Harris Barnett Jones

Ilion
Harris Barnett Jones passed away on May 17, 2014. He was born on February 26, 1922 in Lowville, New York and later attended Lowville's first kindergarten class. After graduating from Lowville Academy, Harris attended Clarkson College, where he was introduced to Mary "Pat" Fitzpatrick. He wrote a letter of proposal to her while he was serving as a Navy Radioman in the South Pacific. Pat received the letter on Valentine's Day, and the couple was married at the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion, NY on June 9, 1945. Harry worked at Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company while helping to raise seven children. His favorite day was Sunday when he prepared an elaborate breakfast, attended Mass, and often fixed Sunday dinner so his wife could have a day off. During football and baseball seasons, afternoons were spent cheering for the Giants or Mets.
On special nights he would tell his children their favorite stories, which began "When daddy was a little boy".
These stories recounted his boyhood capers with his friends and his sister, Betty (Heilig) who died in 2001.
In 1980, after a heart bypass and retirement, Harry bought a Nikon camera and a used motorhome. In the years that followed, he and Pat visited 48 states. Photography became Harry's passion as he captured the splendid vistas, wildlife, and smiling faces of his family. Treasured memories of 30 winters at Snowbird South RV Park can also be seen on Harry's prints and slides.
The family would like to thank the health professionals throughout the Mohawk Valley, especially the dedicated staff at Ilion's Slocum-Dickson. They have enabled Harris to overcome over 30 years of medical hurdles so that he could continue his adventures. His greatest privilege was to share these at family gatherings especially the annual "Jones Camp" with his 7 children, their spouses, his 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 6
nieces and nephews: Terry Jones of Ilion; Roger Jones and Amy, Lucy and Sara Keh, David Faller, and Sue Jones of Ohio; Denis and Natalie Jones, Joe and Rachel Dowling, Andy Jones, Dana Gioia, and Graham Gioia-Jones of Rochester and Corey, Cindy, Tia, Erich, Beth, and Cameron Jones of Canandaigua; Chris Jones, Amy and Jenna Gillman of Manhattan; Ellen, Wally, Alyssa, Joe, and Hannah Plock of Schenectady and Tim and Mary Cooper of Rochester; Patrick Jones of Germany; Mike, Lisa, Dillon, and Claire Jones of Texas.
Harry's faith, family, friends, neighbors, and hospice sustained him throughout his final adventure. In return, he continued to entertain all his visitors with his quirky grin, stories, puns, and musical one-liners. The charities that received December checks from Harry are too many to name, so in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Harris' name.
Funeral Mass at The Church of The Annunciation in Ilion will be held on Thursday, May 22nd at 1:30pm with Fr. Paul Catena officiating. Following mass a celebration of Harris' life will be held at the Knights of Columbus from 2:30 to 4:30. Interment in the St. Agnes cemetery will be at a later date.
In keeping with Harris's wishes there are no public calling hours.
On line condolences may be sent by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com .


Mass

1:30 pm Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Church Of The Annunciation
West St.
Ilion, New York, United States
13357-