On September 16, 2020, Christopher Daniel Jones , with grace and tenderness, lay down the burdens he carried for others, and joyfully entered paradise, to be reunited with his adored daughter, Kimberly Elisabet.
Chris was born in Charleston, West Virginia on January 7, 1964, the second of ten children . On November 21, 1975, ladened with suitcases, Chris walked off a TWA flight and at the age of 11, became a support for his mother and siblings, due to a sudden move to California. Chris is lovingly remembered as helping siblings with their paper routes, building forts, carrying a sister 2 miles on his shoulders while stopping an injured toe from bleeding, sharing his love of rock n roll with his brothers, and beaming with pride when he won "Commissioner of Safety " , as an eighth grader at St. John’s Catholic School in Healdsburg, California. For the rest of his life, while he didn’t carry that specific title, he remained in safety-related positions. Chris was an enthusiastic basketball player, a summer camp counselor, a dedicated altar boy and responsible teenage employee for Eddinger and Sons, the Joe Bucher Dairy Farm, and the Mrs. Genevieve Warfield Estate. Chris will be fondly remembered for his love of listening to our mother read bedtime stories, choosing to lay across the couch, above the reader, soaking in every word, and in turn, becoming a gifted speaker and writer. Chris enlisted in the United States Navy and remained a proud patriot for our country from 1982 until 2004, rising to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. In addition, Chris worked as a Disaster Services Volunteer for the American Red Cross ( 1987-2013 ), Health and Safety Instructor, American Red Cross, (1987 -2003 ), National Director and New England Area President, ( 2008 -2009 ) and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, El Cajon, California (2013-2017), one year of which he was Grand Knight. Chris was most recently employed by Kros-Wise, Inc as a trainer and curriculum developer for Environmental, Health and Safety programs, supporting the US Navy. Chris really loved teaching and was most proud of this work. He had a unique way of keeping his students’ attention and interest. His sense of humor and special handouts to his students were important to him. Life savers were always on hand as well as “scooby snacks” for that student who knew the answer or really “saved the day!”
Chris always loved an adventure, never taking the same route twice. How many unintended adventures were had but cherished so much! He would move from one task to another and because of it a family favorite line was: “Oh, a squirrel!” Chris found relaxation in cleaning as well as walking up and down the aisles of Goodwill. He loved his morning coffee, “coffee gooood!”, and would always be found having his pastries or bread with it. His mom loves to tell the story of Chris having both hands full of bread when he would come through the kitchen! He was a private, humble individual and loved to say, “I march to the beat of a different drummer!”
Chris met Beth, his wife, on Catholic match and followed the church’s guidelines to the “T” for remarrying. His faith was extremely important and centered his life. In fact, he wore a pro life bracelet and would never take it off. Everything about the relationship was in fast forward mode but so right. God put forth many obstacles and challenges, all of which with faith, were overcome. The amount of stress and challenge in the last couple of years was incredible, but was taken on as it was God’s will. A loving family unit made it worth it and will be cherished forever!
Chris’s sense of humor was unique. He loved to joke and it was actually a part of his daily dialogue. A direct answer was usually not available but instead a movie quote, song, or saying would follow. It was up to the receiving person to figure it out. Often if asked, “How do you know that?”, he would say, “I have detailed files!”
Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann ( Beth ), adoring children, Benjamin Graham and Amy Kelisa, step father to Jordan and Jamie, cherished son of Regina and loving brother to seven sisters and two brothers. Chris is predeceased by his father, Jack and most adored daughter, Kimberly. Chris also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins . He spent countless hours tracing genealogy of his family tree and enjoyed gifting family members with family pictures and slideshows.
Chris always put his faith and family first and was a real gentleman. He would always be found holding the door for several people at a time, letting several cars go ahead of him, or giving up half of his meal for someone else. It is with sad hearts that we say goodbye to an incredible and loving man. He will be at the gates of heaven ready to hold the door for family and friends. He would want all who knew and loved him to:
“Fear not, this too shall pass” “Onward and Upward!”
“Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest is peace, Amen”
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