Arthur ‘Hap’ Jones

Arthur “Hap” Jones passed away July 11, 2015, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

Hap was born in Dundas, Minnesota, Jan. 30, 1935, to Joseph and Blanch Jones. He was one of nine children. When he was old enough, Hap joined the U.S. Air Force. He was a veteran of the wars in Korea and Vietnam. He spent time stationed in Japan, at Canon Air Force Base in New Mexico and at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska.

It was while stationed at Canon Air Force Base that he met his wife, Lillian Cooper by following her home. They were married in July 1960. The first of two daughters, Julie, was born in July 1961. The second, Jennifer was born in October 1967. Hap and his family came to Alaska in 1969 where he finished out is military career in 1974.

After the Air Force, he worked as a mechanic for Transportation Services Inc, working on school buses and tour buses for Denali Park. Eventually, he went to work as a heavy equipment mechanic on Fort Richardson, retiring from civil service after many years.

Hap was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger days, though he continued to be feared by the red salmon coming up the Kenai River every year. Hap was one of the last non-Natives granted a permit to hunt for a polar bear. He was able to bring home his bear, dubbed “Herman.”

Hap was grandfather to two grandchildren, Meridith and Jacob. He was very proud of them both and could often be heard telling stories about them.

Hap was a member of various service related organizations including the American Legion, the VFW and the Moose Lodge. He had many friends and will be greatly missed.

Hap is survived by daughter, Julie Jones and granddaughter, Meridith Dolfi; daughter, Jennifer Griggs, son-in-law, Chet Griggs and grandson, Jacob Griggs all of Alaska; brothers, Joseph Jones Jr. of Wisconsin, David Jones of Minnesota, William Jones of Minnesota; and sister, Ada Jones of Minnesota; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and, of course, his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Jones Sr. and Blanch Jones; sister, Helen Hill; brothers, Leonard Jones and Merrill Jones; and by his wife, Lillian.

A celebration of life is at 3 p.m., July 19 at American Legion Post 15 in Palmer. Graveside services are at 1:30 p.m., July 20 at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend the graveside service should plan to meet at the main Fort Richardson gate off the Glenn Highway at 1:15 p.m. for the procession to the cemetery.

Arrangements by Cremation Society of Alaska.