Robert Jacot Jones Jr.

As the oldest son of a World War II B-24 bomber pilot, Bob was born to fly. He followed in his father’s footsteps when he became an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He volunteered to fly dangerous scout missions on the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse “Loach” helicopter, which flew low and slow, drawing heavy enemy fire. In October 1969, Bob’s helicopter was shot down for the third time, prematurely ending his military flying career. He was medically retired from the Army in 1977 as a Chief Warrant Officer 2.

After his military flying career was cut short, Bob faced a long and arduous road to recovery from the injuries sustained in Vietnam. These injuries left him with physical challenges he would manage for the rest of his life, but his determination to fly again never wavered. This resolve led him to civilian flight training in 1975, a pivotal step that not only put him back in the cockpit but also introduced him to his instructor, Jim McAlla—a meeting that marked the beginning of a 50-year friendship.

That return to the cockpit launched a distinguished 31-year career in commercial aviation. Starting with Metro Airlines, Bob carved out his own legacy of excellence. He distinguished himself as a pilot, instructor, check airman, and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, known for his tough but precise evaluations that reflected his military discipline. He ultimately retired from Envoy Air, the regional carrier for American Airlines, in 2017, as the Manager of Training and Standards on the Embraer EMB 145. When he finally hung up his Captain’s hat, he left behind a generation of pilots who were safer, sharper, and better for having learned from him.

Whether at work or at home, Bob was always an instructor at heart, passing on his passions to his three children. A lifelong dog lover, he instilled that same affection in all of them. He shared his love of the outdoors and friendly competition with his son Robby, coaching his youth soccer teams and nurturing a shared interest in gardening and cooking. With his son Billy, he bonded over quiet moments, teaching him to fish and sharing his favorite classic movies. His legacy of flying was passed to his daughter, Alysia, who followed him into the sky as a third-generation military aviator in the Air Force. Bob was there to render Alysia’s “first salute” and pin on her navigator wings, proudly seeing his passion for instruction and evaluation live on in her.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of tenacity, devotion to duty, and discipline. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Jacot Jones; mother, Frances Edylee (Wells) Jones; and son, William “Billy” Leonard Jones. He is survived by his daughter, Alysia Benson (John); son, Robert “Robby” Jones, III (Janie); sister, Penny Pater; and brother, Howard Jones. He also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Alysia’s children, Luke, Ella, and Declan; Robby’s children, Lillian, Zane, Kylie, and Arlo; and Billy’s daughter, Delilah.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Keller’s Old Town Funeral Home, 222 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas 76248. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.