Rodger Jones, 86

Rodger Floyd Jones, 86, passed away peacefully on May 14, surrounded by family. He was a caring husband, proud father, and loving grandfather.

Rodger was born October 11, 1939, in Port Orchard, Washington, to Robert Floyd Jones and Neva Belle Leach. As a young man he participated in sports and Boy Scouts and attended the 1953 National Scout Jamboree at Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California.

He graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell, Montana, in 1957. That same year he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. Rodger was later stationed in the Philippines, where he served as Military Police and played trumpet in the Marine Corps Band. In 1961 he was transferred to El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Santa Ana, California, working in Flight Operations; while there he had the opportunity to fly in an F-4 Phantom. He was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and received an honorable discharge.

Returning to Kalispell, Rodger founded a jazz band, The Flamingos, and played trumpet while working at Buttrey Food Stores. He met Loraine Hutton at one of his performances; they married in 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell, Montana, and later lived in Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho, where they raised their family. After 35 years at Buttrey's, Rodger retired as store manager, then opened RJ's Golf Shop in Twin Falls and later co-owned EverRite Foods in Kalispell.

Rodger enjoyed caring for the family horses and dogs, watching his children at sporting events, and supporting 4-H. He loved golf and often told the story of shooting a 69 at age 71.

He is survived by his wife, Loraine Jones of Boise, Idaho; children Robert (Audrey) Jones of Ashland, Montana, Craig (MeDenne) Jones of Woodstock, Georgia, Kimberly (Robert) Minter of Boise, Idaho, and Kellie (Jeff) Palon of Tempe, Arizona; grandchildren Kendall Stanley, Bethany Jones, Chloe Paton, Zachary Jones, and Colton Jones; and greatgrandchild Elliott Stanley.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Christine Sue Jones; his parents, Robert and Neva Jones; and his sister, Roberta Nottbohm.

A memorial service will be held in Kalispell, at Glacier Memorial Gardens on September 12, at 10:00 a.m.