Kenneth David Jones

Kenneth David Jones passed away on April 30, 2025 at his home in Fort Bragg, California. He was born on January 27, 1941 in Mendocino County to Kathryn and Kenneth Jones Sr. and grew up in Mendocino with his brother and sister, graduating from Mendocino High School before heading to Santa Rosa Jr. College on a basketball scholarship. Later Ken joined the Air Force and served in Maine before returning back to the coast to live in Fort Bragg, becoming a master carpenter building houses on the coast and raising a family of his own.
Ken had many hobbies and usually excelled at whatever endeavor he put his mind too. Mushrooming, carpentry, gardening, horseshoes, poker and Rhododendrons to name just a few. He opened the Forest Lane Nursery and taught himself to hybridize Rhododendrons, won many awards and would share his expertise with anyone who was interested. He loved fishing, with his family or by himself, and was especially happy if the catch was good. Ken could often be found sitting in the sun, enjoying his beautiful yard with a glass of red wine.
Ken is survived by his spouse Nodja Jones, daughter Crissy (Steve) Ortiz, Grandchildren Jennifer Alves, Mike Ortiz, Jacob Jones, Sarah Black, Jason Jones and many well-loved nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his first wife Sandra Jones, and son Gary (Rhonda) Jones.