Robert James Jones Jr.

Robert was predeceased by his loving and patient wife, Theresa Ann, sister Kathleen, and former feral barn cat Cinderella. He leaves behind his daughter Erika (Joseph Woodward), his nephew Dan, an enormous and eclectic book collection, three thousand number 2 pencils, and a lot of old receipts.

Robert was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 26, 1944, to Robert (Sr) and Geraldine. He attended Dominican High School, where he received both a perfect attendance award and the dubious distinction of being tardy almost every day. He studied briefly at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and returned home to Milwaukee, where he fell in love with his wife, Theresa, while working as a drummer at the Pfister Hotel.

Robert and Theresa moved to Chicago so he could pursue a career in acting. They were married at City Hall with spoon rings from a vending machine and honeymooned at the Berghoff restaurant later that day. Bob didn’t want to skip his drum lesson, but his teacher insisted he take his new bride to lunch.

He made a living as an actor and voice-over artist– you might remember him as the voice of the “Snausages” dog, the “farmer at diner” in Road to Perdition, or the narrator of one of your high school science films. He spent many years as Ronald McDonald, performing magic shows around Chicagoland and supporting families of the Ronald McDonald House. (If you listen closely, you can still hear the sound of his one-hand clapping.)

His other hobbies included drawing, painting, playing guitar and piano, and introducing himself as “Bob with one o” to see if you were paying attention. He grew pot in the backyard during the “Just Say No” era and liked to tell long-winded stories to the women in his life as they got ready for work.

A proper renaissance man, Bob’s second chapter found him learning how to install fire alarm panels, build chicken coops, and shear sheep as he and Teri moved to Gurnee to open Sweet Basil Hill Farm, their dream project bed and breakfast. A true animal lover, Bob had great fun leading farm tours and introducing guests to Dolly and Fernando Llama, Rudolph the Fainting Goat, and the rest of the 36 sheep (all named!). He made the best scrambled eggs and found immense joy introducing guests to their Hugging Tree.

He will know instantly if you clap on 1 and 3 and would never turn down a venti decaf white chocolate mocha. Listen for him in the silence; he will remind you that infinite love is always with you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Friends and family will gather for a memorial visitation for Robert that will be held Friday, June 16th, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 North Cemetery Road, Gurnee, Illinois 60031.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Jones family.