John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones has flown West. Born July 31, 1934, in the Masonic Hospital El Paso, Texas, he was the first of three children to his loving parents, James Wiley Jones and Hattie Mae (Valentine) Jones.

He lived in El Paso most of his life, never straying too long or too far from his beloved Franklin Mountains. Graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1952, he attended Texas Western College prior to entering a brief tour of duty in the Air Force, being honorably discharged in 1955.

His life was an amalgamation of his passions, aviation, art and history.

Initially employed as an engineering draftsman, for the phone company and then Grumman, helping to draft the Lunar Excursion Module, his life meandered more fully into the Fine Arts arena when he became assistant to, and then Art Director for El Paso Natural Gas Co. Later, John worked as an illustrator for Ft. Bliss and SAIC where notably he developed and then taught a course in Aviation Terminology to air force students in the UAE.

John’s love of aviation developed as a young lad in the late 30’s when his dad would drive him to the airfield to watch planes take off and land. He became a charter pilot regionally, further establishing his deep and lasting love of aviation. His entire life was consumed by his drawing and painting of beautiful depictions of aviation, which along the way received many accolades and awards.

A member of the Order of Quiet Birdmen and El Paso Aviation Hall of Fame. He was as much an aviation artist as a historian. Memberships in the American Society of Aviation Artists, and the El Paso Art Assoc.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 39 yrs., Valorie Louise (Cowley), (Quite an incredible feat all things considered), his brother, Wiley Leroy Jones (Louise), their sons Craig and Alan. His sister, Cathryn Sue Rodgers (Rodney) and their daughter Susanna.

John loved animals, his dogs, his cats and birds. We earnestly request in lieu of flowers or other remembrances; donations be given to any domestic or wildlife animal protection fund or shelter of your choice.