Robert J. Jones, 65, of Fort Gratiot, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. He was born to Herbert and Rachael Jones on November 5, 1943 in North Street, attended the Port Huron schools, and graduated from Port Huron High School in 1961.

Bob served in the U.S. Air Force and, on September 14, 1964, he married Jay Ann Lampard (PHHS Class of '61) in the Central Methodist Church, North Street. He farmed many years with his father and then went to work as a locomotive engineer with CSX Railroad, retiring in 2007 after 32 years of service.

Bob was a longtime member of Central Lakeport United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and held various other offices in the church. He loved baseball, his garden and especially enjoyed going to his grandchildren's activities. He was a twice-a-day Tim Horton's customer where he made numerous friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jan Ann Jones; his three daughters, Jane (Jim) Champenoy of Fort Gratiot, Jennifer (Tony) Aiello of Philadelphia PA, and Ellen (Dan) Binkley of Algonac; eight grandchildren, Mike, Tim and Tyler Champenoy; Elizabeth and Katherine Aiello; and Dale, Austin and Christian Binkley; two sisters, Marilyn (Dennis) Tuttle of Cheektowaga NY and Judy (Jerry) Woolston of Mason, MI; a sister-in-law, Susan Jones of Burtchville; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Lampard of Fort Gratiot; five sisters-in-law and five brothers in law; his favorite uncle, Leslie Lampard of Burtchville; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, William Jones, and his father-in-law, Harrow Lampard.

A memorial service was held at Central Lakeport United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 21, 2008. Internment was at Lakeside Cemetery.