After a courageous battle against cancer, Dennis Allen Jones, 61, of Silver City, peacefully closed his mortal eyes on this earth surrounded by his family in his home on Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Dennis was born January 4, 1954 to Raymond and Etta Jones. He was born in Morenci, AZ, where he became the youngest of 4 children. Dennis grew up riding bikes with his brothers and sister on the warm summer days in Tucson, AZ before moving to Cliff, NM where he attended school and then to Silver City where he completed high school. He made Silver City his home and he married the love of his life Sandy on March 27, 1972.
Dennis and Sandy were blessed with a baby girl, who they named Tammie Marie Jones on November 7, 1972 and all was right with the world. Tammie made Dennis' eyes shine. Dennis put his passion for cars to work for him, so naturally he would become one of the finest mechanics in southern NM. Dennis worked at Parish Tire and his talents didn't go unrecognized; they sent him to B alignment school in Davenport, IA. People would come from all around just to have Dennis work on their cars. He made many friends during this time, most of which turned into family. He attended diesel mechanic school at San Juan College, in Farmington, NM. The skills that he learned during this time would set him apart from many of the other mechanics.
He worked at Tyrone mine where he quickly made friends and earned respect on the job site. Dennis was a hard worker and didn't expect any less from any of his co-workers. The guys that he worked side by side with would become some of the greatest people our family has ever known. Dennis was lucky in the fact that he made friends easily, people loved to hear him tell stories or just pal around with him. He was full of life and did everything to the extreme. He was an avid outdoors man, where he loved to fish and hunt. Dennis loved the Gila and felt most at home in the mountains. He spent many cold winter days walking beside his brothers, nephews, and friends trying to find the big one.
He was an exceptionally good ATV rider. He was fearless. He taught all of his nieces and nephews at least one "don't try this at home" moment in his lifetime. He lived life on HIGH!! He was a huge advocate for the youth of Grant County. He taught hunter safety and participated in the big brothers program. He was a member of the Elks club and numerous other youth programs. He loved being around kids and the sound of their laughter would light up his eyes.
On most days you could find him sitting on his patio enjoying the sun on his face and listening to music. He was very creative; he could take ordinary junk, weld it together and make art. His mind worked a mile a minute. There was never a dull moment with this man, he could hardly sit still. His laugh was contagious and one you would never forget.
Even though his life wasn't without pain, we learned from him what LIVING really meant. His will to survive was still so evident even in the last few days; those moments will be those that we will treasure forever. He was loved by so many and we were lucky to have him as a son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend!
Dennis is survived by his loving wife Sandy. His sister Raye Jones, her children Kelly and Chris, his brother Donald Jones (JoAnn Cooke) his children Traci (Matt Valdez) and Josh (Tammy Jones), Sister-In-Law Pam McCants (JackMcCants) their children DaLau (Bill Mise) and Marvin (MelissaMcCants), Brother-In-Law Bill Burns (Dawn) and their children Carrisa (Tyler), Cameron, Celina (Justin), and Carlynn, and Special family friend Deserea Estrada (Matt Ortega) and her children Lexie and Sereena. Great nieces and nephews Chance, Abron, Colton, Allie, Owen, Ashton, Wyatt, Carson, and Tatum, along with numerous other extended family and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tammie Jones, his mother and father Etta and Raymond Jones, and his oldest brother Stanley "Butch" Jones.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. We ask that you please take a few moments and reflect on the memories that you had with Dennis and place a smile upon your face. He wouldn't have it any other way.
"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God has laid, you see I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work, to play, tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee, God wanted me now; He set me free."
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Exclusive provider for "Veterans &Family Memorial Care". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. Hwy 180 East on Delk Dr., Silver City, NM 88062 - 575-388-2334