Harry H. Jones passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2012 in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia and his beautiful grand daughter, Leslie McCall. He is survived by his children, Harry H. Jones of Denver, Janie F. Jones of Fort Collins, Kim McCall of Danville, CA, Mary Normandin and her husband, Michael of Fort Collins and Robert Jones of Fort Collins. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Emily Normandin and Brigette Normandin of Fort Collins, Jeffrey Jones, his wife, Rhiannon, as well as his great- grandson Samson Jones.
His sister, Mary Francis Carroll of Ardmore, Oklahoma, as well as two brothers Bob Jones and Mike Jones, both of Atlanta, Georgia also survive him. Harry’s oldest brother, Dick Jones preceded him in death.
Harry was born on August 9, 1925 to George and Francis Jones in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His passion for the cattle business began with his father, George R. Jones who owned a livestock commission company and operated a cattle ranch in Osage County, Oklahoma. Harry continued this tradition as a cattle buyer with a career that spanned almost 60 years and in the process, he made many friends from many states including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, California, and Oklahoma. He could have written a book about all the ranches he visited and bought cattle from year after year. In his later years, he kept and treasured these friendships, talking with as many of these friends as he could, some, almost daily. He looked forward to every phone call and every visit.
Harry married Virginia Norris on February 14, 1953 in Omaha Nebraska. They moved to Billings, Montana to begin their married life. In 1957, they moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska where they lived with their family until they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1978. Harry and Virginia enjoyed a long marriage and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family in 2003.
Harry served his country in World War II from 1943-1946. He enlisted out of high school in the United States Army Air Corp. He was commissioned an officer in December, 1944, when he won his wings as a pilot. Harry was nineteen years old at the time and became a Martin B-26 Instructor for the balance of the war. In September, 2010, he was thrilled to go on the World War II Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and he cherished that trip until the end of his life.
Harry’s family would like to thank his doctors as well as the many nurses and paramedics and fire fighters of Fort Collins that rallied with him through every health challenge that came along. Also greatly appreciated is the wonderful staff of Columbine Health Systems for their excellent care during the last months and days of his life and to Chris Goes of Goes Funeral Care.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seeton Church on June 20, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, Montana, Harry’s favorite town on earth. Family and friends will gather at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. to proceed to the cemetery together. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the local arrangements.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 22, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 22, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
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Sally Seamands Benson says
I enjoyed meeting Mr. Benson in the course of my friendship with Harry Jr – he was a kind, funny man who obviously adored his family. He truely was a member of the greatest generation with a great heart for family and friends.
Larry and Leslie Manning says
very very nice man he told me to call him uncle Harry he will be missed but not forgotten
Stephen Roberts says
Godspeed Harry. I can still hear you laugh and telling stories. Great memories of humor and kindness from both you and “Roanie.” You made the planet better.
Vicki Van Steenberg says
Deb Bartholomew says
Harry Jones Family, Harry’s smile, laughter will be truly missed by all along with his stories and good memories and good times. He was a great friend to all he met and who met him. Always remember that when a Loss becomes a Memory that Memory becomes a Treasurer. Harry was and will always be a Treausure in our hearts.
R. Lewis says
I wish to offer my sympathies to the family of Harry. May you be comforted by the promise of the resurrection and the end to sickness and death forever. God makes this wonderful promise to us at Revelation 21:4 which reads, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I hope this message is of some consolation to you.