Obituary of Ronald William Jones
Ronald William Jones
Ronald William Jones, 78, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at St. Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Chicago, IL, on March 3, 1946, he was the son of the late William and Genevieve (née Breeze) Jones. Ron grew up in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School (1964) before furthering his education at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. During his time at Notre Dame, Ron taught undergraduate classes, enjoyed his membership in numerous societies, and fully immersed himself in the university’s culture.
Ron was the proud owner of Sycamore Containers for 27 years before retiring in 2005. He continued to work, spending over a decade with SunHealth Association. He was also a longtime and active parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where he started as an altar boy, later as an usher and a member of the Finance Committee.
Ron met the love of his life, Virginia Deiss, in kindergarten, and the two married in 1968. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising four children with love and devotion. Family was always Ron’s top priority; he coached many of his children’s sports teams and later became the biggest fan in the bleachers for his grandchildren and their teammates, never missing a game. Ron’s legacy of love and dedication was evident in every aspect of his life.
He was a selfless and generous man who always put others first, whether it was helping a friend in need or driving his sister-in-law to church. Ron’s generosity extended beyond his immediate circle, as he regularly donated blood at local drives, a cause he was passionate about.
A diehard Notre Dame fan, Ron was known for giving tours of the campus. He also loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs, enjoyed bowling, and relished spending time on the golf course with his sons and friends. An avid model train enthusiast, Ron was known for his intelligence and attention to detail.
Ron could often be found at the Old Fashioned Pancake House and Babes where those friends became family. He lived life to the fullest, loved deeply, and gave generously. He will be forever loved and missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Virginia (née Deiss) Jones; two sons, Scott (Treva) Jones and Todd (Jen) Jones; two daughters, Holly (Tony) Scordo and Heidi (Brad) Buza; grandchildren, Andrew (Molly) Scordo, Ethan (Cassie Gitkin) Jones, TSgt Paul Jones USAF, Jack Scordo, Nick Jones, Samantha Scordo, Max Buza, Mateo Jones, Georgia Buza, Caylee (Julian) Blish, Camryn (Cylas) Krieger, Chloe (Edwin Infante) Turner, and McKenna Cook; great-grandchildren, Maeve and Charlie Blish, and Ezra Infante; sisters-in-law, Linny Deiss and Luann Jones; and close relatives, Patti Stroud, Cindi and Marty Mele, and Rick Oldani, along with numerous cousins, extended family members and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Billy Jones, and his mother and father-in-law, Georgia and Paul Deiss.
Funeral services for Ronald William Jones will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL, at 10:00 a.m. As per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Visitation will take place at the funeral home chapel on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to wear their favorite Notre Dame or Chicago Cubs attire in honor of Ron.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Alzheimer’s Association, American Diabetes Association, the Will County Humane Society, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
