Robert Patrick "Bob" Jones

ROBERT PATRICK "BOB" JONES of Maumelle, Ark., passed away at home on June 26, 2016 after living a long and fruitful life. He was the son of Paul Francis Jones and Beatrice Millerleile Jones, being born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1931 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bob attended St. Patrick's school in Cedar Rapids from the first grade through his senior year and was an alter boy at St. Patrick's Church. As a young boy, Bob held his first job in Cedar Rapids working in a drug store and held various jobs through high school to earn his way to college. He attended DePaul University in Chicago his first year, but transferred to the University of Iowa where he received his degree in Industrial Management. Bob joined IBM in 1961 working in Des Moines, Iowa. While in Des Moines, Bob served as the city's fire commissioner and as a city councilman. He was also chosen as "bachelor of the year." He left Iowa after holding positions in Chicago and he arrived in Little Rock in 1966 as the branch manager of the IBM Office Products Division. During his years in Little Rock, Bob won many awards and helped many others to achieve successful careers. He had a unique style of training and motivating those who worked with/for him. Rather than a traditional management style, Bob would make sure that each employee received exceptional training, then he would provide support while giving them lots of freedom to perform their jobs. This unique combination of support and independence fostered many of his employees to become very successful businessmen, and Bob's branch won many high achievement awards from IBM. Bob received many job opportunities for promotion, but he chose to stay in Little Rock. He served on the boards of Youth Home and St. Vincent's Infirmary. He was an officer at Pleasant Valley Country Club and was active in the downtown Rotary Club. He joined Fellowship Bible Church and enjoyed hosting and attending Bible study and prayer meetings of his community group. Bob retired from IBM in 1987, but he did not slow down. He held the positions of Director of Youth Home, Vice-President of Stephens Franchise Finance, and he was a consultant to to several business such as Living Hope Institute and UAMS. Sailing was a large part of Bob's life, and he bought his first sailboat in the early 1980's. Many weekends were spent at the Maumelle Sailing Club and eventually, he and his friend Bill Riley continued their sailing days in Heber Springs for many seasons. Their crew of friends won an array of trophies as they raced their boat "Vivant." Bob served a season as Commodore of the Eden Isle Yacht Club. Some of Bob's greatest joys were the wonderful times he and his wife, Sharon, relaxed with their children and grandchildren at their lake house in Eden Isle. While Bob loved all of the activities on the lake, he especially took pleasure in taking all the children on golf cart rides and giving them their first driving lessons. As he grew in his spiritual life and faith in Jesus Christ, he also enjoyed spending time with friends from church. Bob made a contribution to many lives through his close friendships, his business and management expertise, mentoring younger men, and through his spiritual encouragement to others. His positive outlook on every aspect of life reflected through his personality. Whether working or relaxing with friends and family, Bob was always kind, fair, a wonderful listener, and a true friend. Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children Melissa Reider (Chris) and Michael Jones (Tonia) from his first marriage to Myra Jones; grandsons Drew and Ethan Bowen, Patrick (Audrey) and Jacob Jones; great-grandson Ryatt Jones; his brother Tom Jones (Judy) and sister Judy Lee Farrington; nephews Mac Jones, Orren and Aaron Farrington; niece Gina Hebbes; step-children Kristen Castile, Dr. Erin Hekmatpour (Amir), Doug Ward (Evelyn) and David Ward (Angela); their children Isabell Panagopoulos, Leah Ward, Hunter Ward, Ashley Macek, and Yasmine Hekmatpour. The family is very grateful for the loving care given to Bob during his long illness by his special helpers and friends Brenda, Donna, Stephanie, and Ketina. Also, we are thankful for the spiritual support from Fellowship Bible Church and the hospice team that provided services and care during Bob's last few months. Bob's friends will gather to remember him and celebrate his life on July 23 from 4-6 p.m. next to Trio's in Pavilion in the Park at 8201 Cantrell Road in Little Rock. Memorials in honor of Bob can be made to Youth Home at 20400 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72210. There is an online guestbook at ruebelfuneralhome.com. Internment was at Mt. Holly Cemetery.