Ralph Wolf Jones Jr.

Ralph was born in Fairfield, Iowa to Mary Briggs Jones (dec) and Ralph Wolf Jones, Sr. (dec). He was the oldest of three boys, being preceded in death by Robert W. Jones and being survived by Richard W. Jones (Christi Jones). He attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and Carmel High School in Indianapolis, IN before obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in German and Russian from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Ralph enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam war to use his language skills as an interpreter, intercepting and translating Russian radio transmissions from an Air Force base in Misawa in northern Japan. When he returned to the US, he spent some time in California working in a print shop before he decided that working for himself as a farrier would give him the time and flexibility to pursue his many interests. Ralph returned to Greene County, Indiana to live on a 23-acre farm, surrounded by additional hundreds of acres where he happily roamed with his horse, Sebastian, and skied and swam with friends. When the springtime morels and ginger gave way to summer, you could find him at the Indianapolis 500 Speedway with his dad and brothers, engaging in the family racing passion.

He later moved to Ohio, continuing his farrier work there with a new set of clients and an expanded menagerie. Ralph was a talented artist, able to make beauty from wrought iron, etched glass and metal sculpture. He continued his service to the Air Force as a long-time volunteer at the Air Force Museum. He lent his expertise to home projects as well, laying tile, refinishing furniture and tending to the gardens and landscape. Ralph’s annual crop of zinnias brought mirth to many.

Ralph was endlessly curious and widely read and he appreciated those qualities in others. An attentive and engaging conversationalist, he was always delighted with new thoughts and insights. The label “intellectually lazy” was damning in his eyes. Ralph traveled widely in Germany and northern Italy, using his formidable language skills to engage people and make friends along the way. He was a gentleman farmer and a gifted farrier, speaking “horse” as well as any other language he knew. As a private pilot and photographer, he was able to push past barriers that restrained most folks.

Ralph’s greatest talent was his gift for friendship. Consequently, Ralph left a big empty spot behind when he exited this world. The Ralphmeister was loyal to family and friends alike, deeply invested in their unique qualities and special bonds. He is survived by his former partner, Kelley, his nieces Dani and Courtney, sister-in-law and “sorrow boy” Stacey and Melvyn, other members of his extended family, and numerous good friends who will miss him greatly. Rest in peace, Wolfman, and save us a spot in the sun on your deck!

Donations may be made in Ralph’s honor to The Veterans and Military Assistance Fund (found on the Charity Navigator website) or to the environmental or animal welfare charity of your choice. Details of a Celebration of Life to come.