JONES, GERALD HARVEY (1933 ~ 2017). The following is an obituary for Gerald Harvey Jones, world renowned artist. The obituary was published in the Austin American Statesman on November 23, 2017.
JONES, Gerald Harvey
Gerald Harvey Jones passed away on November 13, 2017 at the age of 84. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and he deeply valued the many close and intimate relationships he enjoyed throughout his life.
Gerald was fondly called "Jerry" by his family of origin; "Jonesie" by his wife, Patty Marie Jones (nee Bentley) to whom he was married for over 63 years; "Dad" or "Pop" by his two children, Gerald Jones Jr. (Jerry) and his wife, Karlene, Pamela Taylor and her husband, Tim Taylor; and "Grandpa" by his four grandchildren, Jessica Taylor, Lindsey and her husband, Ben Thompson, Gerald Jones III (Trey), and Kami Jones. He has two sisters, Janis Howell of Georgetown, Texas, and Lavern Fitch of Little Elm, Texas. He was preceded in death by his older brother, James Drayton Jones Jr. (Bud).
Known to most of the world as G. Harvey, Gerald was one of America's most highly regarded artists, having been widely recognized for his paintings and sculptures depicting nostalgic glimpses of this nation's western heritage and turn-of-the-century Americana. Born in 1933 in San Antonio, Gerald was the son of James Drayton and Myrtle Payne Jones.
Gerald's artistic ability was apparent at a young age, but did not blossom into a full-time career until Patty bought him an oil paint set while he was an industrial arts teacher at O'Henry Junior High in Austin in the late 1950's, after graduating cum laude from North Texas State University. Gerald actively pursued his career in art in the early 1960's after struggling to develop a style that was uniquely his own and with the consistent encouragement and prayers of Patty. Gerald's work found a ready audience and began receiving nationwide attention, earning him a spot at prestigious exhibitions throughout the U.S. Then-Texas Governor John Connally and President Lyndon B. Johnson were numbered among his earliest fans.
Over the course of his long and celebrated career of more than five decades, Gerald received numerous coveted awards, and his works were exhibited at sites like the National Archives, the Treasury Building, and the Smithsonian Institute. His art struck a chord with people across the United States and around the world as he hearkened back to simpler times times when virtues such as faith, courage, patriotism, hard work, and compassion were revered. His goal in life was to glorify God in everything, especially with his family and his artistic endeavors.
He was blessed by always having family close to his home in Fredericksburg, where he and Patty lived for the past 32 years after moving from Austin in 1985. Gerald will be deeply missed by his family and many dear friends. A small graveside service was held for family and immediate friends at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
A public memorial service is being planned to take place in Austin, sometime in the early spring of 2018. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or a . For those desiring, you may also access the online guest registry and obituary at www.wcfish.com.
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