Robert B. Jones

JONES, Robert B.
Of Kalamazoo A memorial service will be held October 28th for Robert B. Jones, loving husband, father, friend and community leader who died October 17th. Born April 22, 1944, in Jeffersonville, Ga., Bob received his bachelor's degree from Fort Valley State University in Georgia and a master's degree from Clark Atlanta University 1971 and was working on an MBA at WMU. He joined The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, where he worked as a research chemist and a "fine chemicals" supervisor for 28 years. His accomplishments as a public servant reflected a lifelong commitment to help others. He served in virtually every type of volunteer and public capacity to help improve the life of people in his city, region and state. Along the way, he became known for his warmth, humility and generosity of heart, a tireless champion and friend of people from every walk of life. On matters large and small, Bob connected with the hopes and dreams of those he served, earning their respect, trust and love. As Kalamazoo's Mayor for eight years, Bob represented not only the city government, but also the community as a whole. Bob distinguished himself as a caring, compassionate leader who could, and did, make Kalamazoo's voice heard in Lansing. As a State Representative for four years, Bob's extensive network of personal, professional and political relationships, combined with his knowledge of state issues, earned him the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Visible and accessible, Bob remained active in numerous organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in his community. Bob received several honors for leadership along with other honors for community service and goodwill. He was well known and respected as a member of numerous organizations. He most recently campaigned as the Democratic Party candidate for Michigan Senate's 20th District. Bob was active in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Bob is survived by his wife, Callie Baskerville-Jones; their children Michelle Moses Sauceda, Georgia, Kenneth "Chris" Jones, Georgia, Jahim Baskerville, Massachusetts, Robert B. Jones, Jr., Georgia, Jahdal Johnson, Kalamazoo and Hari Johnson, Kalamazoo; grandson Joshua Sauceda; sister Lesteen Hill, Fort Valley, GA and a sister-in-law Marie Baskerville, Connecticut. A public memorial service will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, October 28th, at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium. Robert's body will lie in state in the Atrium at Kalamazoo City Hall from 2-5 pm on Wednesday, October 27th so the community may pay their respects and sign the register book. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online register book, view the video tribute and leave a condolence to the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert B. Jones Memorial Fund, c/o the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, 151 S. Rose St., Suite 332, Kalamazoo, MI 49007