Victor "Vic" Jones
Victor "Vic" Jones, beloved husband, father figure, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in June 2025. Born in 1932, in Massillon, Ohio, Vic was a twin and the youngest of ten children. His father passed away when Vic was just two years old, and he often recalled with humor that he wore "hand-me-down" clothes all the way through high school. Despite those challenges, he grew up with a deep love of sports, playing both basketball and football for his high school teams.
After graduation, Vic enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving as a Sergeant during the Korean War. His position as a Nuclear Weapons Mechanical Specialist was vital, as he was responsible for loading bombs and rockets onto aircraft. His years of service remained a source of honor throughout his life, and he was especially proud to attend the Veterans Dinner at the Toledo Club hosted by Haraz Ghanbari.
Following the war, Vic returned home and briefly owned a gas station before moving to Toledo in 1971, where he began a lifelong career with Gumpp Cadillac. Vic was serving as General Manager of Gumpp Cadillac when Taylor Cadillac later acquired the business in 1988. He retired from Taylor after an incredible 48-year career. Known throughout the community as "the nicest guy," Vic was admired for his warm smile, quick wit, and genuine kindness.
In 1982, a close friend introduced him to Sue, who soon became the love of his life. They married in 1986, and Vic cherished his role as a devoted husband and as a father figure to Sue's children, Kristen and Eric. He shared a particularly close bond with Kristen, remaining deeply connected to her throughout his life, following the tragic loss of her brother, Eric, at a young age.
Vic and Sue were longtime members of Brandywine, where he excelled as a scratch golfer and proudly shot his age at 85. Golf was a lifelong passion-he especially loved annual golf trips to Upper Michigan with the Taylor group, volunteering at the LPGA tournament for many years with Sue, and even hosting professional golfers in their home during the event. He also checked off a dream round at Pebble Beach and once had the thrill of meeting Arnold Palmer.
Always adventurous, Vic lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed parasailing, and at age 55, he even went barefoot skiing. He and Sue made wonderful memories together traveling, including weekend trips to visit Kristen when she lived in Chicago, a trip to the Rose Bowl, and fulfilling his "bucket list" wish of visiting New York City to see the 9/11 Memorial.
Family was at the heart of Vic's world. He adored his granddaughter, Lexi, and delighted in attending her ballet and piano recitals. Some of their favorite times together included rides in his '81 Corvette and afternoons spent in the yard with the swing set he built and walking the special brick path through the woods to the creek he built just for her. He also had a soft spot for the family Golden Retriever, Brandy.
At home, Vic loved gardening, carpentry, and lending a helping hand to church projects. He and Sue were also known for hosting gatherings where her home-cooked meals-especially her pies-brought everyone together.
Vic was the last surviving sibling of his family, preceded in death by all nine of his brothers and sisters; as well as his loving wife, Sue. He is remembered as a kind-spirited, loving man who enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
To sum up his life, countless people would tell Kristen, "Vic is a legend"-and she agrees wholeheartedly. A wonderful man who always helped others and lived life to the fullest, Vic's memory will be cherished forever.
A private ceremony will be held to honor Vic's life. The family invites those wishing to remember him to make a donation in his name to Veterans Matter (
veteransmatter.org).
walkerfuneralhomes.com
Published by The Blade on Aug. 31, 2025.