Carroll M. Jones, 70

Carroll M. Jones, 70, passed away on May 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the Jones family home in Columbia Falls.

Born to Edward and Esther (Wagner) Jones on Sept. 9, 1953, at Whitefish Hospital, Carroll was the fourth of his siblings, Robert, Fred, Doug, Lorie and David. He grew up and graduated from high school in Columbia Falls, and obtained his mechanic's license through trade school.

At an early age, his interest began in car mechanics when learning how to clean engine parts for his dad in the family garage. He spent many summers mowing neighbors' lawns to earn extra money for his passions. He loved playing baseball and streetball. He bowled and played pinball for hours on the same dime at the bowling alley. He would spend hours and sometimes days going out hunting and fishing with his brothers and friends. During idle times, Carroll and Doug would walk or ride their bicycles from Columbia Falls to Deer Park to visit and help their Grandma Wagner just for something to do.

After graduating from high school, he worked several different jobs. In the late '70s, he began his career working for Schellinger Construction. Carroll started at the very bottom and worked his way up to become a Crushing Superintendent. Highlighting 2004, Carroll was invited to go to Argentina for dove hunting with fellow co-workers. In 2013 he decided on retirement.

Carroll married Deana (Mower) on Aug. 18, 1978. Their son, Cameron, was born in 1979 and daughter, Stacia, was born in 1982. They bought raw land just east of Columbia Falls where together, they built a log cabin they would call home.

Carroll could do any project he put his mind to; be it mechanics, welding, electrical, plumbing, building and woodworking. He would rebuild car engines and transmissions (both automatic and manual). He built his own band-saw and saw-mill so he could cut timbers, mill lumber and create cuts specific to his projects; such as tongue-and-groove for flooring. He patiently taught his son and daughter many of these skills and also took the opportunity to teach a few of these skills to his grandsons. Carroll was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; mother, Esther; and brother, Doug.

He is survived by his wife, Deana; son, Cameron Jones (Amy); daughter, Stacia Comstock (James); grandsons, Clayton and Tristan; step-granddaughters, Jaelynn and Vanessa; brothers, Robert, Fred (Jeannie) and David (Carol); sister, Lorie Ax (Gary); and many nephews and nieces.

A memorial for Carroll will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. His burial will be at a later date. To send online condolences please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.