Curtis Howard Jones, Jr.

OGDEN, UTAH – Curtis Howard Jones, Jr., passed away on December 9, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on June 1, 1939, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and spent his early years in Ellington, Connecticut.

Curtis was the beloved husband of Bess-Mae Jones (née Greenberger). He was the proud father of Jennifer Cathleen Coutts (née Jones) of Mountain Green, Utah, and Jeremy Curtis Jones of Goffstown, New Hampshire. He also embraced the role of stepfather to Allan Stickler of Goffstown, New Hampshire.

Growing up in the 1940s and ‘50s as a self-professed cowboy, Curtis led a life marked by adventure and hard work. He worked as a truck driver for most of his career, a profession that reflected his independent strength, resilience, and desire to live on the open road. Beyond his work, Curtis had a passion for the skies and the sea. He was both a private pilot and a sailing enthusiast - pursuits that brought him great joy and fulfillment.

In 1971, with a dream of being a ranch-hand on an Australian horse ranch, Curtis rode his motorcycle from Connecticut to Miami, Florida, - no small feat in those days - where he hoped to catch a boat to “The Land Down Under”. While waiting for this opportunity, Curtis worked as a cross-country truck driver in a role that allowed him to visit much of the contiguous United States over a span of several years – adventures that later provided a lifetime of stories he was always eager to share. He also never missed an opportunity to view his newly adopted state of Florida from the air and his passion for taking pictures from an early age and throughout his life has left a record of these adventures that will always be treasured. After being waylaid by a serious motorcycle accident in Miami and missing his boat to Australia, he purchased a property further north in Florida in the town of Hudson where he settled down and began his family.

Curtis eventually relocated with his children to New Hampshire in 1986 where he later met his love, Bess-Mae. In 1996, with his children now grown, he and Bess-Mae settled back in Hudson, Florida. In their time together, Curtis and Bess-Mae became beloved members of their local community and Temple. They were loved by all who knew them and were known for their generosity, kindness, and devotion to each other. After 22 years of life and love together, Curtis lost his beloved wife in 2012.

Curtis’s life journey took him across many lands and through diverse experiences intersecting with so many people who loved his quick wit and friendly nature. His memory will be cherished by those who knew him and shared in his adventures. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Bill; son, Jeremy, and his wife, Amber; stepson Allan; grandsons, Cameron and Matthew; brother, Alan, Sr; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

May his legacy bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.