Oliver Ralph Jones

Oliver Ralph "OJ" "George" Jones was born on December 17, 1946 to Bob and Lillian Jones, and left us too soon on November 3, 2018. A proud Port Gamble S'Klallam tribal member, OJ lived much of his life on the tribe's reservation.

Oliver was a proud Army vet and Vietnam War hero, who served as a combat medic, including with the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry 25th Infantry Division at the battle for Tan Son Nhut Air Base in 1968 during the Tet Offensive. He traveled far and wide to meet and honor his fellow veterans, and proudly spoke of his service at local reservations and schools, including at Wolfle Elementary. His words and his actions touched many.

Oliver worked for 25 years as a rigger at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, retiring in 1997. OJ was an important keeper of cultural teachings. He was a fixture of the annual tribal canoe journeys, pulling, helping the ground crew, and sharing songs and teachings with all. He carried the name Ta-tooch-win-is and practiced his culture and spirituality for many years through powwow dancing and through the Skokomish longhouse. When not attending cultural or spiritual functions, he could be found carving for them, painting drums, rattles, and paddles, or drying horse clams, and freely teaching others to do the same.

In the potlatching tradition, OJ was the host of his own lifelong giveaway, as well as the speaker for family giveaways. There was not a treasure he made or a gift he was given that he wouldn't freely give to another. His spirit was one of generosity. OJ's charisma and humor were well loved by all. He was best known for a goofy sense of humor, often greeting family and friends with a "What's up, Dawg?" and ending a conversation with "I heart you, Dude." His most treasured motto was Love, Honor and Respect. And he lived it, every day.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Karen Harris, his brothers Alan Jones and Mike Jones Sr., his nieces Rhonda Smith and NellieKim Sorenson, his granddaughter Raven McGill, and his great-nephew James Smith. He is survived by his children Duncan (Kelsey) Whyte, Cory (Andrea) Whyte, and Chaz Jones; his grandchildren Ian, Bradly, Cory, Collin, Charli, Brooklyn, Alena, Ryan and Oliver; his companion and best friend Nancy Meyer; his siblings Donna and Kevin Jones; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and innumerable family and friends from near and far.
A service will be held on Wednesday November 14 at 1:00 PM at the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Center 31912 Little Boston Road NE Kingston, WA 98346 where a viewing will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The interment will be made in the Port Gamble Tribal Cemetery immediately following the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.