Ernie Jones Sr., Yavapai-Prescott tribal president, dies
Ernie Jones Sr., president of the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe and a Prescott-area community leader, has died.
Jones, whose age was not immediately available, died Monday after a battle with cancer, according to a Facebook post from Yavapai College in Prescott. An attorney who has represented the tribe also confirmed his death.
Jones, born and raised in Prescott, graduated from Prescott High School and went to Yavapai College, where he earned his associate, bachelor's and master's degrees.
He was elected to the Yavapai-Prescott tribal council in 1972 and served as council member and vice president before becoming president.
"He was an inspirational leader of the tribe," said David Bodney, a Phoenix attorney who has worked as counsel for the tribe. "He forged strong bonds in the tribe and in the greater community."
Jones and his wife, Janet, established the Yavapai College athletics scholarship fund and routinely gave back to the college's community.
In 2014, Jones was given the President's Outstanding Alumnus award by Yavapai College for his instrumental work in the community.
"Under Mr. Jones’s leadership, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe has been a great supporter of not only athletics, but also student clubs, the Family Enrichment Center, the Performing Arts Center and the Sculpture Garden,” said Steve Walker, former executive director of the Yavapai College Foundation, who presented Jones with the award.
"Our condolences to the loved ones of Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe President, Ernie Jones, who lost his hard-fought battle with cancer Monday," said Penny Wills, Yavapai College president. "YPIT lost a leader and the Yavapai College community lost a friend."
A public memorial will be held on the reservation this Saturday at 10 a.m., according to Bodney.
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