Harley Lee Jones Jr.

March 17, 1932 - May 25, 2023

Harley Lee Jones, Jr., 91, of Ontario, California died peacefully on May 25, 2023. He was born in a log cabin on the family homestead in Powell, WY on March 17, 1932 to Harley and Marie Jones. The youngest of five children, Harley grew up on the family farm with his brothers Earl, Don, and Keith and his sister Myrna. He graduated from Powell High School in 1951.

Harley enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carriers, the U.S.S. Essex and the U.S.S. Philippine Sea. Back home in Powell after his Navy service, he met Jean Kuns, his beloved wife of 63 years.

With a love of aircraft and all things mechanical, Harley attended Northrop Aeronautical Institute in Inglewood, CA and graduated in 1958 with an airframe and power plant license to work on aircraft. A jet course enabled him to work on jet engines.

Harley and Jean married in 1957 and began their life in Southern California, settling in Ontario, where they raised their three children Michelle, Kim, and Chris. Harley started his career with General Electric at the Ontario International Airport where he worked as a jet engine mechanic. In 1962 he began working at the test cell for GE as a jet engine inspector until his retirement in 1994.

An Ontario resident for 65 years, Harley was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Upland and a former member of Bethel Congregational Church (UCC) for over 55 years, serving on various boards and committees over the years.

Harley enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Along with Jean, he encouraged and supported all their children’s activities, in school, church, music, and sports.

Harley’s interests included fishing, hunting, camping, golf, woodworking, and traveling. Highlights included building a canoe in the 1970s and taking son Chris, on a horse pack trip in Wyoming with his brothers and family members in the 1980s. He enjoyed golf and played on a golf league through GE and also bowled in a church league in the 1980s.

As empty nesters, Harley and Jean continued their love of travel. After retirement, in a new motorhome, they embarked on an extended trip across the midwest, into Canada, and up and down the east coast. Their motorhome travels covered all 48 states. Cruises to Hawaii and Alaska completed their 50 state “bucket list”.

Devoted to his family, Harley’s sense of humor, kind heart, and love will be deeply missed. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Jean, his parents, brothers, and sister. He is survived by daughter Michelle (Monty) Blackmon of Nevada, MO; daughter Kimberlee (Michael) Larsen of Fort Collins, CO; and son Christopher (Shari) Jones of Clark Fork, ID. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Survivors also include sister-in-law Patricia Jones of Powell, WY and sister-in-law Patricia Kuns of Montrose, CO; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A public graveside service will be held on June 5th at 2:30pm at Bellevue Memorial Park, Memory Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.