Charles Chuck A. Jones

Charles "Chuck" A. Jones, 85, of Mesa, passed February 3, 2012. He was born January 2, 1927, in Neodesha, Kansas and has resided in Arizona since 1963. He retired in 1987 after 35 years with Mobil Oil Corp. in various sales and Marketing positions. He served in the Army Occupational Forces in Japan after World War II. His wife, Lois, of 38 years preceded him in death in 1987. One of his hobbies while living in Scottsdale was playing sax and clarinet with the Big Dance Band, “Over the Hill Gang”, during the '70’s &'80’s. Survivors are his sister Sally Bishop of Mesa; daughter Kristy & son-in-law Warren Strom & their 2 sons, Jeff & Marc, of Lynden, Washington; son Greg Jones of Mesa. Public visitation is scheduled for 11:00AM at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85257. Private interment will also be held at Green Acres Cemetery.

Charles Arthur Jones or "Bub" as he was known by most, grew up on the Jones family farm 3 miles north of Neodesha and graduated from Neodesha H.S. during the war years in 1944. During his high school year, Bub dated Twyla Talbert, Joy Newport, Jean Searcy & Donna Finkenbinder. Bub's favorite teachers were: Al Goering(aeronautics); Lewis Hay(geometry); Lillian Nattier(algebra) and Mrs. Lingo(dramatics & English). Bub's best friends in high school were: Bill Badgley; Harold Bryan; Kenneth Mills and Dale Hogan. During his senior year, he was elected cheer leader along w/Dale Hogan, Juanetta Hemme and Betty Lou Shacklette. He & Dale formed a small dance band that same year, playing for school dances. After graduation, Bub played in a dance band the summer of 1944 in Lincoln, NE. He entered the army March 1945 and after 'advanced basic training', received the ranking of army rifleman. He was on the 1st ship to arrive in Japan following President Harry S. Truman's ordering of atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. While in Tokyo, he served 2 years in the 'occupational forces' following WWII as part of the 97th Infantry Division. While in Japan, he played w/the marching band and also formed a dance band which played for dances @ the officers' club. After his 2 year military service, Bub returned home & entered K.S.U. where he met his future wife from Iowa. They were married on 10/29/48 @ the 3rd generation LeGrand family farm outside Monroe, IA(which remains in the LeGrand family to this day).

Bub graduated from K.S.U. in 1952 w/a degree in Business Adm. He soon was recruited by Mobil Oil Corp. in Kansas City and later transferred to Phoenix, AZ in 1963. He had a 35 year career w/Mobil Oil Corp.

Bub, now known as Chuck Jones, formed an 18 piece dance band during the early 80's which played in the Phoenix metro area. During the 10 years of the band's existence, 40 musical scholarships were awarded to Saguaro High School students-the school his 2 children, Kristy & Greg, attended in Scottsdale, AZ He even had an opportunity to play at the Phoenix Symphony Hall as part of a saxophone quartet in the early 90's!

He had a 'short lived' TV career as a participant in a TV commercial featuring one of Phoenix's major banks at the time!

During this time, Chuck became a physical fitness enthusiast, jogging 2 miles a day along with his wife, Lois. He was awarded many trips during his years w/Mobil; traveling w/his wife to Acapulco, Mexico; Marcos Island and Boca Raton, FL and ultimately the recognition of "Outstanding Salesperson of the Year"!

His wife, Lois, passed away in 1987 and Chuck retired early from Mobil the same year. He then pursued a different passion, 'ballroom dancing' and won several swing dance contests. Also, at this time, Chuck joined The Gideons International(a Christian professional businessman's organization). His activities included handing out Holy Bibles and testaments to middle school, high school and college students. He was a weekly visitor to military induction centers handing out military testaments from the late 1980's -1990's. During his 13 years as a Gideon, he held the positions of: treasurer, scripture distribution chairman, church assignment chairman, V.P. and President of his local chapter; often being called upon to give fund raising speeches in churches throughout AZ. Also, during this time, he served as Sunday School class president, usher & played in the orchestra at his home church, Scottsdale Baptist where both his children were married.

Chuck now lives near his son, Greg, in East Mesa, AZ & continues to be very enthusiastic about physical fitness- exercising @ L.A. Fitness Gym at the age of 84!