Brian Andrew Jones

Brian Andrew Jones was born to Jean D. Burns and Andrew Jones July 19, 1945 in San Francisco. He passed away November 7, 2013. Brian is pre-deceased by his father Andrew and younger brother, Bruce. Brian had a wonderful childhood, playing with his friends in the projects and being a big part of the Boy’s Club where he was taught to swim, fish, carve and learn a lot of life’s lessons. An excellent swimmer, he served as a life guard during the summers.

After graduation Brian moved to Reno and was working for the phone company when Uncle Sam came a beckoning. He was serving in Alaska when the big earthquake hit Fairbanks, and his Unit was a part of the clean up. When his tour of duty was over, the Vietnam conflict was in full gear, so he and three buddies thought they should re-up and Kick butt. April 25, 1967 Brian received his 1st Purple Heart, and was right back in the thick of things when the 2nd Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V Device were received. These wounds not being serious enough to keep him down, he went back again, receiving a third Purple Heart on July 26, 1967. This life threatening incident sent him home for treatment and life as he had known was changed forever. After months in hospitals Brian was well enough to be assigned for service in Germany where he was a part of the Military Police. He and his wife Gloria made their home there until when nine and one half months later, a grand mal seizure revealed the fact that his wounds from Viet Nam included serious traumatic brain injuries. Back in the states, and under treatment at Madigan Army Hospital for many months, Brian was diagnosed as 100% service connected disabled, and was retired from service with an honorable discharge. The trials and tribulations of all this ended his marriage with Gloria, but they were blessed with a precious daughter Jana Marie, who was born November 4, 1968 at Fort Ord in California.

Brian moved to Tacoma, WA where in enrolled at Tacoma Community College and got involved with the local Boy’s Club. He met Judy Grassman at a party, and it was truly love at first sight for them both. They were married at the duck pond in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma on March 5, 1977, and Brian, Judy, and her two daughters Lori and Terri became a family which shared great love for each other. Brian was accepted into Judy’s family and loved as one of their own. He was a kind and gentle man who loved having fun; but most especially, being part of a loving family. He tried doing the best for everyone and took care of the obstacles before him as best he could There was tremendous happiness but a condition called PTSD began to rear its ugly head. The couple coped with this disorder, still managing to live as a loving family. After moving to Fresno in 1982, many events began taking place. Judy’s Dad who was Brian’s best friend and fishing buddy passed away, PTSD began taking a greater hold, and the mental decline began moving at a greater speed. In 2010 while stopped at a stop light, Brian was rear ended. This crash was the final beginning of the end.

Brian was a life member of VFW Post 5057, MOPH Unit 106, VVA Chapter 933, DAV Chapter 1, the Military Order of the Cooties and the 25th Infantry Division. In the VFW Brian served as Post Commander, Post Chaplain, and Post Adjutant/Quartermaster. He was District 11 Commander in 1999-2000, earning an All American White Cap.

Brian is survived by his mother Jean Jones of Walnut Creek, his wife of 36 years, Judy, his daughter Jana Jones of Vancouver, WA, daughter Lorene Strand of Yukon, OK, daughter Terri Pothier of Tacoma, WA, half-brother Jerry Jones of Reno, NV, half-sister Andrea Crouch and step mother Lynn Jones of Elko NV. Nine grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Memorial Museum, 2425 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721, or the donor’s favorite charity.

A very special man, Brian Andrew Jones. A true patriot of the United States of America gave his life long before his life was ended.