Carl Smith Jones Jr.
He was born on September 20, 1961, in Berwyn, IL to Carl and Mary Lou Jones. His parents, brother and sister just moved into their brand-new home that summer located in the old Westbury subdivision in Lemont, IL, now Bolingbrook. Carl was known for his sense of humor, giving heart and work ethic Carl was curious and observant often saying, “did you see that?” Carl graduated from Bolingbrook High School in 1980. During his childhood he played Little League baseball, flag football and basketball. Football was his favorite sport to watch on T.V. GO PACK GO. Carl was an intense fan. When the show Survivor series started, you didn’t call him on Wednesday evening. He enjoyed fishing, a definite family tradition.
Carl worked alongside our dad in his landscaping business, often running the business when Dad was fishing. Carl held several jobs first was Wendy’s, M&M Mars, Plunket furniture, McKesson and at a Casino in Joliet. Carl dealt with several health problems for years and didn’t want to apply for disability. His dear friend Marian said “he was constantly in pain” when they worked together. He cherished their friendship and distance didn’t matter, they remained friends till the end.
He married Gina Espinoza on March 27, 1986. They had two children, Justin and Caitlyn. They later divorced. Carl moved several times while living in IL. Carl’s final move was to Adams Co., WI living with our parents before moving into his home in the woods. Carl met his soulmate Lynne Gray while playing pool. He and Lynne camped, gardened, he learned about canning. They’d take day trips – when Lynne thought they needed to get away. He was heartbroken when she died the morning of January 21, 2018.
Carl appreciated handmade gifts or gifts from the heart. Lynne hand stitched a Packer themed quilt while in treatment. Carl used it often, knowing her love was in every stitch. He appreciated the green and gold scarf made by his sister often telling her “That scarf you made me keep my neck so warm thank you.” Material things didn’t matter to Carl. What he had was enough for him. His favorite saying was “Whatever.” Dad had that phrase embroidered on a hat and it became his most treasured possession. Another phrase was “how cool is that” or “Cool Beans!”
Carl’s siblings Mark and Sandi would like to thank Roger and Jeanne for helping Carl out this year as his health failed and the last several years when Carl needed support while caring for our mother in 2023. He truly enjoyed and valued their friendship.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mary Lou Jones, grandparents Oliver and Catherine Jones, Louis and Mary Borelli. His aunt Susan Jones and nephew Timothy Jones
His Lady Lynne Gray.
Survivors include his daughter Caitlyn Jones Chicago, IL, her brother Justin Jones, son Austin, Brother Mark Jones Escondido, CA and sister Sandra (Gary) Davis Pine Village, IN
Nephew Robert (Allison) Davis, sons Jackson and Owen Madison, AL
Nephew William Davis, daughter Eliza Brown Del City, OK
Niece Megan Jones, daughter Amiyah
Uncle Michael (Gail) Jones Joliet, IL
Aunts Barbara Jones Winona, MN and Catherine Arnston New Port Richey, FL
Cousins Michael (Kathy) Jones and Fred (Brandi) Jones, children Morgan and Miranda
Nathaniel and Oliver (Kayla) Sternberg, Daniel and Elizabeth Chervinko