THE BLOG
of John Gelles
November 10, 2008

MARK JONES
December 31, 1957 - November 4, 2008
Best Friend of My Son Franklin Gelles

Mark Howard Jones passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2008 peacefully at his home. Mark was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 31, 1957 and is survived by his parents Shirley and Joel Jones. Mark leaves behind his beloved Corey Golomb who will miss and cherish the time they had together. Mark loved the outdoors, cooking and music and leaves behind a legacy of a man's man who cherished his time with his loyal dogs Jodi, Zima, Doug and Cooper and in order to take advantage of every moment of the day was an early riser and a friend to everyone. Mark was passionate about his hometown Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes and is remembered as someone who only had good things to say about everyone. Mark grew up in a household surrounded by six sisters, Helene and husband Henry Strauss, Judy and husband Bob Yonack, Idell and husband Simon Wider, Roslyn Goldfarb-Wagner, Rachel and husband Randy Meltzer, and Cheryl Jones. His legacy includes the love and respect of this 16 beloved nieces and nephews. Gravesite services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery. The family has requested that all donations be made to either the SPCA or the American Cancer Society.

November 10, 2008

Mark was my son Frank's best friend from Hillcrest High School in 1972 until the day Mark died. In spite of the fact that I was 32 years older than Mark, he was my friend—more than any other person my sons knew well in all those 36 years of our lives.

When he was in California, Mark and I often played tennis—usually doubles— with Frank or, if he were alone, whomever we found at the park. He and Frank had to drive 60 miles to visit—from Santa Monica to Ventura. But when they came by to see me it was a day of parental reward—from a good son and a good friend.

Mark and I talked often on the phone. We had a good time at Frank's wedding in Hawaii just a few years back. As others have written here, he was good natured and good humored. He was a good friend. We both liked to eat a lot and talk a lot.

I spoke at length to Mark shortly before he died. We spoke of death— because of his cancer and my age.

We spoke of death as a friend—a friend to all who are born and know early on they will not be immortal in the flesh.

We are immortal—for a time—in the minds of people we knew and loved.

To all in these guest book pages, raise a glass:

"Here's to Mark. He brought cheer to all who knew him. He will be remembered long for his energetic happy ways.

Mark, Frank and I once ate through an awful lot of deli sandwich at Langers in LA. My tummy hurt. But everything else felt fine.

Others have written of his smile. He had a perfect smile. That is how I remember him. Smiling—and talking in a way that made our lives a story I found interesting.

I hope to remember his smile and story until we meet again.

November 11, 2008

"How are you? Everything else ok?" Mark would ask me this at the end of each of our conversations. A gentle soul, Mark somehow always had the time to talk and most importantly, listen. Being the best friend of my beloved husband, I've known Mark nearly as long as I've known my Frank. Simply put, he loved me because I loved his best friend. They were soul brothers through and through.

The last time I saw Mark was on a trip to Dallas last summer where I got to meet beautiful, sweet Cory. I've never seen Mark happier and it made me happy to see that he found someone as wonderful as Cory to be in his life. That became especially true most recently; with Cory by his side, I took solace in knowing whatever fate came Mark's way, it would be easier having Cory there to bear it with him. I spoke with Mark just a few weeks ago and even with the potentially devastating news, he was happy and I think Cory had a lot to do with that. Life may not have been perfect as of late, but he was content, happy, at peace.

Frank wrote of his morning ocean swim with Mark as his most memorable...mine too is wedding related, but a bit more pedestrian though not any less special. Just before the wedding, I was picking up my wedding dress and, like many harried brides to be, I suddenly realized I needed help...and Mark, without hesitation or reservation, valiantly and happily came to my aide. He not only helped me out, but he did it with such joy...because, as many of you know and already spoke of, he took real joy in being able to help others, being there for his friends -- whether it was just a kind word, a bit of advice, or helping the stressed out fiance of his best friend get to the "church" on time...and that is what I will remember and miss most about Jonesy, though he will always simply be Mark to me.

It's extraordinarily difficult to no longer have Mark's sweet presence in our lives...our world is lesser for it. But, the time we were blessed with will be cherished and drawn upon in the years to come.

I'm gonna miss you my friend...sweet journey.

Kristin Armfield-Gelles (Pacific Palisades, CA)

November 11, 2008

I first met Mark at Benjamin Franklin Junior High when we were both 13. Somehow, we managed to remain close these 37 years. On the day of my wedding, I went for an early morning swim in the ocean with my father, brothers, nephew, and Mark. We had asked Mark to be with us because he was my soul brother and much loved by my family. Through all the years and adventures that we shared, it is the memory of that morning, bathed in the light and the waters of the pacific, that I will most cherish. He is greatly missed. Bon Voyage Mi Fraterno.

Franklin Gelles (Pacific Palisades, CA)

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