Obituary for Mr. Robert “Bob” James Jones Sr. Robert James “Bob” Jones, Sr., 88 of Danville, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 after several years of declining health. Bob was born on May 19, 1930 in Greensboro, NC to the late William Fletcher Jones, Sr. and Ruth Gordon Jones. On December 16, 1950 he married Jean Rush Jones who survives of the home.
Bob graduated from George Washington High School, he attended the University of Virginia, graduated from Averett College, and received his MBA from Virginia Tech. He served his country as a Russian Translator for the United States Air Force, speaking fluent Russian, during the Korean Conflict. Bob served as Vice- President, President, and General Manager of his family’s business, Holsum Baking Co., President of Jones Distributing Co., President of Jones Real Estate Co., owner of the Danville Sandwich Co., and owner of Happy’s Pizza Restaurant; later he also worked as a Professor of Business and Economics for Averett College, owner of Bob Jones Insurance Co., and he was a founding member of the Board of Directors of First Virginia Bank.
Bob was very active in his community throughout his entire life. He is a past member of the Danville Chamber of Commerce, German Club, Young Men’s Club, Rotary Club, Masonic Order, Danville Golf Club, Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, Danville Art League, past President of the YMCA Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Salvation Army Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Advisory Board to the Small Business Administration and the Advisory Committee of Baking Industry to the Virginia Department of Agriculture.
He was also selected to go to Europe and the Soviet Union for the President’s People-to-People Tour to promote small businesses in the food industry abroad. He was a man of many talents and hobbies. Bob was a speaker and historian on the American Civil War, an excellent photographer, and a builder of intricate model ships.
But he was most passionate about his painting, throughout his entire life he created beautiful portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes that will be cherished by his family and friends for many years. In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, Robert J. Jones, Jr. and his wife Julia of Oak Island, NC, his daughters, Pam J. Manning and Gordon P. Bendall of Danville, and Kimberly J. Gregory and Craig Vosler of Danville; his grandchildren, Paige Wilkinson and husband Todd, Dr. Jerry Manning and his wife Blair, Robert J. Jones, III, Hayden Tebbs Jones, and Gordon Darkis and Sarah Freeman; Great-grandchildren, Susannah and Colt Wilkinson, and Cooper and Colin Manning; his sister Carolyn Morrison, sister-in-law, Doris Jones, and his special caregiver Cathy Coppernoll. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother, William F. Jones, Jr. A memorial service will be held at Townes Memorial Chapel on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 am with Reverend Bruce Wilson officiating.
Interment will be private at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
