Obituary of Cecil Williams Jons

Cecil William Jons, 80, of Tucson, Ariz., died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. He was born on Nov. 17, 1933, in Pipestone, Minn., to Harold and Esther Jons and was the oldest of four children (Janice, Henry and Julie). Cecil was a great-hearted and thought-filled man, masterful teacher, naturalist and gardener of asparagus. His lifelong obsession for literature naturally led to a masters degree in English and career in teaching at Cloquet Senior High School. He spent 35 years sharing and encouraging exploration of classic and modern American and British literature, humor, science fiction and ecology. A hunter of partridge, duck, pheasants, deer, moose and bear and a skilled-fresh-water fisher, he became a natural steward, raising and releasing mallard ducklings and pheasant chicks. He knew well the thousands of lakes and rivers in Minnesota. Patiently baiting hooks and untangling lines, he taught his four children to dance a fish out of the water and into the boat. An avid birder, all birds were welcome and celebrated at his feeders. He was the kind of man who raised baby crows, released and forgave a bobcat from the chicken coop, and once rescued a fox from a trap. After retiring in 1996, Cecil and Ardis traveled extensively around the country and followed their hearts to Arizona to enjoy the activities of the greater Tucson area. Weekly bridge games with his friends, the Great Books Club, and volunteering at the University of Arizona brought him much joy. He leaves his devoted wife and partner in life, Ardis (Eide); son, Mark (Catherine) Jons; daughters, Kim Jons, Amy (Richard) Saccoccia and Pamela (Mike) Jons-Cohen; grandchildren, Freyja, Elliott, Erica, Piper, Matthew and Elizabeth; and great-grandson, Kaden. He was known for his prolific reading, intelligence, sense of humor and love of nature. Brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle, teacher and friend, we are blessed to have known and loved him. Gifts of remembrance are welcome: Cloquet Educational Foundation, 302 14th St., Cloquet, MN 55720. Arrangements provided by Adair Funeral Home in Tucson. Visit the guest book, read or offer an online tribute at www.adairfuneralhomes.com.