REMEMBERING NELSON JONES

Nelson and Mimi Jones

Last May, Catalina Island lost a dear friend and passionate Conservancy advocate. Nelson Jones Sr. passed away May 19, 2019, at the age of 88. Nelson, along with his brothers, the late Thad and Graham “BZ” Jones, had a long history with both Catalina Island and Catalina Island Conservancy.

Renowned sailors Thad and BZ attended the Catalina Island School for Boys at Toyon Bay (which relocated to the mainland following America’s entry into World War II before closing). BZ was a founding member of the Conservancy’s Marineros, the first Conservancy support group which was formed by and for the boating community. Thad was one of the first people to map out and complete a Cross-Catalina hike on May 26, 1956, long before the Trans-Catalina Trail existed.

Nelson and his wife, Mimi, loved bringing their boat to the Island and coming to Conservancy events. “We loved Moonstone Cove and going ashore to do a little hiking,” said Mimi, of her time on Catalina with her late husband. “We knew other people who came over on their boats and it was always a fun outing.”

According to Nelson's son, Nelson Jones Jr., his father's fondness for the Island only increased with time. “He just loved going over to Catalina and never stopped talking about it,” Nelson Jones Jr. said. “All three of them [Nelson, Thad, and BZ] really thrived on that Island. It was a big part of their lives.”

In remembrance of the family’s longstanding legacy of volunteering and support, the Conservancy hosts a popular hiking event in the Jones’ honor. The annual BZ Jones hike crosses the Island from the windward to the leeward side via a variety of 9-12 mile routes. Every other year, the Thad Jones Hike takes place on the same weekend at the BZ event. Participants of the Thad Jones portion trek 30 miles from Emerald Bay to Avalon over two days, camping overnight at Little Harbor, one of the Conservancy’s most scenic campgrounds.

All three Jones brothers had a deep love for Catalina and were ardent supporters of the Island and the Conservancy. They instilled a love of the Island in their families, as well, with many family members from around the country traveling to the Island to take part in the yearly trek.

Brothers Thad, BZ and Nelson Jones

Nelson, Griff, Ned, BZ and Moke Jones