Dennis “Pop” Jones, 82, of Susanville, California, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 14, 2026, passing away at his home. Born on October 11, 1943, in Susanville, Dennis was the beloved son of Henry and Delia Jones and spent his entire life rooted in the community and land he loved.
Dennis attended local schools in Susanville, leaving during his sophomore year of high school. Determined and resourceful, he later taught himself how to read and write. His true education took place in the forests of Lassen County. At just 16, he began his lifelong career in logging, eventually becoming a skilled skidder operator. For 33 years, he worked as a logger, known for his relentless work ethic and perseverance. A severe back injury from a logging accident led to his early retirement in 1992, but his reputation as a very hard worker who could figure out how to fix just about anything remained with him throughout his life.
On April 5, 1964, Dennis married the love of his life, Jean Jones, in Carson City, Nevada. Their partnership of unwavering devotion and mutual respect spanned 62 years and touched three generations of the Jones family. Together, they shared a life filled with laughter and a deep love for their family.
Dennis was a devoted husband to Jean and a loving father to his sons, Keith Jones, and the late Scott Jones and Danny Jones. He was immensely proud of his grandsons Casey Jones and Tyler Jones, both of whom he helped raise and guide—especially Casey, whom he helped bring up as a son. In his later years, he was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather. Tyler and his wife, Dorian, blessed him with beautiful great-grandchildren Gracie and Josiah. Casey and Taelor Jones blessed him with his beautiful great-granddaughters, Journee Jones and Trinitee Cabrera.
Dennis was also a cherished brother to all nine of his siblings. He is survived by his sisters JoAnne, Sue, Jean, Mary Jo, Cleta, and Donna Mae, and was preceded in death by his brothers Roger and Newman, and his sisters Pinky and Billy. He was affectionately known as “Pop” and opened his heart and home to many. He loved Francine, Janelle, Taelor and Dorian Jones like they were his own daughters, and he cherished Robert “Robby” Hemphill as his grandson. His great-grandchildren—Journee, Trinitee, Gracie, and Josiah—brought him immense joy, as did all of his grandchildren and extended family.
A lifelong member of First Southern Baptist Church, Dennis’ Christian faith and belief in our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus were the foundation of his life. His faith was reflected in the way he lived: generous with his time, steady in his guidance, protective of his family, and unwavering in his love.
Dennis was a man of many talents and interests. He loved to fish, loved dogs and training them, and grew up riding and training horses. He crafted beautiful eye-of-the-willow walking sticks and enjoyed tinkering around the house. He had a knack for fixing things—though they might not always have been the prettiest—and family and friends knew they could turn to him for help, advice, and direction. Known for his hardworking attitude, quick wit, and quirky smile, he often delivered “lectures” on how to do things, or how they could have been done better, always with love and a touch of humor.
He had a deep appreciation for God’s creation. Dennis taught both of his sons and his grandsons how to love and respect the outdoors, and how to hunt and fish. Some of the family’s most cherished memories are of time spent together in the mountains, at the lake, and in the woods. He could often be found at Eagle Lake, especially in the winter months, where he mastered the art of catching the elusive Eagle Lake trout.
Dennis was protective over his family and did everything he could to make their lives better. He loved his family fiercely and unconditionally and was loving and open to his extended family as well. Though he experienced profound losses in his life, Dennis’ story was one of resilience, strength, and enduring love.
Dennis will be laid to rest on June 20, 2026, at Diamond Crest Cemetery in Susanville, California, where a graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM. Family, friends, and community members are welcome to gather and honor his remarkable life.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Jean; his son Keith; his sisters Jo Ann, Sue, Jean, Mary Jo, and Donna Mae; his grandchildren Casey, Tyler and Robby; his great-grandchildren Journee, Trinitee, Gracie, and Josiah; his bonus daughters and extended family; and all who were blessed to know “Pop.” He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work, and wisdom that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.knew they could turn to him for help, advice, and direction. Known for his hardworking attitude, quick wit, and quirky smile, he often delivered “lectures” on how to do things, or how they could have been done better, always with love and a touch of humor.
