Jerome “Jerry’’ Eldon Jones, age 49, of Bismarck, passed from this life on Monday, June 30, 2025, at his home. He was born November 25, 1975, in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Harold and Rhodenia Jones.
Jerry was a man of many talents and even more hobbies. He kicked off his career working as an automotive technician and auto body painter and later took his skills to industrial painting and instrument fitting. His work projects took him across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Alaska. If it involved tools, tough jobs, or getting his hands dirty, Jerry was all in. The real stories of Jerry’s life weren’t found on a résumé—they were written in campfire smoke, oil smudges, and belly laughs shared with the people he loved most. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by family. Many weekends were spent camping, fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling with the ones closest to him. Whether he was under the hood tuning up a classic muscle car with his brothers, playing video games with his nieces and nephews, or enjoying a lazy Sunday grill-out with his sisters, those moments were sacred—full of storytelling, a whole lot of laughter, and just enough trash talk to keep things interesting.
With a cheesy grin and a witty comment always at the ready, Jerry had a way of filling any room with laughter—even if it was just to distract everyone from the fact that he’d swiped the last of the lemon icing. He spent countless hours in his shop, painting RC cars, tinkering on new projects, and always welcoming curious family members to join in. For Jerry, it was never just about the work. He cherished his time with loved ones, who were more like best friends, and friends who were like family. His legacy of hard work, love, and laughter will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Kalvin Jones, and sister Sonia Clague.
Jerry is survived by his partner Vicki Lawson, daughters, Carrie Jones and Amanda Jones of Bismarck, siblings Harold “Buzz” (Julie) Jones of Yuba City, California, John (Judy) Jones of Hot Springs, Connie Jones of Colony, Kansas, Marvin (Kristy) Jones of Bismarck, Sonjia (James) Draper of Donaldson, an aunt June Smith of Cassville, Mo, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 7, 2025, at Beaton Methodist Church in Bismarck.
Interment was in Beaton Cemetery.
Final arrangements entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.