Jones, aka Herman O. "Buck" Jones
7/1/1921 - 1/19/2012

The family of "Available" Jones, aka Herman O. "Buck" Jones is sad to announce that as of January 19, 2012, "Uncle Buck" is no longer available for hugs or the sharing of cookies.

Buck was born on July 1, 1921 in South Bend, Indiana moving with his mother and sisters to Oakland, California in 1927. He worked for Western Union riding his bicycle delivering telegrams while he was attending Oakland High School. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1940. In 1951, he married Olive D. Carter and the family later moved to Chicago Park where he was a resident continuously since 1959. While proud of many factors in his life, his family, being a member of the Clampers and having been a sea going Marine during World War II were the top three. Buck was always a Marine however; his active service was from 1940 to 1946 where he saw action in the battle of the Coral Sea as well as the occupation of both China and Japan. His family is particularly grateful that he sailed out of Pearl Harbor on December 4, 1941 and also missed the battle of Midway. Buck worked as a bartender in several locations in Colfax, Auburn and Grass Valley before he began "Available Jones" his plumbing and home repair business. Involved in many local service organization; his love of cooking blended with his volunteering for the Colfax VFW, the Nevada City Elks, the Chicago Park-Peardale Volunteer Fire Department and most of all his beloved Clampers. While an active member of the Clampers he served in 1994 as Sublime Noble Grand Hum-bug, yet is best remembered for his many years as Clamp Chef.

Preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Olive "Pat" Jones in July 1997; he is survived by his children: Jim Moore of Oxnard, Calif., Charles "Chuck" Moore of Livermore, Calif., Patricia "PJ" Jones of Chicago Park, and Maggie Montre of Rough and Ready, Calif., and their spouses, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Neither Pat nor Buck wanted a memorial service, however, a donation in his/her their name(s) to the American Cancer Society or the Cancer Aid Thrift Store, in Grass Valley would be an appropriate remembrance.