Artie Louis Jones, 80, was born December 27, 1943, to parents Grover Charles Jones, Jr. and Aretha Mae Smith Jones. The eldest of six children, Artie was born and raised in Rosedale, Kansas – which is now known as Kansas City, Kansas.
Artie was baptized as an infant at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. He attended elementary school a St. Patrick’s Catholic School. Notably, he was the first Black person to attend this school in 1950, just prior to the Supreme Court’s 1954 ruling in favor of desegregating schools in the United States. Artie went to high school at De La Salle Military Academy. After graduation, and a quick year in Kansas City Community College, Artie packed up and moved to California to live with his maternal grandmother. Artie completed his education at California Statue University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson, CA.
During the Vietnam war Artie was drafted into service. The base in California - where Artie was to scheduled to report - had a sudden outbreak of meningitis. As a result, Artie, and all other California draftees, were shipped to Fort Polk (recently renamed Fort Johnson), in Louisiana. Following his basic training, Artie was moved to Fort Rucker in Alabama, where he would spend the balance of his military career. Shortly before being discharged honorably from the United States Army, Artie would take a brief leave of absence to marry Cheryl Jean White.
Artie and Cheryl were married on August 13, 1966, in Los Angeles, California. From this union were born three children: Angela Denise Jones, Adam David Jones and Marcus Allen Jones.
Artie spent the lion’s share of his adult working career at McDonnell Douglas Corporation – a major American aerospace manufacturing company – before it was merged with The Boeing Company. Artie would retire after more than 40-years of service. After retirement, Artie left California to spend the balance of his retirement in Henderson, NV.
When Artie was not working, he was sure to be spotted at the bowling alley. Artie’s passion for bowling was evident to all who knew him. When not at the bowling alley, Artie could be found laughing and trash-talking while playing card games such as Bid Whist or Tonk.
With great sadness, Artie went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 8, 2024. Artie was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother-in-law (Robert “Bob” McIntosh) and grandson (Roy Adrian Snaer, IV). Artie is survived by his partner of 30-years, Daniela Antee; three children Angela, Adam (Sindia), and Marcus; Grandchildren, Carolina, Johnathan, Christopher, Leilani, Lori; Brother Richard (Judy) Jones, Catherine Williams, Ruth McIntosh (Bob), Donna Jones, Debra (Jerry) Hill and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
The Jones family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for the love, support, and other expressions of kindness. Perhaps you called or sent a text message. Maybe you sent an email or stopped by to visit or said a prayer of comfort for our family. Please know that each loving gesture is greatly appreciated, and we thank you!!
A Celebration of Life will be held in Riverside, California on August 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Attendance will be by invitation. Please make contact with the family for addition information and details.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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