Loren "Jonesy" C. Jones

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Loren C. "Jonesy" Jones. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Jonesy was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Jonesy was born at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He was the son of Alice and Bill Jones. Jonesy was raised in Milwaukie, Oregon. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Jonesy was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jonesy's personality throughout his life.

      For Jonesy, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Jonesy was also adept at details. Jonesy was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1949. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      There was one thing that all of Jonesy's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Jonesy was such a popular person throughout his life. But Jonesy was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Jonesy was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Jonesy was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Jonesy was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Jonesy was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Jonesy made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, he became friends with Ron, Rick, Mike and Cathy.

      Harmony was important to Jonesy and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. He was married to Phyllis Price in the fifties and divorced in 1966. He remarried to Ellen Lewis in 1968 and later divorced in 1996. He enjoyed his single and retired life and spent his time with family, firends and his Red Harley Davidson. Jonesy was blessed with two children, two daughters, Michelle and Cindy. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Danielle, Dustin, Kelly, Jaymie and Cassidy. Jonesy was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Jonesy was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Jonesy would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Jonesy, and he expected the same from those around him. Jonesy was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Jonesy was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Jonesy handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was a longshoreman. He was employed for over 35 years for ILWU Local 8. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      A methodical man, Jonesy enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were riding his Harley, reading and eating ice cream.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Jonesy to become actively involved wtih dancing and playing pool. Throughout his later years, Jonesy was an active member of Old Coots On Scoots.

      Not only did Jonesy enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included traveling on his bike with friends.

      Jonesy was a lover of animals and cherished his pets.

      Since it was easy for Jonesy to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. His new life involved relocating to Estacada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in riding his Harley. Even in retirement, Jonesy stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Jonesy passed away on February 5, 2010 at at his daughter's home. Jonesy was diagnosed with Leukemia in July and given 2-6 months but fought hard against the cancer until February 5th. He is survived by his daughters Michelle and Cindy, their husbands Bob and Bob and five grandchildren Dani, Dusty, Kelly, Jaymie and Cassidy. Services were held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 2:00pm. Jonesy will be laid to rest with his ashes being spread in the wind with all of his family and friends on their motorcycles. This will happen in the warmth of the sun up the Clackamas River, his favorite place to ride.

      Jonesy was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Jonesy was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Loren C. "Jonesy" Jones.