Robert Harold Jones

Robert “Bob” Harold Jones, 89, of Manitou Springs, CO, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at Mount St. Francis nursing center in Colorado Springs, CO. Born on August 24, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the only son of Marguerite and Harold Jones.

At the age of 5 the Jones family moved to Santa Rosa, California, where Bob became known for his love of basketball and tennis. He graduated high school in 1954. It was in Santa Rosa where Bob developed his lifelong love for the San Francisco 49ers, having the privilege to see the team play at all three of the stadiums in which the franchise has played in its history, a distinction of which he was very proud. After attending junior college Bob moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he attended Colorado College. Bob was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

After graduating college, Bob answered his nation’s call and volunteered for service in the USAF. His favorite story from his service was about his time serving at a SAC base in Morocco, his fascination with the local culture and the challenges he faced bearing responsibility for the physical fitness of the station’s aircrews.

In 1962, after teaching at the US Air Force Academy Prep School, Bob left military service and made Colorado Springs his home.

Bob spent his career teaching elementary school. He loved children and they loved him. In the Fall of 1962-1965 Bob began his teaching career in the Widefield School District. From 1965-1991 Bob worked for the Cheyenne Mountain School District. He taught Physical Education at Skyway and Canon Elementary Schools and served as the Head Coach for the Cheyenne Mountain High School Varsity Boys Basketball and Tennis teams for over twenty years, winning several League and District Championships. Later in his career he served as the first Principal at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School.

He married Catherine “Kay” Anderson McNamara in 1962. They had three children, Jeffrey Robert Jones (Lisa Bohack, spouse), Catherine S. Jones (infant, deceased) and Stephanie Kay Jones Mosley (Don Mosley, spouse).

In 1979 Bob married Barbara Jean Jones (deceased, 2023). They resided in Manitou Springs for over 45 years. Bob had three stepchildren, Michael McKenzie (deceased, 2024), Sally Suchodolski (Chuck Suchodolski, spouse) and Jeanne Jackson (Rick Jackson, spouse)

Bob and Barb’s grandchildren are Ethan Mckenzie (Alyssa McKenzie, spouse), Scott McKenzie (Ashley, McKenzie spouse), Nathan Suchodolski, John Suchodolski (Emily Suchodolski spouse), Amber Orlik (Mike Orlik, spouse), Cory Jackson and Colby Jackson.

Whether watching, playing or coaching, Bob found joy in all aspects of athletics. Seeing his children and grandchildren embrace sports and competing themselves provided Bob with a lifetime of joy and satisfaction. Bob loved the Boston Celtics, San Francisco 49ers and Colorado Rockies. Always a loyal fan, he rarely missed a game. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, long road-trips and going to Cripple Creek.

A private ceremony will be held for the family.