Raymond Robert Jones

Raymond Robert Jones

Devoted Husband and Father

Raymond Robert Jones, 96, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Raymond was born on January 4, 1927 in Los Angeles, CA to Claude Jones and Juanita Doyle. He grew up in the Venice canals and enjoyed going to the beach every day. He attended Venice High School where he was an avid high jumper and graduated from Hamilton High School.

In 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Area and traveled to Guam, Saipan and Iwo Jima. Raymond came home for his high school graduation, and his parents surprised their only child with a 1945 Model A Ford. He enjoyed working on cars and going to car shows. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945.

In his 20s, Raymond bought a boat and named it “26 miles” since there are 26 miles between Los Angeles and Catalina Island. He once water skied the whole 26 miles! He also logged 26 trips to Catalina before he sold the boat and bought a motorcycle. He was happiest when he was on the ocean.

Raymond married Mary Eloise Jones on February 13, 1971 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were each other’s lifelong companions and friends. In his last few months, the first word out of his mouth every day was “Mary.” He always wanted his wife close by for love and comfort. Mary cared for him with the utmost compassion and love until the end. They are a beautiful example of true love.

Over the years, Raymond acquired rental properties and was an amazing landlord to his tenants. Some of his tenants still remain for over 40 years and considered him family. He was very interested and knowledgeable in real estate and became a successful real estate investor. His family plans to continue his legacy.

He enjoyed going to the beach with his children, nieces and nephews. They spent countless summers under the pilings of the Santa Monica pier digging for sand crabs and swimming in the ocean. He would also take his children and their friends to malls, zoos and museums of which they have fond memories.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and derived boundless joy from spending time with Mary, her large family, and their children, and grandchildren. Regularly the family would go to the Santa Monica Pier where he enjoyed eating clam chowder followed by ice cream from the Carousel.  He used to swim for miles in the ocean while we watched him disappear into the waves. Daily he could be found riding the waves as he was an accomplished body surfer.

He is survived by his wife Mary Eloise, children Tony (Cynthia) Csukor, Vanessa (Ric) Buskirk, and grandchildren Lauren and Carsten Schlosser. There will be a private burial on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.