Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer offered their condolences to the family of U.S. Army Veteran and renowned Steamboat, Ariz., community member, Gibson B. Jones, on Aug. 9. Jones passed away on Aug. 5 at the age of 76.
Jones was born July 27, 1946 and was Naasht’ézhí Din’é Tábaahí (Zuni Edgewater Clan), born for Tódích’iinii (Bitter Water Clan). His maternal grandfather was Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan) and his paternal grandfather was Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan).
“We honor and cherish Mr. Gibson Jones’ service to the Navajo Nation and the United States Army. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but we recognize that he leaves behind a lasting legacy based on his honorable military service and strong character that exemplified community service for all Navajo People to learn from. On behalf of the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, we offer our prayers for strength and comfort for his family and loved ones as they lay him to rest,” Nez said.
Jones’ military career began Feb. 10, 1968, when he began serving in the 168th Engineer Combat Unit as a National Defense classified mechanic. After four years of service, he was honorably discharged on Feb. 17, 1972 after having earned a National Defense Service Medal, a Marksman Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal.
After his military service, Jones returned home to serve other Navajo veterans through the Navajo Nation Veterans Association in the Window Rock, Chinle, and Tuba City regional offices as an advocate, before eventually moving to Phoenix, Ariz. to do the same.
“May the Lord grant peace among the family of Gibson Jones and give them the strength to reflect on his life with gratitude for who he was and those he helped during his lifetime. As a veteran, he spent the majority of his life serving his fellow Navajo veterans and that is a true testament to his heart for service. We thank his family for allowing us to join in honoring his life,” Lizer said.
Jones’ is survived by his children, Gibson Jones Jr., Zachery Jones, and Treina Jones as well as his first wife Alice Sam and second wife Lilly Nockidine.
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