Roger Jones

Roger A. Jones

Roger A. Jones, 71, of Mesa, AZ passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 with his family by his side.

He was born on August 16, 1939 to Wayne and Virgie Jones in Lincoln, IL. He was the oldest of 4 children. He graduated from Easton High School in Easton, IL in 1957. He received a certificate from DeVry Technical Institute and his Associates degree from Mesa Community College in 1984. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Patsy) Schoonover on November 26, 1958. He began working for his father at the age of 15 until 1962, for the family trucking business.

From 1968 to 1971 he was aboard the USNS Huntsville with ITT Federal Electric Corp. operating radar systems for Apollo Manned Space Flights 7 through 11. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI and Vandenberg AFB, CA. He worked for Motorola for 32 years, retiring in 2003. He was a Mesa Police Department Reserve officer from 1975 to 2009. Roger was a Certified Flight Instructor and was instrumental in establishing the Mesa Fixed-Wing Air Unit for the Mesa Police Department. In addition to his love of flying, Roger had numerous hobbies including ham radios, motorcycles, military vehicles, Model A's, Western music and trains. Above all else he enjoyed talking to people and asking questions.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Patsy and his two children, Suzanne McCraw (Matt) and Eric Jones (Melissa); his seven grandchildren, Amanda, Lucas, Alison, Lauren, Emily, Keegan and Katelyn. He is also survived by his brother David Jones (Linda) and sisters Linda Merlo (Joe) and Janet Hull (Don), and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on June 4th. Arrangements handled by Sonoran Skies Mortuary, Mesa.