Obituary – Roderick “Rod” Earl Jones, Sr.

Roderick “Rod” Earl Jones, Sr. was born to Anna and Willie (Will) Jones in Richmond, California. His father, Will, preceded him in death. Rod grew up in the church, his grandfather, Rev. Johnnie Jones planted the knowledge and seed of Christ which Jones received early in life.

Jones attended high school at El Cerrito and competed at state level wrestling and in his junior year of high school played football becoming a top recruit in 1982. He selected the University of Washington after several offers. Jones was a member of the Husky Hall of Fame and played on the 1984 team that finished No. 2 in the country. He was captain of the 1986 team. He was drafted by the New York Giants in 1987, played nine games in the NFL with the Chiefs, 49’ers and Seahawks. After his NFL career, he returned to the University of Washington and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Ethnic Studies in May of 2000. Employed by the University of Washington as an Academic Coordinator for eighteen years, he loved working with student athletes and had great passion and talent working with children.

Jones was an avid gardener; rib smoking guru; chicken wing frying, entertaining; gadget loving guy.

Jones leaves to mourn his mother Anna, wife Carla, children Krystle, Jamie and Rod, Jr. and one grandchild Arielle, sister Questa Bradley, sister in-law Tammy Tobin, brother in-laws, Carl and Thomas Tobin, Jr., Charles, Kolan and Shelton Sparks. Father in-law Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Tobin, Sr., nephews Migail, Tajiri and Omari Tobin, and Dominic Bradley, nieces LaMeinna Tobin and Alexis Bradley and a host of other relatives, aunts, uncles, and cousins across the country.

Viewing for final farewells will be held at Bonney-Watson located at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188; Fri., Dec. 14from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial will be held at the University of Washington’s Don James Center this Saturday, Dec. 15 at 3:00 p.m.