Leon Ralph Jones
PEARLAND, TX – 6/29/1930 – 11/30/2021 Leon Ralph Jones passed away peacefully on November 30, 2021 at 91 years of age in his home in Pearland, Texas. He was born in Colfax Washington to Leon Kilby Jones and Ruth Genevieve Bitterman on June 29, 1930.
Ralph (as he was known) spent his early ears in Pullman, WA where his father was a professor at Washington State University. The family moved to Seattle in 1945 where he attended Hamilton Junior HS and graduated from Lincoln HS where his trumpet playing earned him the name “Sugar Blues”. He attended the University of Washington and graduated with a BA in Insurance then entered the Air Force as an officer and served two years of duty in Korea and Japan.
He began his insurance career in 1955 at Safeco and after eight years joined Pemco Insurance where he served as marketing director for 22 years. He then spent seven years at Grange Insurance Group as vice president and CEO before he retired. He also spent 12 years at Sales Training Inc. teaching in the evenings. Highlights of his career include serving as president of the Washington Insurance Council, Chairman of the Governing committee/ WA Insurance Committee, Chairman of the Insurance Political Action Committee of Washington and was on numerous boards including the BBB and the Boys & Girls Club of America. He was also a member of the Washington Athletic Club for many years.
Ralph’s positive outlook was noticed by all, and he often underscored books on the subject. He was personally disciplined and swam laps and walked often twice a day for 40 years. He seldom missed an oatmeal breakfast. He always said he “spoke to God directly” and at one time considered becoming a Lutheran minister. He was very active for his entire life.
After retirement he spent time cruising and enjoying Maui and time-shares in Scottsdale, AZ. In 2004 he became a “Snowbird” and spent 13 years at Venture Out Condominium and RV Park in Mesa, AZ. He was known as “Frankie” for his baritone voice renditions of Frank Sinatra songs. Ralph was MC at his Lincoln HS annual luncheons and class reunions. His happy laugh and wonderful smile made him many friends.
He is predeceased by his parents, sister Alice Wilbur and his first wife Dixie. He leaves behind his daughter Kristi Andrews and his son Gregory Jones. He had seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his wife Thelma Myers-Jones who he re-met at his 50-year HS class reunion in 1998 and together enjoyed the last 20+ years. At his request there will be no service. Donations will be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.