Howard Norton Jones

Howard Jones was born at a very early age - April 23, 1934 in Compton, California. He was the second child and eldest son born to Ruth and Carroll Jones. Howard and his siblings Carolyn, David, Carroll and Gordon grew up in Van Nuys. His first job was as a paperboy - he took over for his sister, who found out it was not as glamorous as she may have thought. Howard was not deterred by the rain, snow, sleet or by the road that went uphill both ways. Nor by the dog that chased him on a regular basis. He was only bitten twice - Howard, not the dog. He did all this with 2 broken ankles, because a cape made from a towel, does not actually make you Superman. Always a hard-worker, he sold more subscriptions than anyone and won a trip to Catalina Island. His adventurous spirit led him to the pacific ocean, a "borrowed" raft, one oar lost at sea and a rescue from a fishing boat. He was 11 - kids those days. At age 12, Howard's father passed away and he moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico to live with his Uncle Alfred. He worked with his uncle delivering supplies and goods before school and worked at the historic flour mill afterward. He returned to California where he lived in San Diego and then eventually back to Van Nuys. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country stationed in Ft. Ord and in Augsburg, Germany. While on leave back in the states, he met a girl whom he charmed off her bobby socks. Within six short months, Howard and Joyce were married in June of 1956, in Canoga Park, California. She became the love of his life for over 57 years. . A few years later, they started their family in Santa Clarita. They welcomed David, Dana, Darren and Debra. Howard coached his sons, as well as half the neighborhood in baseball. The family's second home was a baseball diamond, via the Bunny-Luv carrot farm. In the early years, Howard worked three jobs at one time. Eventually he learned the electrical trade and became an excellent electrician for over 30 years. He was very proud of his job, his union, and his fellow electricians. In 1972, the family moved to Westminster, Colorado and then to Arvada in 1978. Howard continued to coach baseball and enjoy the beauty Colorado offered. Fishing and camping were a favorite. Everyone was always welcome. That was his philosophy. His children enjoyed telling others how their dad built Eisenhower Tunnel, Coors Field, The Aquarium and many other buildings and structures. And a little known fact - Howard Jones, not Dante Bichette, hit the first homerun in Coors Field - out of the park no less! He became a grandfather for the first time in 1984 when Jason was born. Howard now became "Grumpy" - apparently he preferred that to grandpa. Alex, Arielle, Brandt, Brenner and Sloane were soon being christened with their very own nicknames as well. Jason (Grasshopper), Alex (Rebob), Arielle (Onery), Brandt (Deucer), Brenner (Boomer) & Sloane (Pebbles). Howard had many interests and shared them all with his family and friends. He loved baseball, the Colorado Rockies, the Denver Broncos, basically anything sports related. He was just as big a fan at all his grandchildren's sporting events and any other adventure they chose - he was their number one fan. He loved cooking, traveling, history, trivia, genealogy, reading, giving lectures, playing devil's advocate, engaging in thought provoking conversations, giving out nicknames - but especially, being with his family. Family and friends were very important to him. He cherished and valued them deeply. He is preceded in death by his son Darren, daughter Dana, brother David and brother Carroll. He is survived by his wife Joyce, son David (Elisa) Jones, daughter Debra (Bob) Mazotti, grandsons: Jason (Leah) Jones, Alex Mazotti, Brandt Mazotti, and Brenner Mazotti, granddaughters: Arielle (Dan) Cobble, and Sloane Mazotti, step-grandson Dustin (Jennifer) Hern, step-granddaughter Brianna (Chris) Corwin, sister Carolyn (Gale) Thomas, brother Gordon Jones and numerous nieces and nephews. "I'll wait here for you."