Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely Terie Gleason

Jim and Pat Wenckus

September 17, 2024

Having worked "with" Chuck for many years I totally agree with the fact he was humorous, generous and a hands-off "coworker". Pat and I send condolences along with our best wishes for the family.

Mike & Terri Howard

September 17, 2024

Had the pleasure of knowing and working with Chuck for my 34 years with Country. He was one of the most interesting people I have ever been around...and I´m sure he is somewhere over the rainbow finding new and exciting places to explore. Our Condolences to Carol and his Family.

Jim Weirman

September 17, 2024

To Carol and the family may the Lord grant comfort in this hour. With so many memories of life on the farm, NCHS, and IWU, it is a time of reflection and gratitude from a good friend.
Jim Weirman of Elgin, IL.

Nancy True Brady

September 17, 2024

My condolences to the family. I worked for Country Companies while a student at IWU and accepted a job after graduating. . When I first met Chuck (fresh out of college, my first "real job" ) I had no idea his title. Imagine my surprise when I found out "he is the big boss". I remember thinking, what a nice guy, looked me in the eye while we talked and so genuine. What a great introduction to the corporate world, thank you Chuck. His warm smile and sense of humor was appreciated and admired.

Clay Johnson

September 17, 2024

Chuck was such a wonderful guy. A great way to be remembered.

Pamela Sympson Heiberg

September 17, 2024

My sympathy to the family. I knew Chuck from COUNTRY Financial. He was always friendly & would speak.

Take care,

Pamela Sympson Heiberg

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