William Earl Jones Sr
June 22, 1941 - February 28, 2016
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William Earl Jones Sr
June 22, 1941 - February 28, 2016
Obituary
William “Willie” Jones Sr. (ChaT-ex ‘T), former Chairman, Vice Chairman and Council Member of the Lummi Indian Business Council for 30 years (1977-2007) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 28, 2016.
Willie was born June 22, 1941. He is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Mildred Jones and his daughter Evelyn Jones (baby). He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Josephine Jones, children: Rosanna (Wendell) Jones, William (Regina) Jones Jr., Julianne (Delfred) Jones; 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and his sister, Rosalie (Ralph) Scott.
Willie is known of his commitment to education and was instrumental in the creation of the Lummi Nation High School and Northwest Indian College, where he earned an Honorary Degree in Native Science with a Concentration in Indigenous Self-Determination and Education. Willie was also a strong national leader in tribal sovereignty and self-governance and was an active community member in Whatcom County. He was a canoe skipper for many years and carried the canoe philosophy in all aspects of life.
The family invites all of his friends and colleagues to pay tribute to his legacy. Funeral Services will be Thursday, March 3rd at 6:00pm and Friday, March 4th at 10:30am, both at the Lummi Nation Community Building, Wex Liem: 2334 Lummi View Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226.
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: March 4, 2016 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Wexliem Community Building
- Location: 2100 Lummi View Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
Prayer Service
- Date & Time: March 3, 2016 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Wexliem Community Building
- Location: 2100 Lummi View Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
12 responses to William Earl Jones Sr
Cyndi Ferguson says:
February 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family and entire Lummi community on the loss of such a gentle, yet strong Tribal leader as Willie Jones. I feel blessed to have known and worked with Willie for over 20 years. His leadership has forever shaped and strengthened not only his own Tribe, but also that of the over 340 Tribes exercising their right of Self-Governance across the nation. Willie spoke passionately of the need for a shared Self-Governance vision as a vehicle to advance Tribal sovereignty for strong communities and families today, tomorrow and for the next seven generations. I will forever remember his words, smile and efforts in making that vision become a reality. God Bless, Cyndi Ferguson, SENSE Incorporated.
Marlin Fryberg Jr says:
February 28, 2016
On Behalf of my Fryberg Family here at Tulalip I want to offer my Condolences to the Jones Family and certainly the Lummi Nation in your Loss of such an inspiring Tribal/Community Leader. Willy Jones Sr. without a doubt represented your Nation as well as other Tribes with Honor and the upmost Integrity especially in the areas of our Native sovereignty and Education. Personally it was a pleasure seeing him support the Lummi Nation Blackhawks even when he was not feeling well. His Leadership will continue thru Family and Community members for years to come.
Prayers and may he travel well….
Sxwilus
Marlin Fryberg Jr
Vita Antoine (Charlie) says:
February 28, 2016
Sending my condolences to the family. Sending prayers also for strength & guidance. Sincerely, Tthul’xwimiye’ Vita Antoine. Daughter of Luschiim, Arvid Charlie
Rhonda Farrimond says:
February 28, 2016
I will never forget ‘Uncle” Willie’s kindness and willingness to share his knowledge of Tribal Self-Governance to a Newbie when I first went to work for the Choctaw Nation. He was a Warrior who walked with honor in protecting sovereignty for both his Tribe and for all in Indian Country.
David and Marinette Moody says:
February 28, 2016
Willie Jones has blessed all he encountered in life with wisdom and love and an infectious laugh. He was a 37 year friend of mine and co-spreader of peace and love for all living things. I hope he continues to Canoe better than ever with all his favorite canoe mates that have gone before him, will be in sacred waters with him forever.
David Moody