Marvin Jones was born on a small homestead in Hagarville, Ark. on Aug. 1, 1931. At the age of 13, he and his mom moved to McCleary, Wash., to be nearer to family. Marv served four years in the Navy, and subsequently worked most of his life in the woods, primarily for Weyerhaeuser, in forestry animal damage research. After the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, he was in the area two weeks after the blast documenting the recovery of the vegetation and wildlife.

In the early sixties he worked for local timber companies as a professional bear hunter. He used hounds that he trained especially for this purpose. He loved dogs, especially hounds and Golden Retrievers.

He was involved with the Future Farmers of America program (FFA), helping to establish their forestry program at Elma High School. He was also an avid hunter and trapper for most of his life. He developed a training video on trapping, skinning and preparing flat tail beaver pelts for market.

He was a passionate amateur wildlife photographer.

He passed away on March 21, 2017, after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zana Crosswaite and Richard Jones, his siblings Olen Jones and Sally Goldsmith, and his great-grandson Chayson Jones. He is survived by his wife, Di Anne, six children Greg (Barb) Jones, Bruce Jones, Angela (Stan) Watkins, Ronald (Bobbye) Jones, Carol (Shawn) Green, and Diana Jones, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service with military honors at the Masonic Cemetery in Elma at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Following will be an informal gathering at the United Methodist Church, 502 Young Street in Elma.

To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano is honored to assist the family.