William Stephen Jones

Colonel William Stephen Jones

May 19, 1936 – May 7, 2025

Colonel William Stephen Jones, U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, at the age of 88. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and decorated military officer, he lived a life of service, adventure, and quiet generosity.

Born in Sacramento, California, on May 19, 1936, to Nellie Benning Nugent and Robert Leroy Jones, Bill was shaped early by values of dedication and integrity. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and went on to pursue higher education at UC Davis, later earning a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California.

On June 8, 1958, Bill married the love of his life, Nancy Wilson Bergner, at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church in La Crescenta, California. Together they shared nearly 67 years of marriage, raising a family and creating a lifetime of memories rooted in love and mutual devotion.

Col. Jones served his country with distinction over a 25-year military career. As a U.S. Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, he earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses for Valor and was awarded the Bronze Star. He rose to the rank of Colonel, a testament to his courage, leadership, and dedication to his fellow soldiers.

Col. Jones, also known as GP to his grandchildren, leaves a legacy of music and nature appreciation. He sang in Barbershop quartets and chorus competitions. His love of nature led him to backpacking, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and bird watching. His family has many treasured memories of sharing these activities.

In retirement, Bill continued to live with purpose. He built and flew his own airplane, often taking day trips with Nancy. They also enjoyed vacations and hiking in Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite. A skilled craftsman, he enjoyed woodworking—especially building birdhouses. He donated hundreds of birdhouses to local nature centers and schools to be used as art projects.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy and daughters, Catherine Schepps and her husband Madison and Karen Gay and her husband Steve; his grandchildren, Chelsea Nohelty, Catherine Wilson, Cara Schepps, Megan Wammack, Rosemary Ashe, and Amelia Gay; and his great-grandchildren, Aubrey & Brielle Nohelty, Hadassah & Hannah Wilson, Emma, Jacob, & Caleb Wammack, and Dwight & Murphy Ashe.

A private family ceremony with full military honors will be held to lay him to rest.

Donations may be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.