George P. Jones III, USAF

George Poole Jones III (“Sandy”), 89, died in his home in Albuquerque on October 26, 2017. He is survived by his wife Carol, two stepsons, a daughter in law, four grandchildren, and a long list of people who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his son Steve and daughter Ellen.

Sandy was born in Little Falls, NY on March 28, 1928. He lived there throughout his childhood, and as a teenager he worked for his uncle who owned and operated the Jones Chemical Company, which Sandy always assured us was a big deal.

Sandy attended Duke University in North Carolina graduating in 1949. He then enlisted in the Air Force and embarked on several exciting years piloting both airplanes and helicopters. Much of his training was undertaken in Texas and New Mexico. He spent several months in the early 1950’s flying planes around the North Atlantic from Keflavik Air Force Base in Iceland. He completed his active duty at his final military post at Clovis Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Following Sandy’s active duty in the Air Force, he graduated law school at the University of Florida, finally settling in Albuquerque, NM where he lived for the rest of his life.

In March 1978 Sandy married Carol Jones (Gratch), and became stepfather to Carol’s two young boys who he helped raise as his own.

Sandy practiced law for 50 years including a few years as a judge. He never truly retired. He loved history, golf, his family, and the outdoors. He enjoyed walks with his friends, and his regular Friday lawyers’ luncheon. Most of all he loved his grandchildren. A special thanks to his caregivers, especially Judy and King, who were so good to him.

He had a wry sense of humor that is impossible to describe. Anyone that knew him knows the way he talked — to other people and to himself. They know how he would laugh with his mouth wide open, shouting his laughs. They know his hugs, which he bestowed on anyone who would stand and take them. They know the embarrassment at being the recipient of his extraordinary generosity. They know his pride in their accomplishments, and the embarrassment of hearing him repeat them for years to every single person he met. They’ve tuned him out, and then tuned back in upon the realization that he was being viciously creative in making fun of everyone — most often himself. They knew that his was a love that knew no limits, no definitions, and would persist without pause forever.

And knowing him is why we are our hearts break to be without him. There will be a gathering to celebrate his life on Sat., November 18th, 2017 at 3:00 PM.

We love you Sandy.

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Nov. 12, 2017.