Robert Patrick Jones

Robert Patrick Jones


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Jun 26th, 2016

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  • Death Date: Jun 26, 2016

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Biography: Robert Patrick (Bob) Jones of Maumelle, Arkansas 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 17th, 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 23rd from 4-6pm next to Trio?s in Pavilion in the Park at 8201 Cantrell Rd. in Little Rock. Memorials in honor of Bob can be made to Youth Home at 20400 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210. There is an online guestbook at ruebelfuneralhome.com. Internment was at Mt. Holly Cemetery.

Condolences(10)
Shirl Bunch
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I have nothing but good memories of Bob. I started my career with IBM in 1964 in Little Rock. I was an administrative employee when Bob became the Branch Manager of Office Products in 1967. Bob played a part in my promotion to management in 1974. He was always pleasant, professional and treated me with respect. He provided great guidance and recognized good work. He (like so many others in IBM) was an inspiration in many ways. May God continue to bless his family.
Ken Stuckey
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Being in my mid twenties I did not realize at that time with IBM how much Bob's influence would have on my life. I'm blessed to have known and worked for Bob and wish his family the very best of memories of this wonderful human being.
Phyllis Perry Brents
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I met Bob Jones in 1968 when IBM introduced a new exciting concept to Arkansas--word processing. He and his staff of exceptional folks in Little Rock guided, trained, nurtured, and reveled in the success we achieved at First National Bank. While Bob was not our salesman or trainer, he was hands on and I came to like and respect him. He was vendor, customer, and friend. I'm saddened to note his passing but pleased that I knew him.
Susan Carson Bach
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I too have fond memories of Bob.....his mother, Bernice, was related by marriage to my Grandmother (they were sisters-in-law). Bernice and Bob spent many Christmas Days in Cedar Rapids, IA, over several years with our extended family. Bob was in his early to late twenties then and I was a little girl----I always thought he was SO handsome and had a great smile! He had a kind and amiable presence and was so tolerant of all of us little kids! I knew he ended up in Arkansas....hard to believe so many years have passed and he is gone. My sincerest sympathies to his family.
Ann Carson
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was sorry to read in the Cedar Rapids Gazette of Bobby's death. I have many fond memories of him attending family gatherings.
Linda Sinkey Harrod
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob was a great man and friend to all of us who had the privilege of working under his leadership at IBM Arkansas. I treasure his gentleness and kindness as an individual and will always treasure the guidance and understanding he gave to all of us that worked for him. Sharon, you and your family are in my prayers for comfort during this time.
David Glenn
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
"So appreciative of the opportunity that Bob provided for so many to learn and work under his leadership. His dedication to his customers and his employees is an example to be emulated and treasured. A true gentleman and friend."
Mike Huddleston
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Feeling sadness about Bob's passing and feeling gladness that he was in my life at all. Bob was a genuinely loving,caring person and a great mentor to me. I'm so sorry I'm away and cannot attend the service. God Bless Sharon and all his family.
Steve Evans
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
In Bob's passing we lose a great man who's positive influence and impact on so many people & young IBMer's continues to be felt, including me!

Gina Goad
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I had the piviledge of working for Bob in the Little Rock IBM office many years ago. He was a branch manager & a wonderful boss. Bob will be missed by so many people.

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