Obituary of Donald A Jones

Donald A Jones, 86 died April 12, 2019 in Shelton, WA. Don Jones was a special man, if you knew him and are reading this you are nodding in agreement. He was born in Tacoma, WA and lived his childhood there and in Vaughn, WA with his parents Joeanna Shoemaker and Lorenzo “Ren” Jones and his three brothers Les, Jim and Harold. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1953 and received a scholarship in Geology and attended UPS for 2 years before leaving to go into the boat building business. Initially Crestline Boat Co. with Les Jones, Don Goodell and Jim Inerbo which later became Starlet Yachts. He later partnered with his brother Les Jones and Don Goodell to form Jones Goodell Shipbuilding and J&G Marine Supply. He retired in 1994 after 40 years in business. He met and later married on June 8, 1956 Arlone Wilson, his partner and love of his life. They spent their honeymoon, 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries at Lonesome Cove Resort in the San Juan Islands. They built their home in Gig Harbor and raised their children Ken, Cary and Stacy there. They later retired to the family cabin on Mason Lake. Don loved the outdoors, and his most loved activities were hunting, fishing and sitting by a bonfire with family and friends. In his younger days he was a mountaineer, swam in high school, trail road on his Honda 90, rock hounding, old bottle digging, clamming, camping, hiking, boating and traveling. They traveled to Alaska, South Pacific, and other destinations. They belonged to many clubs and organizations over the years, such as Mason Benson Club, TOA, Overlanders, Good Sam Club and Tacoma Trail Cruisers. The people of the Mason Benson Club were such a wonderful source of support after his wife of 56 years passed and to them both as a community to enhance their pleasure of living in such a beautiful setting. Don loved to visit and welcomed time with all his family and friends. He never complained no matter what challenges life handed him. He worked hard to build a successful Yacht building business and provide a wonderful life for his family. He loved to do projects with his friends and was such a capable man, he possessed every tool that might be required (though it may be 40 years old). For over 25 years had an annual family and friends gathering at Blue Lake Resort, where he taught all his grandchildren and others to fish. There were 4th of July Celebrations with the Goldmine crowd which were so fun. Don is survived by his children Ken (wife Pat) of Port Orchard, Cary Ellison of Bellngham and Stacy Haney(husband Pat) of Camano Island and his brother Jim Jones of Port Townsend. They were there for the births of all their grandchildren; Megan Ellison, Ashli French (husband Jonathon), Justin Jones and Rylie Ellison. Later the family welcomed Kevyn Haney, Steve (wife Hilary) and Shawn and then great grandchildren Ashton, Kiera and Trevor. The family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone who has offered their support over the years and in the days leading up to Don’s passing. In his memory, donations can be made to Hospice, Scholarships benefitting the Boat Building Business. American Heart Association, Haven in Allyn or a Charity of your choice. Arrangements by McComb & Wagner in Shelton, WA. For your convenience online condolences may be sent to the family at their website www.mccombwagner.com. A Celebration of Life at the Mason Benson Club at Mason Lake will take place on June 8th, 2019 at 2 pm.