DOUGLAS E. JONES

Douglas E. Jones, age 64, died unexpectedly in Yokohama, Japan, on March 3, 2004, while on a world cruise aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2. He was born April 25, 1939, in Brookfield, Conn., but resided for many years in Ridgefield where he attended both primary and secondary school. A 45-year resident of Alaska, Jones arrived before statehood in 1959 as a member of the United States Air Force, serving at Elmendorf.

After his honorable discharge in 1961, Jones joined the Anchorage Police Department. He retired as a lieutenant and commander of Persons Crimes on May 31, 1984. Throughout his career, Mr. Jones was recognized for many accomplishments, including establishment of the first Metro Narcotics Unit.

His deep and enduring love for Alaska, particularly its untamed wilderness, is best illustrated by the remote log cabin and numerous associated structures which Jones built by hand, on his property located at the confluence of Donkey Slough and Donkey Creek, north of Skwentna. Not to be forgotten is the "Jones Navy," acquired in order to travel back and forth. No opportunity to escape to that locale was missed, including a recently completed, full-time, two-year sabbatical.

His family said, "If a life can be captured in one sentence, for Jones it would be, 'He made no enemies.' Rather, his innate kindness, infectious smile, and great sense of humor, endeared Jones to all with whom he came in contact."

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 20 years, Donna C. Willard-Jones of Anchorage; his son and daughter-in-law Dean and Erika Jones of New Milford, Conn.; and daughter and son-in-law Julie and Edwin Garcia of Antioch, Calif. In addition he leaves grandchildren Douglas and Christina Jones of Alaska; Sheridan Jones of New Milford; and Justin, Vanessa and Joshua Garcia of Antioch; brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Margaret Jones of Gouldsboro, Maine; brother Colburn D. Jones of New Milford; sister and brother-in-law Berthann Jones and Steve Drabkin of Guilford, Conn.; and brothers-in-law Douglas Morris of Nanoose Bay, British Columbia. and Gary Morris of Beaumont, Alberta. There also are other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ruth Jones of Ridgefield, Conn.

Services will be held March 13 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 616 W. 10th Ave. in Anchorage, with Reverend Gail Fisher officiating. Pallbearers are Peter Accher, Billy Andrews, Harold Brown, Michael Keenan, Donald L'Huillier and Dennis Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Bentley, Keith Brown, Dwayne Burgess, Larry W. Jones, Dallas Nichols and Jimmy Seward. The eulogy will be delivered by Ronald Otte, former commissioner of Public Safety and APD chief and the Honorable Larry Weeks, judge of the Superior Court. A celebration of Jones' life will take place at the family home, immediately following his interment at Angeles Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alaska Peace Officers Association, P.O. Box 240106, Anchorage, AK 99534; Alaska Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 549 W. International Airport Road, Anchorage, AK 99518; or Friends of Pets, P. O. Box 240981, Anchorage, AK 99524.