Arthur W. G. Jones

2/28/20 ~ 12/9/11

Arthur Jones passed away peacefully while sitting in his favorite chair, overlooking his garden full of memories. Art was a Los Angeles native, born in Boyle Heights, the son of English immigrants, Bill and Lillian Jones.

Art graduated from Roosevelt High School. After graduation he joined the Navy and advanced to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served on the Air Craft Carrier USS Nehenta Bay during World War II. He distinguished himself during the infamous Typhoon that struck Halsey's Third Fleet. He also served in campaigns in the Marianas, Western Caroline's, Leyte, Luzon and the Okinawa Gunto Operations including assaults on Sakishima Gunto.

On leave during the war Art fell in love with Valerie Faull. They were married and after the war they moved into their home on Charm Acres in Pacific Palisades They had two children, Doreen and Greg.

When Valerie died suddenly on a trip to the Grand Canyon in 1967, Art was devastated but lucky to become acquainted with long time Charm Acres neighbor, Gloria White. Art proposed to Gloria on Memorial Day, and embraced her two children, Alexandra and Si, as his own.

Art had a 35-year career with the Southern California Gas Company. As an Executive Vice President, he was a nationally recognized expert on Natural Gas Codes and Ordinances. He lived in Pacific Palisades for over 60 years.

Art enjoyed a large extended family of friends and neighbors. A few of Art's best Palisades memories include coaching a last place Palisades Park baseball team, that finally reached it's potential and miraculously upset the first place team on the last day of the season. He led Boy Scout Troop 90's mascot mule in the 4th of July Parade and, along with wife Gloria, cooked the greatest Cheeseburgers on the planet for family and most of the neighborhood.

For the second time, Art lost his best friend and sweetheart, when his wife Gloria passed away in 2004. Broken hearted, he nonetheless remained an inspiration to all that he met, with his trademark smile and life long promise that indeed, "everything will be ok".

Art is survived by his four children: Doreen and husband Greg Thigpen of Bigfork Montana, Alex Lorraine of Taos New Mexico, Si White and wife Cathy Pendo White of Los Altos, California, Greg Jones and fiancée Anabella Crandall of Palmdale; Grand Children, Heather Schidler, Danielle Loumena, Mathew, Stephanie and Cristina White, Brian, Gavin and Austin Jones and their Mother Jill Jones of Pacific Palisades; and Great Grand Children, Ben and Abby Schidler.”

Art will be a long remembered inspiration to those who loved him. Special thanks to Dr. T.R. Harelik, whose care and counsel allowed Art to live out his life on his own terms.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthews Episcopal Church on January 7th 2012 at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Children's Hospital, the LA Mission or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Gates, Kingsley & Gates Moeller Murphy Funeral Directors, Santa Monica, CA.