J. Merle Jones 1911-2006

My 95 year old grandfather passed away on Thursday. I am headed up to Chicago (Joliet) on Sunday morning to attend the visitation and funeral and to be with family. The picture above was taken last Christmas. Click on it for a larger view.

Grandpa was an incredible man who I have always been very proud of. A very talented mechanic and businessman, he created a successful family business while helping raise a fairly large family. Our family would go see them at least twice a year and usually more. I have very fond memories of working and playing in the business where Grandma also worked, heading the business accounting department. Another very fond memory was a trip that Grandpa took me on in 1976. He took me fishing out west (Wyoming) with some his life-long friends from that area. I remember he taught me a valuable lesson about being a guest: "Don't overstay your welcome".

I know that I will cherish his memory for all my years and I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to have known him for half of my life.

Here is the obituary from the local paper:

J. Merle Jones Of Joliet died suddenly at his home on Thursday, October 19, 2006, after residing there for over 50 years. Born on February 19, 1911, in rural Florence Township, on what is now Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, he spent his early years on a farm there, moving to Symerton as a young adult. His parents were John H. Jones and the former Ethel Kirk, both of Florence Township.

He graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1928, and then operated a small repair garage in Symerton. During World War II, he was considered a critically skilled machinist and welder at the Joliet Arsenal. In 1946, he moved his repair business to Uptown Garage at 766 North Broadway, Joliet, where he became a dealer for White Trucks. A decade later, he opened Standard Truck Parts. In 1968, he built one of the early structures on Larkin Avenue, where he operated as J. Merle Jones and Sons International (now Navistar).

He was preceded in death in 2003 by his wife of 66 years, the former Mary Girot.

He is survived by five children, Diane Oestreich (Charles) Rock Island, John M. Jr. (Marlene), David (Donna), Donald (Amy), and Dennis (Maria), all of Joliet; and also 12 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

Bishop Roger Kaffer will officiate at funeral services at 9:30 AM Monday, October 23, at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. Visitation is Sunday, October 22, 2006 from 2 to 6 PM. Interment is in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.

BLACKBURN-GIEGERICH-SONNTAG

1500 Black Rd. near Midland

815-744-4444