Kip Jones

 

Lifelong West Lafayette resident, Kip Jones, passed peacefully in to a new phase of existence at his home in West Lafayette on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, after a 6.5 year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on March 18, 1953, the third of four sons born to Russell Jones, DVM and Mrs. Maryanne Jones. He is survived by his brothers Doug Jones of Longmont, CO and nephew, Andrew; Tim Jones and his wife, Lisa, of Las Vegas, NV; Rob Jones, and his wife, Jeannie, of Seattle, WA; nephew, Michael and family, of WA state, and niece, Joy McCauley and family of Brookston, IN as well as extended family. He is, also survived by step-children, Joellyn Hall of Oxford, IN and Geoffrey Clark of West Lafayette, IN, as well as 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.

Kip spent his childhood in the cozy neighborhood at the top of Happy Hollow Hill, in the same house that entire time. After graduating from West Lafayette HS in ’72 he attended IU briefly, and then enlisted in the USMC for a 4-year stint to see a little of the world. He spent some time stateside and some in Asia, although his enlistment began after the conclusion of the war in Viet Nam. Following his return to IN he continued his education, graduating from Ivy Tech and briefly attending Purdue. He eventually landed at Purdue as an employee and worked there for 38 years until his retirement during the height of Covid 19.

After a first marriage that ended in divorce, and a 4-year bachelorhood, Kip, a very modern guy, met his future wife, Christine (Cricket) Clark on-line (before that was very common.) She lived in Las Vegas, NV at the time. Rumor around town was that she was a showgirl, but that was the case only in his wildest dreams! They married on September 18, 2004.

Kip’s dad was a big sports fan and it rubbed off on Kip. He played high school football and was excited to be reunited with his old letter jacket a few years ago under surprising circumstances. Both father and son followed the Cubs and had several great days together at some of the games in Chicago. When the Cubs won the series, FINALLY, a few years ago, he said it was the best day of his life. He was corrected and reminded of the day he married Cricket!

We would like to express our thanks to the staff and volunteers of Elara Caring Hospice and a special thanks to Mike Brown and Jan Cortner, our dear friends, who have been there for us through this difficult time, as well as to our caring and helpful neighbors.

Kip has chosen cremation and there will be no immediate services. However, there will be a Celebration of Life on Sat, May 11th, at the Commandant’s House at the Indiana Veteran’s Home from 3-5PM. Anyone who knew Kip knew he was always all about the food, and he loved a good party, so we will be hosting a barbeque in his honor. All friends, family, and former co-workers are invited to attend, so please save the date and confirm your attendance by email to hoss03181953@yahoo.com by May 1, with “Kip’s Celebration” in the subject line.