Jack Dean Jones

Jack Dean Jones was born in Rocky Ford, Colorado on November 21, 1929. He passed away peacefully at home in Vista, California on November 4, 2022. Jack and his three brothers, Ralph, Richard, and Olan who have all predeceased him, were raised by their hardworking mother Blanche Henderson. In 1947, Jack joined the United States Marine Corps. He married his soulmate Lona May Collins in 1950 and continued his career in the Marines. A Marine without a college degree rarely becomes an officer, but when they do, they are known as a Mustang. Jack accomplished this feat and retired after twenty years of service at the rank of Major. He served his country in the Cuban Missile Crisis as well as several tours in Vietnam. He was extremely proud but humbled by his accomplishments.

Upon retirement from the military, Jack worked one year for the Deutsch Company and decided he wanted to be his own boss. After that he purchased two laundry mats which he owned and operated for several successful years. During that time, he and a few investors started The Community Bank of Vista which was later purchased by a larger bank.

During retirement, Jack and Lona purchased a motor home and visited all fifty states and Canada. Jack had a huge passion for freshwater and saltwater fishing. This led to their annual trip to San Felipe, Mexico where they would meet up with their life-long friends. Their love of travel and adventure took them to sixty-four countries, where Bali and Indonesia were easily marked as special places in their hearts. In life and in worldly travels Jack never met a stranger.

He shared his love of fishing with his daughter, son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He believed God gave you a quota of fish you could catch, so if you did not catch a fish one day, that just gave you an extra day to fish.

Throughout the years, Jack and Lona spent many Saturdays and Sundays, enjoying time with their friends at The Vista Elks Lodge #1968. They were also very involved with a charity near and dear to their hearts, The Purple Pig. This charity supports special needs children, and The Vista Elks Lodge #1968 helps host the annual Christmas party where Jack and Lona have been helping for over fifteen years.

Jack was a kind loving man who dedicated his life to being fair, understanding and forgiving. If you met him even for a brief time, he had an impact on your life. At his passing, Jack and Lona were just shy of being married for seventy-three years.

He is survived by his wife Lona May Jones of Vista, California, his daughter Cheryl Jones Kulka and husband Ronald Kulka of Venice, Florida, his son Brian Jones of Tucson, Arizona, his grandchildren Heather DeLapp and husband Gary DeLapp of Charlotte, North Carolina, Holly Reason and husband David Reason of Kennesaw, Georgia and Ryan Jones of Hemet, California, his great grandchildren Garrett Ford, wife Sarah Ford and Wyatt DeLapp of Charlotte, North Carolina, Brett Reason and Reagan Reason of Kennesaw, Georgia, Jacob Jones and Alex Jones of Warren, Ohio and Cooper Jones of Hemet, California. Jack’s great great granddaughter will be born in March 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Vista Elks Lodge #1968 “Purple Pig” 1947 East Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084 in memory of Jack Dean Jones.