October 24, 1942 – November 7, 2021
Corwin James Jones, 79, of Stockton, California passed away on November 7, 2021. He was born on October 24, 1942 to Wester and Nora (Setlik) Jones in their farmhouse near Arcadia, Nebraska. He grew up in and near Loup City, Nebraska, attending Loup City High School and helping his parents with the farm.
Corwin loved woodshop in school, and considered going to trade school to become a cabinetmaker. But the teachers at his country school saw his academic potential and encouraged his parents to send him to college, a first in his family. Before pursuing a higher education, Corwin served in the U.S. Navy. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nebraska, where he met his future wife of 54 years, Linda. Even after leaving Nebraska for a Master’s Fellowship from Hughes Aircraft in California, Corwin remained a diehard Cornhusker fan. Go Big Red!
He used the fellowship to obtain a Master’s in Engineering from UCLA and worked for Hughes Aircraft for 10 years, including while attending USC for his dental degree. Corwin’s affinity for living in an agricultural community drew him to Stockton, California to start his dental practice, and was where he lived for the next 45 years. He was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and served as president of San Joaquin Dental Society.
Although many knew him as their dentist, he was also renowned for many other endeavors. Corwin was an accomplished woodworker and wood turner, and was extremely proud of having served as President of the Nor-Cal Woodturners and being a longtime member of Johnny’s and Bay Area Woodturners. Corwin was an enthusiastic bridge player, ready to join any foursome for cards at a moment's notice. He was an avid sports fan throughout his life, and especially enjoyed women’s volleyball, men’s basketball and football at any level. Corwin enjoyed the outdoors, pheasant hunting, fishing and spending time on the Delta, catching many prized sturgeon and striped bass. He was known for his competitiveness, tremendous sense of humor, and passion to teach and mentor others in his crafts.
Corwin was extremely proud of his family and was especially pleased that all three of his children hold Master’s degrees. Most important to him, though, was that they all are outstanding citizens. He was also so grateful for the special relationship he had with his brother.
Corwin is survived by his wife, Linda (Spiekermann) Jones; his children, Sharon Hughes (Chris) of Fremont, California, Bryan Jones (Shari) of Fallbrook, California, Melinda Decker (Bill Sunick) of Malvern, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Lauren and Jared Hughes, who are both in college; his brother, Cecil Jones (Janet) of Columbus, Nebraska, and many special extended family members.
SERVICES:
His service will be held on Monday December, 20th, 2021 at 10:00am in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 Beckman Rd in Lodi, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of San Joaquin.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Jones family.
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