William A. Jones

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing away of William A. "Bill" Jones, 58, of Junction City, Kansas on May 3, 2012 at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City, Kansas.

Bill was born on March 22, 1954 in Bridgton, Maine to his loving parents John and Joan Jones. As a child he enjoyed mowing lawns and weeding gardens for his neighbors, family camping trips, and playing pop warner football. Bill also played in the 1970 Brewer High School football state championship game. He graduated from Brewer High School with the Class of 1973.

In October 1974 he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years at duty stations which included the USS Forrestal CVA-59, the USS San Diego AFS-6, the USS Yorktown CG-48, and ended his active duty career at the DeCA Commissary N.S.G.A Winter Harbor, Maine, retiring in October 1994.

In the summer of 1995, Bill rejoined DeCA Commissary at Brunswick Naval Air Station Topsham Annex employed as store worker, advancing to produce manager where his department earned several DeCA agency awards. He then accepted the grocery manager position which he held until the announcement of the closing of the Brunswick Naval Air Station. Wanting to continue his dedicated service to the DeCA agency, Bill began a nationwide job search which lead him to accepting a store manager position at DeCA Commissary Fort Riley, Kansas in March of 2010. Bill played a major role in the expansion and renovation of the Fort Riley Commissary. He was well respected, loved by his administrators and staff, and will be sorely missed.

Bill was a life-long, devoted sports enthusiast. He faithfully followed the NASCAR circuit, attending many races from Loudon, New Hampshire all the way to Daytona Speedway in Florida. He also enjoyed cheering on his favorite New England sports teams: the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins from the stands or on TV. Besides being a spectator, Bill also enjoyed many days on the golf course.

He is survived by Kathy, his loving wife of 32 years from Junction City; his precious daughter, Amanda Junkins, husband, Corey, and the loves of his life, grandchildren Benjamin and Chloe of Lisbon, Maine; his much loved son, Matthew of Lewiston, Maine; his cherished mother, Joan Jones of Auburn, Maine; his adored sister, Elizabeth Briggs and husband, Kevin of Holden, Maine; his brother, Steve of whom he was very proud and wife, Jackie of Bangor, Maine; niece Jessica (Briggs) Brooks and nephews Kristofer Briggs and Ryan Jones; great-niece Kayla Brooks and great-nephew Kolby Brooks. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins of whom he dearly loved, as well as countless friends and colleagues.

Bill was predeceased by his devoted father, John Paul Jones.

A public memorial gathering will be held at Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel, 805 Caroline Avenue, Junction City, Kansas on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 6pm-8pm. Cremation will follow the memorial gathering and inurnment services will take place with military honors at a later date in Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family are graciously requested to defray unexpected expenses. A savings account has been opened in the name of Kathy R. Jones at the Bank of America, 227 W. 18th Street, Junction City, KS 66441. Donations may be given to any Bank of America Branch.