Howard Jones didn’t change the channel. Nearly 30 years ago when he and his wife 
Shirley were watching TV one night, they decided to sit and listen to the fundraising special for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The faces and stories of the children on the program so touched Jones and his wife that they decided to donate to the Tennessee hospital. One donation turned into two, and two turned into a lifelong commitment to the work and research of St. Jude Hospital, where he and his wife eventually set up a trust to help provide for the current and future needs of the hospital.
Although some may find it strange that a Californian would support a Tennessee children’s hospital, Howard Jones realized the national impact that St. Jude has on children in need. “Because of the vast research being conducted at St. Jude, I feel that if I needed help I could put my grandchildren in the hands of St. Jude and not have to worry.”
And the Joneses didn’t stop there. Over the next few decades, Howard and Shirley Jones became advocates and contributors to a variety of worthy organizations including St. Joseph’s Hospital of Orange, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, the Salvation Army and Mater Dei High School.
A unique man – one who never held a 40-hour/week job, one who had jobs ranging from a repo man to real estate investor, one who was characterized by his patience, humor and generosity.
The world lost an inspiring advocate for children on May 26th.
Howard Jones is survived by his wife Shirley, his five children, and ten grandchildren including Morgan Simpson, who was Petunia’s first employee and currently runs our San Diego branch. We here at Petunia are inspired and challenged by the life Jones lived and the depth of his generosity. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life as a husband, father, grandfather, philanthropist and friend and the incredible impact he had on children everywhere through his generous giving.
For more information about or to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, click here.
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Ventura Parent Mom of the Year content: Bekki Woertink, Cindy Defebaugh, Diana Alvarado, Loree Burns and a special congratulations to Sierra Meyers who took home a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag and sling!