David Jones, 92, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND.

David was born November 25, 1929 in Watford City, North Dakota to Frank W and Lillie (Sundeen) Jones. He grew up on his dad’s homestead in Grail Township and remained there his whole life. In 2010 the Jones Ranch received state recognition as a North Dakota Centennial Farm. It also celebrated 3 generations of ownership and as of now the 4th generation has been added.

He attended country school until moving on to Watford City High School through 8th grade. He met and married Iva Norby on September 15, 1951. They made their home on the family farm. During their marriage of just short of 65 years they were blessed with 5 children. He had a lifetime love of farming and ranching and was actively giving advice until the very end. David transitioned the cattle herd to Angus cows crossing with Hereford bulls, much to the dismay of his straight Hereford loving father.

Early in the marriage they were involved in square dancing with the Knotheads. He was involved in starting the Faith Lutheran Church. He followed his father into the Clerk position for Grail Township. He was a charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association and a 56-year member of the North Dakota Stockmens Association. In 1982 he ran for and won a seat on McKenzie County Commission. He served on the local McKenzie County school board, Independent Farmers Oil of Keene, Farmers Union Elevator of Sanish, and McKenzie County Fair Board. Later he became interested in and involved with the McKenzie County Heritage Association. He donated and helped move a sandstone house that belonged to his Uncle Ike Jones to their park in Watford City.

In later years, as he became a grandfather, his focus shifted to absolute and total support of those grandkids. He loved telling stories and one favorite was that he drove 20,000 miles to sporting events. He was a great supporter but not a vocal one! He was a lifetime hunter and fisherman and a lover of horses all which he passed on to children and grandkids. David always had time to listen to and tell stories, even up to the end. He even had one of his nurses ask to be adopted. Just hours before he passed, he was telling jokes.

He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Sandra; son, Terry; wife, Iva; his parents; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

David is survived by children, Valorie (Mike) Uhlir and family; Larry; Wendy (Mike) Tyrer and family; daughter in-law, Anne Jones and family; brother, Ralph Jones; sister, Lavonne Hartel and sister-in-law, Lillian Dahl.