Alfred Joseph Jones

Alfred Joseph Jones, 76 died of natural causes in his own bed with his wife, Ada, at his side on Wednesday morning, June 8. Al was born June 10, 1934 in Ada County Idaho to John and Amelia (Tellier) and was the first of 11 siblings.

Al moved to St. Ignatius at a young age and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1955 after enjoying many seasons of football, track, baseball and student council.

In 1960, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in August 1964.

Al spent his entire life adventuring in and around the woods of Western Montana and the panhandle of Idaho. In his adventures, Al learned that he could make a living in the lumber processing business, first by tallying and estimating board footage for a logging company out of Superior. Al started working for Plum Creek Lumber Company in Pablo in the fall of 1964 and was a company man for 32 years, retiring in 1996.

Al danced into his marriage with Ada Jean (Hill) in the summer of 1971. With that came an instant family with five kids and added his gem of a daughter in 1972. Al was devoted to educating and caring for his family through his adventures in the woods and streams. He had many stories to share and many more were created in the hunting, fishing, camping environment he encouraged all to participate.

Those awaiting his arrival are grandparents Lauret and Annie (Broncho) Tellier, parents John and Amelia, sister Adeline Upton, brother Dennis Jones and son Russell Lee Curran.

Al leaves behind his beautiful wife of almost 40 years Ada, his brothers Ken Jones (Idaho), Ira and Alice Jones (Arlee), Lubert and Norma Jones (Ronan), Leo Jones (Idaho), Dalon and Anita Jones (St. Ignatius), his sisters Pauline and Del Nicholson (Deer Lodge), Marie Ashley (St. Ignatius), Vicky and Davey Belgarde (Hayes), daughters Christie Jones (Ronan), Patti and Ralph Moody (Great Falls), Allysen Jones and Dennis Gates, (Polson), David and Ann Jones (Poulsbo, Wash.), Brian and Lhu Jones (Lisbon Falls, Maine), 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Al had many hobbies including hunting, fishing, bird-watching, camping, gardening and picture taking. His furthest reaching hobby was being with his family and friends, which all now have a small tear in their eye and a papa-influenced smile on their face.

As a lifetime enrolled Nez Perce tribal member, Al is now off to his next adventure in the Lochsa wilderness of Idaho and is patiently waiting for those he touched to come play in his adventures.

Viewing services were held Saturday, June 11 at the Grogan Funeral Home located at 101 6th Avenue in Polson. Following the viewing was a Celebration of Al’s Life at the Round Butte Club located at 7254 Round Butte Road West in Ronan.

Condolences may sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

As Al would say “Ta’c kuleewit” (good evening).