Ralph (Chis) Harrison Jones

Ralph (Chis) Harrison Jones, the son of Charles Monroe and Ethel Harriett Parrot was born August 31, 1917 at his parents’ home in Audubon, Iowa and died October 17, 2011 at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 94 years, 1 month, and 16 days. Chis attended Audubon Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1938. In 1937, Chis entered into the Elliott Relays on his own since Audubon was not sending a team. He won every event he entered and single-handedly won the entire track meet for Audubon High. He attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Being a member of the Iowa National Guard he was later deployed on February 10, 1941. He was awarded several service medals through his participation in the North African Campaign and his service while stationed in Italy. He was honorably discharged on March 31, 1947. Chis returned to Audubon and operated an awning and window company and served as a rural mail carrier for many years. Chis was a member of the Audubon Volunteer Fire Department which he served on for the past 60 years and received numerous awards for his service there. Chis was an avid Audubon Wheelers fan where he had not missed a home football game for the past 63 years. The Audubon Wheelers football stadium was renamed “The Chis Jones Field” after he retired from announcing football games for over 40 years. He will always be remembered for his dedication to the Audubon community and his love for horse racing and sports. Chis received many awards for his dedication and service to the Audubon community which included the Audubon Quarterback Club Award, the Iowa Football Coaches Association which presented him with their Distinguished Service Award, the Friend of Education Award presented by the Audubon Education Association, The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Community Service, and the Audubon Community Service Award. Chis was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sister: Louie Jones, Lloyd Jones, and Rubie (Jones) Stofferson, and by his nieces: Nancy Kleinpaste and Barbara Madsen. Survivors include his sister Helen (Jones) Mense of St. Peters, Missouri; seven nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be held in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

Service:
Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at the Audubon High School Auditorium in Audubon, Iowa.