Graeme Jones

We are sad to announce the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Graeme Brodie Jones, “ G.B.”, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Graeme passed away peacefully, at home, on November 21, 2022, with loved ones around him. He was 94.

G.B. was born in London, England. He was preceded by his parents, Hilda Brodie Jones and Russell Gwilym Jones, and his sister and her husband, Daphne Jones Tempest, and Michael Andrew Tempest. At 16, Graeme moved to Ohio, where his family lived, to follow in his father’s footsteps at General Motors. After graduation from The University of Cincinnati, he changed direction and joined the USAF, as an officer, to pursue his love of flying. He married Margie Caryl Everett and is succeeded by children Russell Brodie Jones (Debbie Jo Jones, preceded), Bronwyn Elizabeth Lyman (Gary Lyman), Paul Clifford Jones, Melanie Jones Ellis (Kevin Ellis), and grandchildren, Philip Graeme Jones, Ann Elizabeth Walker, Neel Brodie Walker, Jessica Bebb Jones, Juliet Rose Jones, Alex Michael Jones, and Sarah Kathleen Jones and Great grandchildren, Gabi Jones, Skyla Rose Jones, and Aurora Rose Jones- Diliberto.

As G.B. ended his career with the 7th Air Commando Squadron, he also ended his marriage to Margie Caryl. He retired to his passions of electrical engineering and sailing as a member of the FWBYC. He stayed a bachelor, for years, while raising the last of his children, Melanie. During this time he helped start the Okaloosa Island Fire Department and the board that oversees it. He also met, and later married, Catherine (Cathy) Finch and over the next, almost 40 years, he gained, and is succeeded by, his stepchildren, Ann M. Young, Catherine (Kay) Ring, and Barbara S. Lowe, and grandchildren, Samuel D. Ring (Katie Ring), Melvin A. Young IV (Alexis Young), Matthew T. Young, and great-grandchild, Madelyn Ring.

In 94 years, he made and kept a great many friends, most of whom, he has succeeded. His friends and family loved him for his jovial nature and wit and his culinary and carpentry skills. He and his wife, Cathy, who passed in 2020, indirectly to covid, will be joining some of these lifelong friends at Barrancas National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life, for both, will be held at Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, on the evening of May 13, 2023. Any updates can be found at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com.