Karl Jones, 37

Karl Hartley Jones II, 37, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 13, 2024, in Bigfork. He was born in a military hospital in Wiesbaden, West Germany. As an Army brat, his early years were marked by several moves around Germany and the U.S. before the family settled in Missoula in 1993. 

Growing up, Karl was a caring middle sibling who refused to hit back, no matter how much his younger brother may have deserved it. A talented athlete, Karl played baseball, ran track, and was a running back for the Big Sky High School football team. He graduated in 2005 before attending Whitworth University in Spokane, where he studied philosophy and French. 

His physical grace was matched by his love of music. In high school he learned to play guitar, favoring classic rock like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin. He sang in the Big Sky choir and showcased his tap-dancing skills in several theater productions. He was also a voracious reader with interests ranging from "Star Wars" to the history of the papacy. Outgoing and funny, Karl brought smiles to many diners during his career in the restaurant industry. In adulthood, he spent time living and working in Utah and Washington state before moving to Bigfork in 2023. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth M. Jones II, Margaret “Becky” Jones, and Carol Blissett. 

He is survived by parents, Karl and Carrie Jones of Bigfork; siblings, Caleb Jones and Katy (Ryan) Jones-Strange; grandfather, Dan Blissett; and nephews, Abe and Theo Strange. Cremation has taken place.